I'm new to rod building and want to build a few surf rods. I'm fairly certain I want to use Fuji KW & KL & KTs. I was wondering if you folks buys the guides as you need them for a specific rod or buy a bunch to have on hand for future builds. I will only be building rods for myself so I don't want to amass a huge supply / inventory of guides.

Does it make sense to buy extra guides now so I have them on hand for future builds. I started putting an order together for all of the components and was shocked when I saw the total, almost a grand. I was wondering if I called to place an order would I be abnle to get a discount? What has your experience been in getting discounts from suppliers. I saw one supplier with a 10% discount for new customers.

Also was wondering if other suppliers would offer other discount codes if I reached out to them.

I should also say that I'm not in a rush to build the rods so I could wait for a sale I assume they have holiday sales and deals between now and the wimter.


Thanks in advance for your help & guidance.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/11/2016 02:55PM by Bill Theobald.

I would perhaps buy only what I needed for my first few rods and once I got a feel for the type rods I was going to be working with would then consider stocking a bit deeper on guides that you seem to be using frequently.

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

A lot of the sponsors to the left will "kit" you out a rod with everything you need for the build, you save a bit usually, you know all the components are right and will fit for the build, and you save a bit on shipping and handling if everything comes from the same place.

If you are new to building, try looking at a set of American Tackle MicroWave 50's or MicroWave 30's for your surf rod build. Follow the layout directions given with the set, and things are made easy. Good Luck with your build.

Bill, If you want to save some money, unhide your email.

Dennis J. Danku
(Sayreville,NJ)

Dennis Danku Wrote:
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> Bill, If you want to save some money, unhide your
> email.

Dennis & everyone,

Thanks for the tips.

Bill

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/20/2016 03:59PM by John E Powell.

Bill,
Also being new to rod building, there may be those who may believe I am not as qualified as the veterans to respond. I cannot afford a grand to stock up and besides, I am a self admitted cheap bast!@*. I certainly agree with Tom. Additionally, because you are new, building up an inventory with the guides you like today and think you will also use later may restrict future guide choice decisions. I agree with you and am partial to Fuji in general, KW’s in particular, but I sure am curious about those MicroWaves.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/20/2016 03:59PM by John E Powell.

Thanks for all of the guidance, truly appreciate it. I have built one rod before but in the grand scheme of things I'm a complete noobie. I have been visiting this forum (and others) absorbing information like a sponge. Admittedly, I do suffer from OCD like a few of you guys. I have read Tom's Book as well as Dale Clemmons.

I was only going to buy a few extras so I would have maybe 1 or 2 extra of the larger size reduction guides and a few extra of the running size guides, (10 & 8). I usually use 30 # braid and 40# leader of 36" so it doesn't need to pass through the tip top and or guides.

in terms of materials I was thinking of getting the above guides (KW & KL, KT) in Gunsmoke with a SIC insert. For the tip tops I was going to try and get titanium tips as I think they get the most abuse, at least in my case. Do you guys think that is that over kill. Presently most of my surf rods are factory builds.

I'm not looking for any crazy discounts, just don't want to pay bust out retail. At this point I'm willing to wait for the potential of a holiday sale or other special offerings in the next few months. I know I can at least get a 10% discount simply by having a family member wife create a new account at MudHole as a new customer and get the 10% discount. It is after all their landing page when you go to their website. Just wanted to see if there were other ways of avoiding retail.

By the way only about 50% of the total was guides the balance was misc items, reel seats, shrink wrap, arbors and even some thread.

Thanks again for all of your suggestions.

Bill,
For about 80% of all fishing, the use of a stainless guide and tip will hold up just fine with no grooving or other problems.

For the other 20%, the use of an alconite or other midlevel guide will hold up just fine with no issues.

I do agree with the other posts that it is not necessarily a good idea to have a huge number of guides on hand, when you only think you may ever build a couple of rods.

Even if you decide to build more rods, it is quick and easy to order guides and other hardware as needed. Over the years, there have been huge changes happen in the hardware used on fishing rods. You don't want to be one of those folks with $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ tied up in hardware that will never find a home on a fishing rod and will end up going to the great landfill without ever serving any useful purpose except to remove money from your bank account.

But, if you are building a rod or two or three and know the guides that you want to use, but aren't sure of sizes or quantities, it is better to order a "few" extra - just so that you have enough to successfully complete your current builds.

Good luck