Finally started my first rod build! I've had the blank sitting in my room for 3 months and all the other stuff for about 5 and I've finally got the time to start. I'm building a light duty flipping stick on a Batson RX7 IFS904. It will be spiral wrapped with a 12" fiberglass tube handle.

Looks pretty good. IMO you may want to move the first guide closer to 0*. I think you'll have a line stacking issue as it is. Whenever you do a spiral wrap pull out a good amount of line and retrieve it with some weight resistance to check the line lay. 

So put it at like 20 degrees or so DVT? Also when I pull out some line and retrieve it in what do I need to look for?

So put it at like 20 degrees or so DVT? Also when I pull out some line and retrieve it in what do I need to look for?

No, put it at 0°.....On top of the rod. On some really heavy builds, to eliminate line stacking, I've actually put the first guide somewhat on the negative side. I'll line up the edge of the first guide with the center of the reel, opposite the direction I'm transitioning.

please explain what 'line stacking' is as i am considering a spiral wrap on my current build.

please explain what 'line stacking' is as i am considering a spiral wrap on my current build.

If I understand correctly it's the line stacking to one side of the reel when you reel in. But don't hold me to that.

If I understand correctly it's the line stacking to one side of the reel when you reel in. But don't hold me to that.

 

 

That is correct.  Typically only happens when heavy loads are retrieved.

 

On this musky build, you can see what I posted about up in my first post.  This rod is used to cast and retrieve lures in excess of 16oz.  If the stripper guide was placed at 0, the line would stack up on the right side of the reel.  By offsetting it left, the right side of the guide ring is at the centerline of the rod, allowing for even line distribution to the reel.

 

 

 

On my bass builds, I don't even transition around with guides.  The stripper is at 0 and the next guide is at 180.  The line touches the blank, but I haven't noticed any ill effects.

So since this is a bass build I could set the first one to 0° and then continue with my 30°, 90°, and 180° on my guide train? Since the heaviest I'll use this for is maybe 1.5 Oz but even that is doubtful.

Love the boat by the way!!!!

Yea, maybe 0°,45°,90°,135°,180. That would give a smooth transition.

My Edge rods start about 15* and my Megabass starts at 0. Both work fine but Im still not a fan of a spiral wrap.

Okay so I just switched them around. I went with 0°, 60°, 120°, and 180°. Im waiting for some of the vinyl tubing and I'll ditch the tape and put some of the rubeer bands on and check for line stacking. Then I will get to wrapping. So far it seems to be a really nice blank. Seems to be pretty sensitive and it balances well about 2 inches in front of the reel seat. We'll see how it does after its wrapped and finished.

My Edge rods start about 15* and my Megabass starts at 0. Both work fine but Im still not a fan of a spiral wrap.

Why is that if you don't mind me asking?

I don't see any gains in a spiral wrap and I personaly think they are asteticly unpleasing.

I do love the carbon fiber grip and think it ads in sensitivity.

Ah I see. Thank you! I'm glad I went with the fiberglass grip. I think it looks very nice.

I don't see any gains in a spiral wrap and I personaly think they are asteticly unpleasing.

I do love the carbon fiber grip and think it ads in sensitivity.

There are so many advantages to spiral wrapping a rod. You would have to go out and fish with it to see. One of the main turn offs of spiral wrapping isn't performance, but rather the aesthetics of the rod. Most can't get over what it looks like.. lol 

There are so many advantages to spiral wrapping a rod. You would have to go out and fish with it to see. One of the main turn offs of spiral wrapping isn't performance, but rather the aesthetics of the rod. Most can't get over what it looks like.. lol

I think he owns 2 spiral wrapped rods Batson but just doesn't like them.

I think he owns 2 spiral wrapped rods Batson but just doesn't like them.

Hm.... That is interesting.. I guess everyone has their own opinion lol!! 

I'm interested to see how I will like my rod spiral wrapped. I can clearly see the benefits in it because you aren't fighting the rod and I also find it aesthetically pleasing.

I'm interested to see how I will like my rod spiral wrapped. I can clearly see the benefits in it because you aren't fighting the rod and I also find it aesthetically pleasing.

I'm sure you'll love it it's a great looking build!