Hey guys,

I'm looking to build a graphite crankbait rod with micro guides, but I've never used micro guides before and I don't know how many to use or how to space them. I'd really appreciate if anyone can help me out with this.

Here are the specs of the blank I'll be using:

Rainshadow RX7 CB66M Graphite Crankbait rod blank

Length: 6'6"

Action: M

Power: M

Line Wgt: 8-14

Lure Wgt: 1/4 - 5/8

Butt: 0.390

Tip: 5.0

The guides I'm planning on using are size 4 Forecast BMKL Mini Guides.

Thanks in advance!

Ben

Mud Hole sells tubing you can cut in small lengths (1/4''). Slide it over the blank to the places you think you want your guides (I'd guess 11 total) then slide the guides under the tubing. Add a reel & thread the line down the guide and flex the rod. Then adjust the guides to keep the line off the blank.

If you don't understand this search static test

Static testing is THE way to place guides. Charts will get you close, but by not static testing you miss out on a advantage of a custom build. There is nothing wrong with the line touching the blank in a deep bend as long as the line doesn't dip below the blank. Keeping the line totally off the blank with micros partially defeats the purpose because too many extras are needed. 1 per foot of rod length plus 2 plus the tip should be about right. I alway have a few extras just in case. Like everything else there is a right and wrong way to conduct a static test. 

If you want to really maximize the whole setup you can spiral wrap the micros and use even fewer.

If you want to really maximize the whole setup you can spiral wrap the micros and use even fewer.

I never understood why you WOULDN'T spiral wrap micros. Seems like it defeats the purpose.

Micros are light enough that you're still ahead of the game in an all on top design but, yes, spiral wrapping is the way to go 90% of the time.

Thanks! I've got some 1/4" clear vinyl tubing that should work, so I'll give that a try.

I think I may end up sticking with standard guides for this build. I've only built two rods prior to this, and I think I'd like a bit more experience before I tangle with micro guides.

I would suggest going with at least 8 micros for a 6'6" plus your tip top. But, like said above a static test is the only way to go for sure. Don't let the micro's scare you. They are only small guides if you can do a build with regular guides you can do it with micros. When doing the static test lay it out first with standard guide placement then do a spiral. See which you like better. You can use 1/4" masking tape to do a static test also. The other bit of advice I would give would to use a Forhan Locking wrap if using micros, I also use this for 6's when building.

I cannot give any information on the guides but I do have a rod using that blank.

What size baits do you plan on throwing with it? That blank handles 1/4oz baits very well but anything above 3/8oz it sucks (IMO). It has become my shad rap and Bandit rod which sees very little use.

Allen

I cannot give any information on the guides but I do have a rod using that blank. What size baits do you plan on throwing with it? That blank handles 1/4oz baits very well but anything above 3/8oz it sucks (IMO). It has become my shad rap and Bandit rod which sees very little use. Allen

The largest cranks I intend to throw with this rod are about 3/8 ounce, so that shouldn't be an issue. I'm also planning on using this rod to double as a worm rod, so a lot of the time it will be used with baits closer to 1/4 ounce.

Aside from not being able to handle baits larger than 3/8 ounce, what's your opinion of that blank in general?

I would suggest going with at least 8 micros for a 6'6" plus your tip top. But, like said above a static test is the only way to go for sure. Don't let the micro's scare you. They are only small guides if you can do a build with regular guides you can do it with micros. When doing the static test lay it out first with standard guide placement then do a spiral. See which you like better. You can use 1/4" masking tape to do a static test also. The other bit of advice I would give would to use a Forhan Locking wrap if using micros, I also use this for 6's when building.

Thanks for the tips! I'm still not sure if I'll use micro guides or not, but the locking wrap is definitely something I'll have to try.

Ben