bowtech_182 Posted October 18, 2008 Posted October 18, 2008 After reading so many opinions on whether to build on the spine of a rod or not I am thinking about following Tom Kirkman's advice and building on the straightest axis. Who here builds their rods on the spine vs straightest axis. I am mostly talking about spiral wrapped casting rods, as I have not even begun to research spinning rods. Quote
Super User .RM. Posted October 18, 2008 Super User Posted October 18, 2008 Yup I do, every chance I get. If the blank has a curve when I check the blank it is usually only a slight turn off of spine, and I will setup on the curve .... It is mostly personal preferences of the builder (old habits)..... Tight Wraps!!!! Quote
ejtaylor822 Posted October 19, 2008 Posted October 19, 2008 I build on the spine as well. I know opinoins differ on this greatly, but for me, I just like consistency. I have done some test casts - on vs. off the spine (by 90 deg.) and honestly could not tell a difference. If nothing else (for me) it allows the "strongest" side of the blank when fighting fish (spinning or casting). Eddie Quote
Super User flechero Posted October 20, 2008 Super User Posted October 20, 2008 I build along the spine. My feeling is this... until someone can prove beyond any shadow of doubt that building along the spine is detrimental to the rod's performance or longevity I will continue to do it this way. Why? Simple, I can't prove that it doesn't help, it's part of my build routine and the trigger to line up & mark all the parts. The truth is that is MAY not do anything or possibly the benefit is so small we can't measure it..... but as long as there is that possibility, I'll spend the 2 minutes needed to get out the jig and mark it. Heck, I'll waste 2 minutes looking for a particular color worm. ...lol Quote
bowtech_182 Posted October 21, 2008 Author Posted October 21, 2008 Maybe I will luck out and the spine will be the straight side That is if my blank/guides ever arrive. I ordered 10 days ago and still don't even know if they have shipped yet > Quote
Super User flechero Posted October 21, 2008 Super User Posted October 21, 2008 I ordered 10 days ago and still don't even know if they have shipped yet > Wow, which vendor? That's incredibly slow! Quote
Super User .RM. Posted October 21, 2008 Super User Posted October 21, 2008 Yea Andy, who's the vendor? Quote
Matt 825 Posted October 21, 2008 Posted October 21, 2008 I always build on the straightest side. If the blank is perfectly straight or close to perfectly straight then I will build on the spine. For fast shipping and the best customer service try: www.fishsticks4u.com Quote
Super User Alpster Posted October 21, 2008 Super User Posted October 21, 2008 I have had a lot of luck with blanks being pretty straight. Aligning guides on the effective spine has not caused any problems for me. I think it is more important for fly rods than casting and spinning as it has more effect on how the rod loads on repetitive casting and fly presentation. Longer fly rod lengths add to the torque of un-spined rods. JMHO. Ronnie Quote
bowtech_182 Posted October 22, 2008 Author Posted October 22, 2008 I am not going to state the vendor but I have heard nothing but good about them. The blank had to be ordered from Batson as they were out of stock. what gets me is that the vendor did not tell me this until I emailed them a week after the order. It was supposed to have shipped friday, but I didn't get the shipping email like I was told I should. I am starting to regret I did not order the St.Croix from Mudhole :'( Quote
ejtaylor822 Posted October 22, 2008 Posted October 22, 2008 .....I am starting to regret I did not order the St.Croix from Mudhole :'( There are a lot of good distributors out there, and even the good ones will have issues once in a while. Its all in how they handle/resolve it that makes the difference. Yes, I will say I think Mudhole is one of the better ones. I ordered a St. Croix from them for a rush build I had and they did not have it in stock. Instead of making me wait until they received and then ship to me, Mudhole had St. Croix ship me the blank straight from the factory. This and a couple other things they have done for me have made me a loyal customer. Eddie Quote
Super User flechero Posted October 22, 2008 Super User Posted October 22, 2008 I am not going to state the vendor but I have heard nothing but good about them. I typically stick to 2 vendors but will occasionally have to venture out of my comfort zone. Why not let us know who it is so if we were to buy from them, we could check stock status before submitting the order? Quote
Super User SPEEDBEAD. Posted October 22, 2008 Super User Posted October 22, 2008 Keith, "nothing BUT good." Not "nothing good." I am going to assume that is where the idea of a bad reputation came from. I dont understand his reasoning for not putting the company name out there, but I think he is saying they normally have a good reputation. Just clarifying (hopefully correctly LOL) Quote
Super User flechero Posted October 22, 2008 Super User Posted October 22, 2008 Wayne, you are correct! I just read it wrong and will edit that comment. Quote
JayW Posted October 26, 2008 Posted October 26, 2008 I've always built on the spine. No need to change now with zero rod failures in well over 10 yrs now. Quote
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