Running Guide Size Recommendation for Braid to Leader Knots...???

[ITO_ZILLION]

I am going for an as light as possible rod build and I am trying to keep the rod from being tip heavy. What is the 'smallest' running guide size that I can get away with while still allowing enough room for a leader knot with 40-50lb braid and 20-25lb mono/fluoro...?

 

Depending on the line sizes, I usually tie Uni to Uni or FG for my braid to leader knots. Will size 4 running guides work or are they too small...? Should I run size 5 running guides just to be on the safe side since a Uni to Uni knot can be pretty big, especially with the larger line sizes...?

 

 

 

[Michigander]

1 hour ago, ITO_ZILLION said:

I am going for an as light as possible rod build and I am trying to keep the rod from being tip heavy. What is the 'smallest' running guide size that I can get away with while still allowing enough room for a leader knot with 40-50lb braid and 20-25lb mono/fluoro...?

 

Depending on the line sizes, I usually tie Uni to Uni or FG for my braid to leader knots. Will size 4 running guides work or are they too small...? Should I run size 5 running guides just to be on the safe side since a Uni to Uni knot can be pretty big, especially with the larger line sizes...?

 

 

 

I wouldn't look at guide size, they lie. The number you're interested in is the inside diameter of the guides. You'll probably have to call your supplier and ask as the posted measurements are usually the outside diameter which is useless to you.

 

I also use leader knots and measured the ID of the smallest guides on a rod I already had that I knew passed the knot to get my number.

 

Any slight fraction of a gram you get from the guides can be eliminated by moving the reel seat up a bit.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

1 hour ago, ITO_ZILLION said:

I am going for an as light as possible rod build and I am trying to keep the rod from being tip heavy. What is the 'smallest' running guide size that I can get away with while still allowing enough room for a leader knot with 40-50lb braid and 20-25lb mono/fluoro...?

 

Depending on the line sizes, I usually tie Uni to Uni or FG for my braid to leader knots. Will size 4 running guides work or are they too small...? Should I run size 5 running guides just to be on the safe side since a Uni to Uni knot can be pretty big, especially with the larger line sizes...?

 

 

 

25# leader is pretty heavy. 4.5 should handle a well tied knot. 

[MickD]

Depends on the knot.  I use size 4 Fuji KT's with 15 pound leader and Alberto knot with no problems.

 

The weight difference between 4's and 4.5's has to be negligible.  I'd go 4.5, or even 5 unless you know how to tie a good FG or Alberto.  25 pound leader with a double uni makes for a big knot.

 

I finish my Albertos with two half hitches of the braid pulled tightly to prevent unravelling.  

 

[.ghoti.]

The majority of rods I build use Fuji Alconites. A size 4 will pass a 15 lb braid to 8 lb fluoro connection if the knot is well tied. 30 lb braid to 12 lb fluoro, use a 4.5. For 25 lb mono or fluoro, I would go with a size 5.

 

All of that depends on good compact knots. 

[Lead Head]

I can get 40lb 832 with 25lb sniper through a fuji alconite size 5 KT. I haven't had any problems, but it feels pretty tight. When I know I'll be using bigger leader often, I build with size 6 just for my own peace of mind.

 

This is just my personal preference based on what I know works for me.

[ITO_ZILLION]

Thanks for all the help and tips guys. I really appreciate it.

 

The rod I am planning to build will be for double duty purposes. It will be used mainly for small-medium swimbaits (2.5oz max) and for light-medium pitch/punch duties. That is why I stated such heavy lines, if anyone's curious.

 

Looks like I am going to have to go with the size 5's. I was hoping maybe I could get away with size 4.5's but it seems like I might be pushing it and I should probably go with the size 5's just to be safe since this rod will be used for swimbaits and punching. 

 

Curious, What size running guides usually come on heavy flip/pitch rods from name brand/mass produced rods? 

 

 

[ITO_ZILLION]

Also forgot to mention that the rod will be spiral wrapped too. Don't know if that will have any affect/bearing on running guide size. 

 

[ITO_ZILLION]

I am also planning to go with Fuji Torzite guides for minimal weight and smallest inner ring diameter that I can get. Therefore, could I go with the 4.5 instead than since the torzites are smaller than Alconite and SIC?

[MickD]

Spiral wrap changes nothing with respect to knot clearance, but  it does offer the opportunity to use fewer guides, so you can go bigger with less weight penalty.  Or none.  

 

 I doubt if  you can tell the difference fishing 4.5's vs 5's except when the knot gets too tight in the guide.  Then you'll tell a big difference.

 

I think you may be setting yourself up for a problem, and with what you're planning to fish, taking knot clearance  chances to enhance sensitivity doesn't make sense to me.

 

I would build this rod with 5.5's.

[Michigander]

Like I said before, guide size is irrelevant for  passing knots. You want to focus on ID of the guide ring as it varies a lot from style to style. I would make double sure if you're spending Torzite money....