I have three rods under my belt, one microwave, one using 27X and one using GPS. I own and have read both Mr. K’s and Mr. C’s book several times before building and use them as a reference guide/reminder to make sure my memory is correct. Any monkey from NASA can accomplish this in my opinion and would like to take the next step to learning how to build a better rod. As a bank/surf fisherman casting is most important to me so I have spent most of my energy, time and testing on static testing. I would like to move on to further fine tuning the reduction guides after I find my happy place with them either by moving the choker or stripper ¼” to ½” first and realign the rest from there.

Finally my questions.

1) Do I need to put all the running guides on between the choke and tip to properly test?

2) If yes do I need to static test the runners each time I move the choker or is that getting a little OCD?


I build for myself and my ego only, time is not a factor in building the rod but don’t want to be silly wasting it either.

Mike,



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/29/2014 06:53AM by roger wilson.

Moving any guide by just 1/4 to even 1/2 inch isn't likely to make much practical difference. Beyond that, the running guides needn't be moved each time you move the choker unless you move it couple or three inches. They play very little role in casting line control. So if it speeds up your testing not to have to move them each time, I wouldn't worry about it.

.................

As a first "fine tune" test, I would suggest moving the choke guide while all other guides stay in the same place. If you notice an improvement, make slight changes as needed in the next runner and so on. Assuming the stripper seems to handling the line well by observation.

Thank you both guys, your answers tell me more than asked and is a good shot in the pants I am heading in the right direction.