Hello

I am building a medium action bait casting rod a Fufi pistol grip. The distance from the tip to the center of the reel seat is 70 inches. The butt guide will be 20.5 inches from the center of the reel seat. The guides are minima BT3X'S
I think 7 guides will work any feedback will be appreciated.

Thanks

John

All the guides are going to be 3 mm guides on top?

I was planning to use #6 for the last 3 guides because it is a medium action.

John

I think you will need at least 8 to 9 guides for your rod. Let the static test determine the number of guides needed. I think when you do the static testing you will realize that 7 guides are to few.
Norm

Mine is 6' overall, but it is spiral wrapped and it has a total of 9 guides on it

Ron Weber

I'm thinking Norman and Ron are in the right neighborhood. I'd certainly buy at least 9 and most likely 10 just to be safe. Having extra guides around is always a good idea in my book.

Just thinking out loud here though.

I use a 5'6" over all length pistol grip rod for throwing spinnerbaits shorter distances, say 30' casts. I'm wondering what kind of wrist strain that long of rod with a pistol grip will cause? I tried a 6' pistol grip rod for a day of throwing spinnerbaits. Predominantly 3/8 oz with a 1/4 and 1/2 oz mixed in.

I have no idea how far it was from the tip to center of the reel seat, but it had to be less than 70". My wrist and forearm was killing me at the end of the day.

John,
Based on the given effective rod length , 7 guides should be fine.
Distance from tip for guide placement 4.0 ; 8.7 ; 14.3 ; 20.9 ; 28.9 ; 38.3 ; 49.5 should be satisfactory.

Gene

The height of the guides plays a major role here. Higher guides allow you to use less, but may result in a greater tendency of the rod to twist under load. Lower guides will require more of them, but somewhat reduce the tendency of the rod to twist under load. Weightwise, the difference between fewer, higher frame guides and more, lower frame guides, is most likely a wash. The general trend lately, due mainly to the increase of lighter guides, is to use lower frame guides in greater number. Remember that the proper size is always the smallest size that will easily pass your line and any connections, and hold up to the required task.

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A little late for my response because I took all the suggestions and revised my plan.
I will shorten the rod slightly.
8 guides will be used.
The client is good with a shorter rod and 8 guides but insists on the pistol grip.
Thanks for all your advise.

I love the two rods I have with pistol grips. They make roll casting so easy and accurate. The shorter length allows me to keep the tip down which gives me a nice low trajectory. Great for shooting baits under overhanging limbs and under higher docks.

If I was any good at skipping with a bait caster (just can't bring myself to practice it enough) my guess is the pistol grip would make it a lot easier. I know it's more comfortable than trying with the straight gripped rods I have. Of course the straight grips are a couple inches longer than the pistol grip.

Love a pistol grip for the right circumstances though.