Oversized guides

[Danny]

I got a 7 wt. GL3 blank for Christmas and I am ready to start compiling components.

I was wondering what the advantages/disadvantages of using oversized guides are? I've built with regular sized and oversized and I guess I don't know If I can tell a difference, but then again, I have never built two of the same rods, varying only guide size, so I don't have a true comparison between the two.

[Stoney Clarke]

Sorry I only saw the heading. I thought it was a post about fat guides like Denny.

SC

[Cary]

depends on how big you go. For a 7 wt, and if I thought Id ever use a shooting head system, the largest I'd go would be:

16-12-5-4-4-3-3-3-3-3-L

If I wasnt contemplating shooting heads, I'd go as small as practical. Maybe

12-10-4-3-2-2-1-1-1-1-L

[gware]

I agree with Cary, stay as small as practicle, any smaller you would risk not getting the line thru the last few guides plus it would restrict the line to much. The idea is to cut as much weight as possible, without causing restrictions or making it to weak, this can be a fine line (pun not intended). Also make sure you have a choke guide, for a seven wt #10 is good. Another way to help with the weight problem is to keep the wraps short, start the wrap about 2 - 3 wraps before it starts up the foot. A lot of people use to large of wraps which increases weight and stiffins the action slightly. When you are done post a picture. when you do that much work on a rod you earn bragging rights. Rod building is really addictive and there is no 12 step program. Good luck.

gware

[Cary]

Another way to help with the weight problem is to keep the wraps short, start the wrap about 2 - 3 wraps before it starts up the foot.
gware
Yes, absolutely