I have done allot of research and experimenting with the low rider concept. I have an all star 1209 with a modified low rider setup and over the winter I built an SSU 132 1MH with the low rider SiC's, not titanium. I am not a pro, I have not built hundreds of rods, (maybe 25), but I have definately found the low rider system interesting.
Here's a nice thread on the lami site. If the link is against rules please remove it moderators:
http://www.lamiglas.com/node/292
First question: Are you only throwing with braid? If no, then build it traditional, I do not see any advantages of low riders with MONO.
IMHO, braid totally changes the game here. Getting wind knots? Hearing FWAPPA FWAPPA when you cast? The traditional five guide setup was not made for braid. The braid has no memory and no stretch it comes off of the reel like a rocket....
I have done the side by sides as have others with a low rider setup and a traditional one. Every time I have done it the lowriders have won. Is it by ten yards, maybe, but hey it is still ten yards!
For me a custom rod is just that, a custom rod. You want a 1205 custom with five guides, you can go to any number of shops on the cape and get a 'custom' setup like that for pretty short money. Or you can design and build something yourself that is truly unique and IMHO will perform better.
My 1209 came out great. I absolutely love it. The issue I have had with the SSU is that it came out a little top heavy. This was most likely my fault though as I over applied the epoxy on the first two guides.
When I have fished the ssu most wind knots have been my error. With my setup it is fairly easy to lose tension on the line. Working a pencil for example, if you are not careful some knots will ensue.....
Good luck with your build! Search around on the other site and there is an absolutely ton of info there.
One thing I would look at is getting the low rider concept out of smaller diameter guides. In other words, do not use LCSG's, but something else to still get that low profile....
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