Been learning new skills

[fiker]

These are before and after photos of one of my rods that I repaired.  Its over 10 years old and the epoxy finish had cracked and yellowed. 
While under repair I did a static test to double check guide placement. 
What I found was that my $200 casting rod from a very reputable manufacturer had the guides placed so that the line slapped the blank in two places.  This greatly affected performance.
I wondered why the line would sometimes wrap around the guides sometimes when I was pitching. 
I turned the rod into a spiral (acid) wrap.
Now it looks better, casts easier and farther,  and never has the line wrap around the guides. 

[dartag]

Looks great.   I built a couple Steelhead Rods back in the 80's.  Fun hobby.