any recommendations for concept guides [pro or con]8/9' spin rod for
3/4-1 1/2oz.lures ? I build primarily e/s glass, some graphite .ready to
experiment.

Don't know about the concept guides but I'd sure use the concept system for that rod. I can't say what the spacing or size would be without your reel size and where it will be located, since that would determine the choke guide intersect point thing, but I think I'd look at something like 30 - 20 - 16 - 10 - 8 - 8 - 8 - 8 - 8 and 8 top. Get the type frame style you need for whatever height is required to get the right line path.

E mail tom from this site

I'm a newbie, so please take this with that in consideration, but I notice that every new concept layout I've seen skips the 20 guide.

30, 16, 10, hi-frame (BYLG), and then one 8 intermediate (BLVLG) frame, then 8 low frames (BLLT) for the rest of the rod. The spacing is what changes for different blanks.

Like I said, I'm very new at this, but this is what I have observed and has worked well for me.

TH

The guides to use are decided by the line path that takes the line in a straight path from the spool centerline to that point where it naturally interesects with the blank. This is why it is so important to figure out your own guide selection and spacing - no one else can do it for you, without having access to your rod, your reel, your handle, etc. At least not if you want the true New Guide Concept System and want it to work optimumly.

I routinely mix and match guide types to get the correct line path. Sometimes I use some of the actual "concept" type guides, but nearly always mixed in with other types.

Without simply trying to sell you something I again recommend the July/August 2000 issue of RodMaker. The article within on the New Guide Concept System is easy to read and understand but also goes into great detail on how to set up this system correctly and quickly, for your particular rod and reel.

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

Capt.
The sizes mentioned are good for starters. And you don't need a particular brand name of guides to do the concept System.
Just remember the idea of using the smallest ring size in the guides as possible. The lighter the better. Reduction immediately in size from the butt guide is the 'concept' and then following through with maybe a fewer more guide or guides, but much smaller especially the last 4 or so near the tip. You'll probably want 8's out to the tip on your longer, more power rod (is it medium heavy?).

You might want to check into a reasonable priced models of guides from Forecast such as the BVSLG series for single foot and then for the lower ones near the tip (low to the blank, less weight) might even consider the single foot matching fly guides if your rod power and action deem approptiate for this ues.

We carry these Forecast guides through our new catalog should you be interested in knowing more about them, just ask or email me.
Good luck with your rodbuilding, and also check some material in back issues of RodMaker which has excellent explationons about the setup of your rod for the concept system.

Rich
Richard's Rod & Reel Service