I have my guide layout setup for a PacBay TII 600, and I'm wondering if I should try to fit in another running guide. The reason is that the rod is quite whippy, and I have read that more running guides can help control the line and make for a smoother/controlled cast (just a basic statement).

As of now, my layout consists of size 3 minimas for running guides, and size 12 and 6 high frame minimas for choker guides. This is a spinning rod, and the guides are setup with the NGC layout. From blank tip working down my guide placement is:
4, 8.25, 12.5, 21.75, 35 in inches.

There is no set reel for the rod, so I based it off of 500/1000 size reels I have. If it is looking like a good idea to place another running guide, how should I do my spacing? I can also change my choker guide sizes, I have others on hand.

I am also going to put new guides on a "Hi-Tech" Micro Master Super Ultralight MM-54. This rod has a very slow action, even slower than the PacBay TII. If anyone has info on this rod or an idea on guide placement it would be greatly appreciated. I will be doing the same guide concept as the PacBay for it, with same running guides and whatever choker guide size fits the setup.

Thanks everyone! Looking forward to any input!

More guides aren't likely to help on your cast - in fact, adding more will tend to make the rod even "whippier." The more weight you hang on there the more the rod will flex upon casting and the longer it will take to stop oscillating. One additional lightweight guide won't likely matter much, but it will matter and it won't be to "control" the line. If anything it may reduce your casting distance, although again, we're talking a minor amount.

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Miles,
An easy way to check if you have enough guides is to string a line through the taped on guides and do a full flex of the blank. Carefully examine the flow of the line and its proximity to the blank.

When the blank is fully flexed, you still want the line to follow the contour of the loaded blank. So, if at some spot on the blank - particularly near the tip, you see a significant separation of the line from the blank, the guide set could likely use an additional runner.

For many of the light and ultra light rods that I build, I find that the first three guides are on about 3 inch spacing.

If the blank is a medium weight rod, the separation will likely increase to 4 inches and if a heavy action rod, could increase to 5 or 6 inches.

You only need a guide to maintain line shape and to insure that the line follows the contour of the loaded blank.

Be safe

I have 3 runners right now spaced about 4" from each other, 12ish" total. If I do 4 runners at 3" it will still be 12ish" total, so that checks out so far.

Tom, I knew someone was going to mention the weight, but not the added whippy factor. So that's a good point.

From what I'm getting I'm good with 3 runners. I will double check my static placement and that should give me a definitive answer!

At 4 inches apart you should be fine. I'd go with it.

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Double check static placement and ended up moving the runners and 2nd choker guides up a little under an inch each. So it's good to go!