Greetings to all,

We're using the concept system and using fly guides for the tip half of the rod. We'll only be using 2-4 lb test for the UL spin rod. (between 6 and 8 feet long).

We have the Titans in size 5 and size 6. Size 5 is TINY.

Anyway, question: Why is it that the vast majority here suggest using size 6 fly? Size 5 is obviously smaller and lighter - is this the point of being 'too small'?

Curious.

Thanks.
Mo

No tip tops to match the size 5 is the main reason.

Putter
Williston, ND

For monofilament, a size 5 guide or smaller is fine. For a thicker fly line, you might be better off with a size 6 as the smallest guides. For 1 and 2 weight fly lines size 5s are plenty big enough. I recently built a 2 weight and would have been happy with size 6 Titans all the way to the tip. I used one 5, however.

Use a single foot 5# as your tiptop and you can have the lighter 5# guides all the way. This would be my choice for an ultra light.

Stan Grace
Helena, MT
"Our best is none too good"

A bit of clarification and another question:

My goal with the size 5 or 6 would be MAXIMUM casting distance with the UL spin reel. I'm inclined to go with what you guys think will give me better casting distance. If they are about the same, then the 5 will be preferred due to a bit lighter weight.

Question: With the size 5 TItans, I can use either the titanium size 5 Fujis or the Size 6 Fujis. The Titan 5 are a touch larger in the interior diameter than the Fuji size 5, but the Fuji size 6 is a bit larger than the Titans. Wondering if it would be better to go a bit smaller or a good amount larger in the tips....

Thanks again for ALL your help. This is, bar none, the most helpful forum I've ever visited out of dozens through the years.

Mo

Depends on whther you're going to use some type of leader or not, in which case the slightly larger clearance offered by the 6 would serve you better. Availability of #5 tops is a big issue: not tht many around, except maybe ceramic fly tops and match style tops.

I have used ring size 4 match guides and tip tops with line up to 8 lb test with good results, so you'll be fine.

A couple of you now have mentioned the difficulty in finding size 5 tops. Maybe I'm using the wrong tops?

I'm using Titan fly guides in size 5 or 6. And I'm using Fuji TFST tops that does come in either size 5 or 6.

What I can't find is any other solid titanium tops other than Fuji. Amtek apparently doesn't make solid titanium framed tip tops.

Thanks,
Mo

I think they are on the way, there was a post a long time ago saying they would be coming out once they perfected the welding process. This was long before they were even on the market. If you look back though the posts you may find it.

Mo,

I think 5's for such rod will be quite enough. Like Spencer, I also built with #4 match guides on 6 lb test blank and hadn't any problems with that rod.

Pavel,
Moscow, RU

THANKS for all who responded.

Mind what is probably a pretty 'ignorant' question? A couple of you mentioned 'match guides'. What is a match guide?

Thanks,
Mo

"Match" guides are ones with very high frames (e.g. PacBay M series). The reason I used them on UL rods was to reduce the weight added toward to the rod' tip as much as possible (#4 weighs almost nothing) without spending a lot on guides (PacBay M with Hialoy rings are inexpensive). But if you plan going with Fuji Titanium, you are OK too: these guides are feather-weight :)

Pavel,
Moscow, RU