How does number of guides effect rods?

[bass2187]

How do the number of guides on a rod effect it? Differnt rods have differnt numbers of them on there. I know length is one factor but some rods are the same length with differnt number of guides still.

Thanks

Mike

[jacktrevally]

Hi,

I don't know where to start?

I'll not go into the details....

The number of rings on a similar length of rod can be due to the fact that one is rung for a multiplier/baitcaster and one is rung for a spinning reel.

With a spinning reel you fight the fish with the line on the rings hanging down whereas on the multi you fight the fish with the line on the ring sitting on the rod. It is important to have the spacing right for the multi so that the line doesn't touch the blank during the fight. In a spinning outfit this doesn't occur but it is important to have the correct placement, 1) to avoid line twist, 2) to reduce friction and improve the cast, 3) to have a good action on the blank and avoid over stressing in a zone of the blank...etc.

A multi set up normally should have more rings and also the rings are smaller at the stripper ring due to the fact that the line strip off the reel in a sideways motion. On a spinning outfit the line stips off in a spiral/sinudal motion. in the spinning reel the size of the stripper ring is important, I'll pass on the details on this.

It is possible to have a hybrid rod then it is a compormise betwen the two where you can't take the blank sometimes to the optimum performance for both multi and spinning.

Hope this helps.

[bass_101]

For casting, more guides are best.  You want the line OFF your rod because that causes a lot of breakoffs.  The line rubbing on your rod will cause a lot of friction and often breaks.  I'm not sure if this goes for spinning rods though.  

[Ky_Lake_Dude]

That is a good question I have never really thought about that.

[Guest DavidGreen]

Short Quick Answer.....

Generally, the number of guides is based on the length and flexibility of the rod blank, with more guides being used on rods that flex more dramatically.