I plan on building a 9 ft 6 wt and a 9 ft 10 wt. I would like to use single foot Fuji ceramics. (SG and LVSG or similar?)
Question #1: single foot or double foot for the strippers? I plan on trying the second smaller sized stripper 3.5 to 4 inches above the first as recommended by many.
Question #2: Could you suggest some sizes for me to use? Then, I can order a few extras and experiment around until I find the optimal size/placement. But a starting point would sure be appreciated (for each rod!)
Question #3: OK, I have done the archive search, and diligently read the posts. How much deflection is too much for the static deflection test? (I am assuming that if the rod is bent upside down, i.e., line on top, guides toward the ceiling, and the line touches the rod, this is too mcuh. Is this a correct assumption?)
Thanks in advance, gentlemen.
John

If the line touches the rod, you need to move the guides around or add more guides. But I wouldn't put the rod upside down to test it. With the low frame fly guides you can't keep the line off the blank that way and that's not how it will be fished. Bend it about where you would expect it to be with a decent fish on the line. Do your static test from there.

On a 9 footer you will need between 9 and 12 guides probably. On a rod like that I use something like 12 SVSG, 10SVSG, 8 SG, 7 SG and 6SG on out to the tip. I don't use the LVSG types on fly rods.

You could also experiment with a #16 stripper but I don't think you'll see much difference.

I'm sure the experts here will chime in on this point. The deflection
of the rod itself will have a lot to do with the placemant of the 1st guide
(Starting Point) on the butt section. I've flexed and measured a lot of
1st stripper guides on both custom and production built weapons and have noticed that measuring from the front of the reel seat, most fall
between 24-26" away. I would also like to hear what the PROS here have to say about this.

Single foot fly guides with ceramic inserts, I use them and find that if weight is an issue. Eight (8) Fuji SIC Sz #7 weigh as much as two (2) Fuji Hardloy Sz #7 and the ring almost never falls out and many of the guys I build for want to run mono.

Sorry I ment 26-28" away from the front of reel seat.
On a 6' cast/spin rod 21-23" away.