I've been reading a lot of suggestions about ceramic fly guides lately and for an 8 weight rod it seems most people would recomend using 7mm running guides. But it seems all the places I've looked only have 6mm OD tip tops. So it seems awfully pointless to use 7mm guides and a 6mm tip.

Do the rings used in the tip tops have a thinner wall? Are there any 7mm ring tips out there for blanks from 4-5/64?

Thanks

Mark

I know off the top of me noggin that Fuji Hardloys come in a size 7 tip, Mark. I don't know if they come in a "light" tip top or just the normally braced one, though?

Putter
Williston, ND

Mark,

You can get ceramic tip tops with rings in just about size you want. The regular ones they sell for spinning rods work fine. You can also wrap on a single foot guide in place of the tubed tip top. Works even better.

Good Luck!

Buddy.

Cheers, thanks guys.

I found a few vendors that cary them.

Mark

I just built up a set of prototype rods using cosmetic blem blanks and inexpensive ceramic #7 running guides, all with a #7 single foot as the tip top. I really like the single foot as a tip. If it holds up well (used Forhan locking wrap), then this may become my preferred tip. Doesn't look quite as finished but it's lighter and I'd say it has to perform as well or better since it's perfectly in line with the running guides which tip tops rarely are. Durability is the only question I have. Buddy, I take it they have held up well for you or you woundn't be using them?

Pac Bay makes a 8mm tip for there ceramic fly guides.


James

Steve,

I find that the single foot wrapped on a tip top is just as durable as the rest of the guides. I think it's stronger than the tubed tops in any event. Less 'welds' to come apart, no glue to worry about working loose, no heat needed, etc..

Certainly looks better to me. The sudden appearance of a metal tube at the end of the rod doesn't really look 'finished' to me, it just looks 'there'. I like that the guide wraps, ALL of them, match. and the line path is straighter as well.

I'm starting to use it more and more on heavier weight rods.

Buddy

There is less of a problem if you use the "light" spin style of tip top. The general code for these is LLT. I find they sit lower, match the fly guides well in terms of height, and don't have huge bracing that detracts from appearance.