Spiral Guides on a rod?

[TnTom]

The original rod was called an acid wrap rod for obvious reasons. The intent is to load the rod on the underside of the blank and really shows its advantage when fighting big fish, no rod torque. I don't believe the distance advantage was meant to play into it if it is actually even measurable.

The first guide should be placed at 90 degrees the balance on the underside.

As far as spine placement, its a non issue and makes little or no difference whether the bow is on top or under or at 90, more of a gimmick to sell spine finders. If it makes you feel better place it where you think it make a difference, though there is a valid argument.

I like to place the tip of my blank at a spot where the wall and floor intersect then load the butt end of the blank with my thumb pushing toward the tip until it bows and mark a point on the bowed side then unload the blank and repeat the process a dozen or so times marking it each time (china white pencil) and build my rod with the mark to the top side. I always build them using the same method. It simply minimizes the variation from rod to rod giving a "commoness" to each rod providing a similar feel when I lay down one rod and pick up another. Its a variable that can be controlled which is the only reason I do it.

Tom