I'm going to build a 5 pc 8 wt to stow in my boat and I'm going to use ceramic guides on rod and was wondering if I could use a ceramic guide size 8 ring or should I just go with a wire tip top. First fly rod and hadn't read anything on tip tops only on guide selection. ED..

I like unbraced ceramic tip tops, but I don't think they make an 8. In any event, you do want a ceramic top. That and the stripper are the ones which benefit most from the slicker surface.

Hello Ed
I would opt for a ceramic with a light as possible frame. If your using the rod for salt water use titanium framed guides (TiCH or TiO coatings over Stainless). REC has some Titanium wire guide that offer excellent corrosion protection. An 8 ring tip may work well. The proof is in the test casting and adjusting. Try and reduce weight where you can. One way is to try and wrap guides on the female ferrules. Assuming your using a blank that is tip over butt ferrules. Remember to not wrap the guides to tight so that each ferrule has a good fit.
Consider using PermaGloss for thread finishing it will be the lightest and toughest. If not use a lite build epoxy such as LS Supreme.
Also before you wrap I suggest you clean the ferrules with U40 Ferrule lube. To see how much this helps do the following with each ferrule:
Put it togeather and mark and measure the ferrule mating length on the butt portion where the tip female ferrule comes to. Then clean with U40 ferrule lube and put it togeather again and note how much further it goes. Most times this will be greater than 1/8 inch.
Hope to see you at the Charlotte Show if you can drop by the U40 booth.
Sincerely
Joe Kassuba

His Rod Shop
Joe Kassuba

Thanks for the advice it all sounds good. I don't remember if the 8 tip top was braced or not I was just looking for a 8 ring. I'll use LS supreme I already have that. And I'll order some U40 when I get reel seat. If I can't get an 8 would a 7 work for 8 and 9 wt fly line. Probably go with a good wire tip. Thanks again ED...

I just finished a Forecast Flyrod, I used a Titanium wire loop guide as provided by the Rainshadow / Forecast dealer in this area. Although I haven't been able to fish it yet it strikes me as a very solid and durable tip set up. Being Titanium this guide ought to be bombproof and the diameter (noted as 4 mil by the supplier) is very large for such a small and light weight guide / tip. Worth a look for sure.