Where are you located? I can help you do the stress test. I am here in Louisville. What I do is put the tip on. Use tip top adhesive like you normally would. Wrap it. I took a piece of PVC pipe and screwed it to a board. I attached the board to my work bench with a C clamp. I put the rod about a 60 degree angle. I put the rod in there and then take a regular water bottle and tie a string around it then tie to the guide. where the rod bends put a guide on it.

7 guides seems a little light to me. I try to use a guide per foot. Spinning guides you can get away with less depending on the rod and set up. Micros will change that as well. Give me a call if you have any questions 502-664-5921.