Question for the rod builders...

At the AOTY event last month I bought a new rod blank from Erik Kunz and now I have decided that I want to build it up as a heavy spinning rod for casting light iron and lures, and some light jigging. But I'm torn on what kind of guides to use. I've never built a spinning rod this heavy before so I want to be sure the guides I use are going to be sufficient. Most of the rods I have built have been fly rods or light/ultralight spinning rods.

Have you ever used, or have any experience with the Fuji Alconite BMNAG guides? The price is right, but I guess I am hung up on the fact that they look like casting guides although they are billed as "heavy duty casting/spinning" in Mudhole. Will they be tall enough for a spinning rod? Is there a better guide you would recommend instead that falls in a similar price range? I was considering the double foot "all purpose" Titans by American Tackle, but the price is a bit daunting.

The blank is a Rainshadow SWS70m 15-25lb
I plan on pairing it with either a Quantum Cabo PT 70 or an Okuma Cedros, and running 30lb braid.

Jay -

I used the BMNAG guides on my Cabo Spinning rod rated 15-25#. I believe it is the Alconite version of the MNSG. I like the guides and have not had any ring failures. really light weight and flexible. I have the PDF of the recommended Fuji concept guide spacing for different types of rods. PM me your e mail and I will send it to you if you wish.

Scott

Don't worry about the frame style.  If the frame is high enough, then they will work.  They are very good guides.  The only issue I could foresee is that the frame may not be high enough for your first / stripper guide.  Although they are offering these in rings up to size 40 now, so you might be ok.

Frame height is more important than ring size... but with spectra line you can cheat a little bit and use a bigger ring in lieu of a higher frame and get away with it.  Spectra is so limp that it is really pretty easy to get great casting performance in spinning applications.

If need be, you might be able to substitute a high frame HVSG guide for your stripper guide if you need the extra guide height.  The frame style is different but the colors match farily well.... and function should come before form.

Use the fuji spacing chart for starters, but let your test casting and stress distribution tests determine final guide layout.  If you need help with the principles for using the new guide concept for laying out your guides, let me know... it's pretty simple and I'm happy to give you some pointers.

EK

Thanks guys, that's great advice! I do plan on running braid with this rod so I think it will be OK. The recommended stripper guide size is 30, so I think I'll order them up and take a look at it to be sure it will be high enough. Otherwise, I'll order up an HVSG stripper if needed.

Scott, I sent you a PM for a copy of the chart. Thanks! 

A good starting point for determining stripper guide size is it should be about 1/2 the diameter of the spool.  Size 30 sounds about right.