Would anyone here forsee any problems using an agate guide for a light action graphite rod(3 wt)???
I'm toying with the idea of using a Snake brand select series agate in 9 or 10sooooo was wondering if the smaller diameter,closeness of the ring to the blank or anything else may pose a problem that I'm not aware of.
Thanks.

Assuming the agate guides are measured the same as ceramics, the size 10 is certainly not a problem. I've built two 3 weights using that size as the stripper. As long as the ID of the ring is about 6.85mm, you should be fine. I wouldn't think that these guides sit any lower than two footed ceramic guides.

Aside from esthetics, I can't see any reason to use agate guides. I may be wrong, but I don't think they're as durable as the better ceramics like SIC or Cermet or even zirconium and I think they cost quite a bit more.

Thanks. I recieved an order for my next two projects and did indeed get a gold cermet in #10 for the 3 weight but after seeing the agate I also ordered started thinking about one on the graphite instead. I'm not at all familiar with them though and was thus wondering about their possible application on a graph rod.Their durability is indeed something I'm wondering about.
Thanks

They were used on the better bamboo fly rods for years... I get rods in that are 50 yrs. old that have them on it and they look as if they were not used.. Why don't you contact Russ at Golden Witch, he may be able to help ya. They are a sponsor on the left.

Tight lines,
Art

Golden Witch has both agate and agatine. The ring is much narrower than a ceramic, so get the next size up from the ceramic of choice. I like the gold cermet unless you really need a retro look.

go to the snake brand web site and look at their agates. they are sized closer to regular guides and are of very good quality. the only real justification for them is asthetics though. you are not gaining anything in strength over ceramic.

To my knowledge, agate (or glass, agatine etc) was used on the older bamboo rods only because it was the hardest material available at the time.
In those days, silk lines were used and they are much more gentle on guides than modern plastic fly lines.
Agate is softer than the ceramics and the only reason to use it is for restoration purposes or for aesthetics, IMO.
If you use ceramics you will never have to worry about the guide rings getting grooved, plus they look good too!
Eden

Thanks everyone,

I did in fact order a TiGold ring w/ Tich framed #10 for the rod but after seeing the agate stripper I thought that it would look really sweet.Yup it would be purely for asthetic reasons bit as long as it would be durable I think that's enough of a reason as any.
Cheers and thanks again

ps Thanks to Mr.Snedden for the order.Great guy to deal with.