"rw" wrote:
I've only built one rod, and I was fanatical about determining the guide
spacings and measuring them as accurately as I could. I felt kind of
silly, though, because it seemed like I could do as good a job by just
"eyeballing" it. So here's a question for experienced rod builders: Is
getting the exact recommended guide spacings really that important?

You'll find out how important it is if you ever try to get a warranty
replacement and the customer service guys spot any amount of variance. I
don't think small variances will lower the performance or lessen the life
expectancy of a rod, but I know for a fact some manufacturers will use it as
an excuse to disallow a claim.