I am somewhat new to rod building (only a few rods under my belt so far). That being said, I'm still learning guide placement. I'm currently working on a 4'6 ultra-lite rod and I'm going to install Microwave guides to keep it as light as possible, but I can't find any resources that help me with placement of my butt, stripper and choker guide on a rod this short. 

Anyone that has any experience with this type of application and that can point me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated!

I look forward to everyone's responses!

The spacing of the first guides on any Microwave setup is based on Amtak testing of the guide and reel geometies and does not depend on action, power , or length of the rod.  Just do it according to the instructions that come with the guide set, then space the remaining (few) guides per your own stress test.  Since Microwaves come as a set, you'll have most of the running guides left over after the build.  

There's a system that was developed by Bob McKamey and his son Hunter that should work well for you that is considerably lighter and a bunch cheaper if your interested. Bob owned Custom Tackle before moving to Mudhole and his son is an angler on a championship college team. If you haven't already bought your supplies, I'd be happy to pass on the info.

I am assuming this is a spinning rod ,if so the instructions are: from the lip of the extended spool to the stripper 19 1/2", Transition 30 1/2", 1st running guide (choker)  39 7/8.  This set of three may be moved 2"  in either direction safely if needed. The measurements are inclusive of several different reel sizes. the runners are placed in the static test, it doesn't matter if you only need 1.

On 12/5/2016 at 4:05 PM, spoonplugger1 said:

There's a system that was developed by Bob McKamey and his son Hunter that should work well for you that is considerably lighter and a bunch cheaper if your interested. Bob owned Custom Tackle before moving to Mudhole and his son is an angler on a championship college team. If you haven't already bought your supplies, I'd be happy to pass on the info.

I have bought my supplies, but I'm always reordering from Mudhole, do it wouldn't be any trouble if I needed to order anything extra....Shoot

On 12/7/2016 at 6:11 PM, Lymanx said:

I am assuming this is a spinning rod ,if so the instructions are: from the lip of the extended spool to the stripper 19 1/2", Transition 30 1/2", 1st running guide (choker)  39 7/8.  This set of three may be moved 2"  in either direction safely if needed. The measurements are inclusive of several different reel sizes. the runners are placed in the static test, it doesn't matter if you only need 1.

What about the butt guide? Is that what you are referring to as the "stripper guide"?

On 12/5/2016 at 6:28 AM, MickD said:

The spacing of the first guides on any Microwave setup is based on Amtak testing of the guide and reel geometies and does not depend on action, power , or length of the rod.  Just do it according to the instructions that come with the guide set, then space the remaining (few) guides per your own stress test.  Since Microwaves come as a set, you'll have most of the running guides left over after the build.  

My guide set actually came in a small zip-loc bag with no instructions

3 hours ago, PigStix said:

 

My guide set actually came in a small zip-loc bag with no instructions

That is odd.  Every set of Microwaves or Airwaves I've used or sold had an instruction sheet and MW decal.

On 12/12/2016 at 0:33 AM, PigStix said:

I have bought my supplies, but I'm always reordering from Mudhole, do it wouldn't be any trouble if I needed to order anything extra....Shoot

What about the butt guide? Is that what you are referring to as the "stripper guide"?

My guide set actually came in a small zip-loc bag with no instructions

Real Microwaves?  Or is there a Chinese counterfeit.  I believe the instructions are available on line, give it a try.

 

On 12/12/2016 at 0:33 AM, PigStix said:

I have bought my supplies, but I'm always reordering from Mudhole, do it wouldn't be any trouble if I needed to order anything extra....Shoot

What about the butt guide? Is that what you are referring to as the "stripper guide"?

My guide set actually came in a small zip-loc bag with no instructions

http://www.americantackle.us/spacing.html

Ok if you want to do it by yourself tape them to the rod and adjust them until even bend or call mudhole and ask for Todd, Adam, or Bob and they will get you a spacing

With your ultra lite 4'6" or 54" long rod you will need to tell the rod building folks what spinning reel you plan to use and where it will be seated so the 1st stripper guide can be located correctly, the rest of the guide train then can be placed.

most ultra lite spinning rods use a Tennessee handle or a sliding ring set reel seat on cork. If the handle is 8" long and using a spinning smaller than 1000, the 1st stripper guide will be closer (20"-22") than the suggest data posted for you becuase the rod length is reduced to the reel seat to about 46" Stripper and second guide + rod tip = 3, you only have room for maybe 5 total guides.

Tom

Microwaves are bit over kill for any ultra lite rod in my book, Until they come out with an ultra-lite set,  I would use Pac-Bay Minima guides, That would give you alot lighter guide train and better rod then the Microwave set-up. And yes a lot of vendors remove them from the package and bag them, So they can fit them in the rod tubes they ship your blacks in. Jay

PigStix, I'm sorry I missed your reply, the butt and stripper guide are one and the same. Better late than never.