I have a Rainshadow RX7 9’ 6wt 2pc model IF906. I need the guide spacing for this blank. I have 10 guides from the Hook and Hackle kit (2 stripping guides) but Garcia’ book on rod building list spacing for 11 guides, so I am confused. Comparing the rod to a Versitex 9’ 6wt that I had built a few years ago - that rod has 12 guides. Can someone help me with spacing info for this blank? I can’t find anything on Batson’ Web site (unless I just missed it).
The thing to remember is that most guide placement charts are only guidelines, and should be adjusted by static testing. Build up your handle and seat, then tape on the guides. Put a reel and line on and load the rod. The line should follow the rod without any flat spots. If there are, move the guides appropriately. The general idea is to get a good, smooth line path using the fewest possible guides. You can find a lot of guide spacing charts online, and few of them match. Here are some to get you started:
http://www.flyfisherman.com/rodbuilding/index6.html
I just built a RX7+ 5wt and the guide chart from angelfire (10 guides) worked perfectly. I tried the static test after I placed the guides and everthing looked fine. Hook and Hackle has a similar chart on their website.
Just received the info from Batson. It’s:
4"
9"
15"
22"
29.5"
37.5"
46.625"
56.75"
67.25"
78"
Good customer service, Batson. Thanks!