The Glass Master wrote:
Hello
Spent a good amount of time earlier today writing a response to your question.
Decided rather than take on the so called "Tom Morgan Theories" I only say so called because Tom wasn't the first or the last to profess the attributes of keeping the line as close to the blank as possible.
I'd just sum up what works best for me.
In my experiences working out guide placements, sizing,etc,being a Custom Rod Maker letting each individual blanks flex characteristics dictate the guide set has always worked out best.
That involves allot of what some consider extra work,taping guides on doing static defection samples,working with the blanks spine to find the sweet spot where everything comes together,sample casting the rod sometimes several times with different guides,sizes, locations and so on.
It's allot of work no doubt but it's worth the time in my humble opinion.
In truth I find that I seldom go below a #1 snake guide unless of course I'm working with a 3 weight blank or lower or in the ever so less frequent case of a Vintage rod that will be fished with a Silk line.
That's an entirely different animal !
I'd love to be enlightened, I'm very curious to hear more of the details about your in depth study and how you were able to come to such a popular conclusion.
Were you considering for example rods that handled multiable line weights ?
Foul Weather Icing ?
Just to name these 2 of the most overlooked situations fisherman contend with.
We referring to Rod Makers that is ,face the more than 1 line weight and the changes the different lines have on the flex characteristics, along with the slight differences in the lines diameter etc. especially with Fiberglass and Bamboo.
For example you may have a rod that handles a 4 & 5 weight line,with the 4 the guide set and the performance of the rod looks great 1/0, 1/0 ,1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 3, #9
However with the 5 weight the sizing spells disaster and is best looking something like this 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 4 #10
So a trade off needs to be made.
Sometimes on rods that handle more than 2 line weights, I'll make a second tip just to be sure the rod can perform to it's fullest potential,with the best guide sizing and spacing for the lower line Weights and upper line Weights,A Tip For Each.
Sounds like your playing around to get the answer's your looking for .
We can talk guides until the cows come home,I've had rods come in with paper clips taped on them for guides that caught fish.I know what works best for me and so do the people that fish the rods I put up.
Small NO, Sized Appropriately To The Blank Keeping In Mind The Fishermans Experiences A Stream YES First And Foremost.
Tight Lines And Size Matters So Does Placement Loops
Andy M
Andy, you've said a mouthful, and in general I quite agree. People tend to like pre-canned, empirical solutions when thoughtful experimentation can yield better results. That said, for those new to the rod building game, they won't go far wrong using the charts until they get a feel for the craft.
The fact that different folks have somewhat different charts would indicate that guide sizing is as much a matter of opinion as fact. I use the charts mostly for setting up the initial spacing before the bend and cast tests, letting the tests determine the final setup.
BB
Posted: 03 Jun 2017, 15:00 • 
@ carlz
