Thinking about using a size 10 or 12 red-ringed agate or agatine stripping guide and utilizing the bumper concept for transitioning the line under a graphite casting blank (7' SCIII). Aesthetically thinking, would you think the bumper guide need be a similar-ringed, double-foot agate guide too? I was going to use a clnag alconite if not. (I have no sense of mix-and-matching colors, my wife still hollers at my clothing combos!) Thanks -- Any help or suggestions apprecitated!

The bumper guide plays no role in transitioning the line, so it's not really important what the surface is. There's almost no pressure on it to speak off. Use the lowest possible guide for a bumper guide. I am assuming you have the article and know how to set this system up.

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Thanks Tom, I understand the setup based on the Rodmaker article, I just wondered what would look pleasing to the eye for the style/ring of the bumper in this case -transitioning from an red-ringed stripper to alconite running guides.

I dont' know that such a thing would look bad, but it might look unusual. It would certainly be different.

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I am not familiar with the guide set up you describe, but IMO agatine strippers only look good with wire running guides. A good set of REC single foots might work, or wire double footed spinning guides that look like the agate guide without the agate ring.

I was thinking that since the agate (and bumper) would be the only visible guides, that the other guides underneath (probably chrome sf alconites) would not be too visible in contrast, and the setup wouldn't look too bad. I 'm partial to red, and just thought a red-ringed stripper would add some pizazz. Thanks for your thoughts and help!

There are some ceramic guides where the insert matches the frame. Those might look very good.