CTFishTalk.com: Does Number of Rod Guides Make a Difference? - Connecticut Bait, Tackle, Rods and Reels etc… ( CT Bait, Tackle, Rods and Reels etc… ) - A Community Built for Connecticut Fisherman.

Michael · Joined: 28 Jan 2012 Posts: 3823 Location: Bridgeport

I currently have 2 freshwater ML 5'6" rods. One of 2 differences in them is one has 5 guides while the other has 7. The one with 5 guides is a slower rod that is very flexible while the one with 7 guides is more of a fast action rod that is much stiffer.

Any difference or reason in them having different number of guides?

angry john · Joined: 30 Jun 2012 Posts: 119

When someone builds a rod there looking for the proper amount of guides to prevent contact with the blank, and to keep the path as smooth as possible. Casting rods IMO are more critical as the line will make contact with the blank with large deflection and not enough guides. Guide hight also is a major factor in the design and number of guides. Shorter guide trains usually have more guides. It is supprising that the slower action rod has less as it would have more deflection normaly requiring more guides. Each time you add a guide you reduce the free action of the blank where the feet are bonded to the blank. This is the reason single foot guides are better. Single foot guides have half the mounting points, and a bridge is not created between the two guide feet. It restricts the natural action of the blank just like a large hook in a worm reducing the action of the bait. Size of the guide will also increase weight and the amount of material required to properly mount the guide. In heavy weight applications like musky fishing it is a nessary evil but for smaller game it is not.

jimbojonez · Joined: 04 Feb 2012 Posts: 295 Location: Berlin/Kensington

a higher number of guides (within limits) assists in the fighting of the fish when landing the fish. Each guide is like a pulley of sorts when the line becomes taught. As the pole fluctuates from bent to straight when a fish is tossing and turning the eyes allow for the pole to apply consistent smooth resistance. Look at spinning poles designed for river salmon and steelhead. The casting distance is sacrificed because it is not needed, the pole is long and the eyes are many.
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Michael · Joined: 28 Jan 2012 Posts: 3823 Location: Bridgeport

angry john · Joined: 30 Jun 2012 Posts: 119

the two rods do not compare at all. Your saying that you like a carbon rod vise a glass rod. There not the same from the blank up. Ugly sticks are medium speed action at the fastest and the eagle claw is most likely a fast. The larger part of the equation between the rods is the blank and not the guides. As a side note, a glass rod within its rated lure range will launch a lure to the moon. The slower action has the ability to store a lot more energy in a usable way and will cast much easier...