Hello everyone,

I've never really introduced myself here, but let me do that now. My name is Gib, and I live in north Texas.

I have a 14 year old son who has gotten into building rods. So far, he has put together 4 rods. We have bought kits from mudhole on 3 of the rods, and the last one he chose the components separately to add his own flair to the build.

As the father who funds this adventure right now (although he has had a couple buddies and family members inquire about him building a rod for themselves and that would certainly help reduce the financial burden on me a bit), I have read a lot about the "industry" in order to help feed him good information that I have read here or from talking to the mudhole folks and to try to make "smart" buying decisions. :) I figure if I know about it then I can help oversee everything he is doing as well as limit the time he spends looking for information so his schoolwork doesn't get totally ignored.

So.... as I understand things, there are essentially 3 types of guide layouts one may choose to build: Traditional, New Guide Concept, or Micro / KR Concept (I am omitting Microwave guides since those are purchased as a set and not individually decided on). Additionally, I get that a NGC and KR Concept build are superior to a traditional layout.

What I'd like to understand is the difference between the two (NGC and KR Concept)? Why choose one over the other? Is it just purely personal preference, or is there a reason to use one over the other? I said that we live in North Texas because that should give you an idea that we primarily fish for Bass (sometimes big bass on Lake Fork). So, at least for now, when I am reading about rod building or talk to my son about it, it is done mainly with the perspective of a bass fisherman that uses both casting and spinning rods. So, taking personal taste out of the equation, is there a performance difference between the two layouts, and if so, what is it?

Thanks.

Both the NGC and KR concepts work very well and it hard to go wrong with either one. However, there are ceratainly some personal preferences involved from builder to builder. Basically they are both based upon the use of high framed stripper and reduction guides coupled with the use of low profile guides as runners. Both take into account the reel size and both use the concept of a choke guide. The major differences between these two concepts is that the KR concept:
1. Uses high frame smaller ring stripper/reduction guides
2. Moves the choke point closer to the reel (rapid choking) which reducies the number of reduction guides needed.
3. Uses smaller running guides (micro vs traditional).
The overall effect is that the KR concept gives you a lighter guide train and makes the rod feel more responsive. The KR concept really shines when using braided line or light mono. The NGC also works well with braid, but I think it does a little better with heavier mono than the KR concept due to the larger diameter guides used in the NGC. So in my opinion it boils down to whether you use braid or mono/fluoro. I personally prefer the KR concept, but that is my preference.
I am very happy to hear that your son has taken an interest in rod building and you are willing to support him. That's great!
Norm

X2 what Norman said. X10 that your son is interested in a constructive hobby (business?) and Dad is supportive. Allow me to add to Norman’s reply that the newer KR Concept is deeply based on the original NGC, but with even smaller (micro) guides. My old eyes and fingers have difficulty the micro guides which should be of little concern to Jr.

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

Agree with above. Pay attention to Norman's third point. I will also add that the KL-H guides are pretty high, and if you plan on using rod tubes, be sure your build will fit into them. I always use the locking loops on the reduction guides, thinking they will anchor the tall guides better. Never had a problem.

I'm not an expert like some other people here but I'll try my best.
Fuji's KR concept uses small-ring, tall-frame guides to control the line early in the reduction train and keep the line flow as straight as possible. The smaller ring helps taming the line, and the tall frame keeps the line from touching the rod blank during casts. These KR guide frames are very slim-profiled compared to conventional guides so they help with weight reduction, higher sensitivity, etc. Also KR-concept guide system can be either micro or conventional depending on the size of your choice of running guides - KR concept does not equal to micro guide. With that being said, KR concept guide trains are usually for lighter setup using braided line under 30lb or monofilament under 14lb. The NGC system is a more popular choice for heavier setups with thicker line.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/10/2016 10:26AM by Frank Gyan.

Thanks for all the input. I appreciate it.

Best,
Gib