Attn: Rod Builders

[namfos]

TPFRers who build rods, I'd like some opinions.  I'm about to build a 4 piece 3 weight.  

What shape grip do you prefer?  I like full wells grips, but think I'll used a larger diameter Western or Modified Half Wells.

Single foot ring guides or double foot snakes?

What size stripper(s)?  Lefty told a group at Lancaster a 20mm or at least 16mm.  On this length, I think I'll use two strippers.

Thanx, 

Mark

[Jereme Thaxton]

Hey Mark, 

I think for a 3 weight you would like a modified half wells but you could still use a full wells if you sand it down quite a bit.  Generally the larger the grip the more people want to muscle the rod so for me personally on single handed rods 5 weight and under and speys 7 and under I like to decrease the handle diameter from the standard size.  

Also for guides I prefer single foots on 6 weights and below, the fish you will be fighting will likely not be torquing the rod that much to require double footed snakes and your time at the bench wrapping the guides will be cut in half.

As for stripping guides, did your rod blank manufacturer send you a 'rod recipe' as a guide?  If not, it might be a good idea to give them a call to see where they recommend starting.  I can't imagine them recommending 16 or 20's for a 3 weight, probably a 10 and then 12mm.

-Jereme

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[namfos]

Thanks, Jereme!  I ordered a half wells grip. I previously built a 2-pc 7 wt (that works much better overlined with an 8) with single foots and larger strippers.  I like how it works, but this 3 wt causes me to think it over.  I'll check the tube the blank came in, I seem to recall a recipe in it for guide sizes and placements.

[Eric Y.]

I prefer to go with a cigar on rods under 5wt and half wells on rods 5-7wt. With a 3wt, you're talking finesse, and at least in my hands, cigar grips feel a bit more "finessey" than half wells. 

[namfos]

Thanks, Eric. Thought about cigar shape, but I like something a bit more "formed" to fit the hand.  I think on the next rod build I'll do the grip from scratch.

Mark

[Carl Z.]

You already ordered items, so I'm not sure I should chime in, but ....

I agree with Eric, In fact for 3wt and under I almost always go with a
downlocking cap and ring reel seat over cork. Combining this with a
cigar grip, you can get by with a shorter grip since you gain some
room down at the reel, but there is nothing wrong with a full wells on
a small rod. I usually turn my grips on the rod, starting with cork
rings. I find it easier than trying to ream preformed cork grips.

I also like a sz 10 or 12 stripping guide for a 3wt.

I don't go up to a size 16 until I get to size 6 or 7.

Carl

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[namfos]

Thanks, Carl.  Only ordered the seat and grip.  Not a big fan of downlocks - don't know why, just don't like their look.  As for the strippers - this is gonna be kind of long compared to most 3 wts - 9 feet. So you think a 12 is the right size?

[John Bilotta]

i think a12 is fine. my opinion, 16 too big for a 3.

john

On Mar 22, 2013, at 6:41 PM, namfos wrote:

Thanks, Carl.  Only ordered the seat and grip.  Not a big fan of downlocks - don't know why, just don't like their look.  As for the strippers - this is gonna be kind of long compared to most 3 wts - 9 feet. So you think a 12 is the right size?

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[namfos]

Thanks, John

[Carl Z.]

I wouldn't go larger than 12 myself on a 3wt. With a 9' rod, I would
go with whatever grip you like on other rods. There is no reason to
avoid a full wells.

Carl

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[Aden]

This could be a nice rod for one of those new super light weight carbon composite handles.

http://www.rodbuildingforum.com/lofiversion/index.php/t25683.html

[namfos]

Hmmm, I don't know.  The carbon fiber composite is cool looking, certainly echoes the carbon fiber of the rod - might be worth a try some time.  ebay shows some for about 40 bucks each.