what is the best and lightest guides to buy for a casting rod?
what is the best and lightest guides to buy for a casting rod?
My guide of choice right now is a #4 Alconite BLAG4, they seem to have the best combination of light weight, relatively large opening, and reasonable cost. If I am building with all guides on top I would use a single BLNAG6 double foot first guide, then the #4 guides the rest of the way. The matching BMCAT tips are now available with a tube size up to 6.
are u sayin to start a number 6 then number four all the way to the tip? My first build was a spinning rod and this will be my first casting rod.
you can use all #4s. if you like to hold the line, use a double foot 6 or 7 as the 1st guide and then go straight to 4s from there - does nothing other than keeps the line a little higher up off the blank so its easier to hold with your fingers. i usually run a #6 double foot, #6 single, #5 single and then 4s - for no reason other than it looks better when starting with a double foot. Plus i usually do a spiral wrap and i use the same setup for that so it keeps everything the same.
i was thinkin about buying a guide kit but the guides all seem too big they start with like a #12 then step down to the smallest #6. Wouldn't that be to big?
That's way too big for my taste but its custom so you can do anything you want. I always go with a #6 double, #5 single, #4 singles or #3 singles out to the tip.
1999 Champion 203
2000 Yamaha OX66 225
for me, the size would also depend on the length of the rod. I wouldn't be building any 8-10' rods like salmon/steelhead sticks starting with a size 6 or 8, that's where a 12 would be more suitable for a stripper. At the same time, you can start anywhere you want as long as you can still load the rod properly with the guide sizes you've chosen.
For lighter, longer lasting guides, you might want to try some of the titanium framed guides like the AmTak titans or even the Fuji titanium SiC's, but they might be a little too pricey for your first attempt at making a casting rod.
I believe the best guides are fuji's titanium frame SIC guides. Those are the lightest guides available. These are better than both pacific bay and american tackle. But if you're on a budget go with fuji alconite guides.
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