Would you go to 7's or 6's on a light spin rod?

[Adam_G]

Hi All,

I've been slack in the rod building front of late but that's what a new baby does to you .

But back to business, I'm using a CTS 1-4kg blank for a spin rod and am debating whether to use BLAG 6's or BLAG 7's near the tip.

Any suggestions??

Regards,
Adam

[finga]

What's your tip size Adam??
Or is that going to be decided by the guide size?

Personally I'd be using 7's only because I'm blind as a badger and cannot see to thread the line through the guides.
Some will also say 6's are a bit small for knots to go through easily.

On my own rods the smallest I use is 8.

[RFARREN]

depends on the guide type but i would go 7
i don't think i have ever used a 6 on any rod
i usually use 8's as well
cheers
Ron

[Adam_G]

Thanks Scott & Ron,

I was leaning towards 7's, think I'm now convinced. Was a little worried about the knot thing, this will be the lightest rod I have done so wasn' t to sure.

You got it Scott, tip to be same as last few guides.

Adam

[finga]

I've been a bit like you too Adam...a bit preoccupied for building rods.
I just bound my first rod for ages on Monday.
I'll be doing my first wrap for about 2 years or longer tomorrow.
I have to psych myself up for that today and get everything done so there are no interruptions tomorrow.

How's the bub going??

[Adam_G]

Scott, the Baby is going fine, you should be asking how we are going!!!! Don't know how many times we have looked at each other and said "what do we do now?", I'm sure most new parents are the same.

Just can't wait to get him fishing though.

Adam

[Owen]

Depends on the line and knots you use.
On 2lb-4lb line a #6 should be no issue at all.
Add a 10-12lb leader and your knots might hang up a bit.

Micro guides are all the rage now.
I've never done a rod using them, but there seems to be evidence that the casting distance is actually increased using them (provided your knots don't hang)

[splashy]

I am just doing a rebuild on the CTS 2-6lb rod, and somehow managed to order two #6 guides for the tip - usually I have #7s. They do look tiny. But I have taped them on and have literally just done some test casting with 6lb braid and leader and 8lb braid with 10lb leader and it doesn't appear to have any problems for issues - just looks really small......

[Micadogs]

Hi Adam, I built the elite spin pro (10kg model)with the fuji concept guides. last guide and tip size is 6. I use 20lb fins barid and use a bimini knot and loop it to connect to shock leader (sometimes 35lb - 40lb for offshore). I have never had any issues with the knot catching. casts like a bullet and gets great distance. I wouldn't be opposed to using a size 6.

[Adam_G]

micadaogs, I've built that same blank you used before also and from memory I stuck with #8 for the last few guides and the tip, that is interesting you don't have problems with the leader I'll keep it in mind.

I ended up getting 2 blanks so I will do one with #6 and the other #7 and compare the two.

Don't hold your breath for the result, I'm thinking about having another go at a weave on one so it could be a while.

Adam

[Micadogs]

Hi Adam, you are welcome to come and have a look at the rod and test the guides if you wish. I know that we use the same supplier for our blanks so assuming we live in similar area. I'm at Alderley on the Northside.

I have built a 15-24Kg CTS blank overhead using 8's. 12Kg CTS spin using 6's (micro guides), 12kg Northfork Composites spin using 7's double footed. 12 kg United Composites, overhead using 6's. Have a whole range of rods with different sized guides if you wanted to see what they look like.

[Adam_G]

Micadogs,

Thanks for the offer will take you up on it. Will send PM.

Adam