New Spinning Rods = Smaller Guides ?

[ChrisD46]

While at DSG I noticed so many of the new freshwater spinning rods now have much smaller guides than previously . I'm sure lighter weight is one key objective - but it does raise new questions on how to match with a spinning reel ? As an example , KVD and other pro bass fishermen used to routinely use a 4000 series spinning reel to handle FC line (larger spool diameter to tame FC line coils) ... Now I wonder how a 4000 series spinning reel would work with the newer spinning rods with the smaller guides ? ... Is the new approach to use a smaller size spinning reel to match the new spinning rods with the smaller guides? ... I like a 2500 series with a ML / M spinning rod  and a   3000 / 3500 series reel for M / MH spinning rods using larger line diameters . I thought about adding a 4000 series just to use with FC line - now I am not sure ? ... Please school me on how to match spinning reels with these new smaller guide spinning rods ? Thanks in advance  !

[Angry John]

Your worries are unfounded.  The reduction guides "normally the first three" reduce the coils down to running guides.  The running guides can be very small and are limited by knot size ice or buildup from junk on your line.  The height and diameter of the first guide is the one to match, and you can check the fugi guide trains on their website.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

And if you're referring to the reduction guides, larger guides were used in the past to achieve the required height. Smaller guides can now be used IF they are a high frame model. My preferred spinning setup is a 2500 size reel with braid. 

[ChrisD46]

Another question - If using  braid on a spinning reel for bass and want to know if matching the reel size (say 2500 series ) with #20 lb. braid   is a better match with the new trend smaller size reduction guides versus say using a 4000 series spinning reel  using #20 lb. braid with the same spinning rod with smaller size reduction guides ? Also , does this have any affect on reducing OR increasing braided line wind knots ? Thank in advance !

[PatrickKnight]

I use the smallest and lightest reel I can to balance a rod tip up two finger in front of the reel stem. For most of my rods this is a 2500 size 7.5-8 oz reel. I have a Dobyns Sierra 703 that I had to put a 9 oz reel on to get it balanced. Reel size from my experience has zero impact on wind knots. All I fish is spinning tackle and braided line.