Is there a difference in strength between the unbraced variety (I like the clean looks of these) and the braced variety of ceramic tip tops.

7 wt rod...for winter steelhead.

Keith

Yes. There is a difference in strength.

But you will find that some of the constructions of "unbraced' tips are stronger than others. The ones I am currently using are what I would call "mini-braced" because the brace is small and bent to match the profile of the tube/ring connection. Strong, yet looks pretty much like a truly unbraced tip.

My reason for wanting tips like this (on saltwater spinning rods primarily) is for weight reduction. But believe it or not, the tips without the bracing don't get crushed as easily. (in my experience) One will get bent every once in a while, but they have always bend back, and I've yet to have one break.

As far as catching, you should have no problems with lines and tippets up to 25# test.


This is simply my personal experience, for what it's worth....

TH