Getting ready to build the spey rod. 13' 7/8 wt.
I'm thinking of doing fuji sic single foot guides in a concept type configuration. Do you pros think I will actually get better preformance with this set up than with regular snake guides? Weight is not an issue so don't use the they will weigh less. We are looking at casting distance etc.
If we do a concept set up what would you recommend for stripper guide sizes and guide sizes.
thanks

When you speak of a "concept" set-up I am assuming you are referring to dropping guide size quickly and getting down to your smallest sized running guides within the first few guides. This does reduce weight and help overall rod efficiency.

Something people tend to overlook is that fact that an efficient rod will out-cast a less efficient rod. If these guides reduce weight over what you would have had with the snakes then you will likely cast farther with them. Obviously there are secondary considerations as to guide types; the polish and slickness of the ring or frame material, whether the line is kept off the blank surface during "shooting", etc. These things affect casting performance as well, but the overall effect of weight and its relation to rod efficiency is always a major factor in this area.

I can't tell for sure without doing the necessary tests myself, but I would think you would want to use maybe a high-frame #16 to start (if you wish to try the additional butt stripper then add a #12 about 3-4 inches just past this #16), then move to high-frame #12, drop to single foot 10, 8 and then 7's on out. I'd also try using all #8 running guides to see if casting distance is affected. If the 7's give you just as much distance, I''d stay with them.

I am a big fan of ceramic ringed guides. They offer a total "package" of performance and longevity that simple metal snake guides do not. But test for yourself - taping on a set of each and casting both set-ups enough times to get a feel for which is going to work best for you. If it turns out you like the snakes better, then by all means use them. I know that this testing takes a bit of time. But it also lets you dial in the very best set-up for your needs. (10 years from now when you think back on all the pleasure this rod has given you, you'll be glad you spent a couple hours maximizing its performance.)

Hopefully, Bob Meiser will weigh in on your question. He has been building these type rods for many years and has put in the hours of testing necessary to really know what works and what doesn't.

Tom Kirkman
RodMaker Magazine
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I used Fuji Alconites on a 13.5 7/8 Lamiglass. My objective was to maximize line shooting. My subjective opinion is that I accomplished the goal. Alconites are a viable alternative to Sic, being lighter and almost as hard, but cheeper. I started out with a #20 BMNAG, and finished up with #8 BLAGs.

The alconites are great. Nearly the performance of the SIC's but at less than a third the price. And they are much better than the hardloys.