Just started wrapping my Dan Craft Sig V 905-3 with the REC Recoil RSF wire guides. I initially opted for these guides for the weight saving I knew they would have over other types of guides.

Now for the problem.........

I've finished wrapping the tip section and am not sure if I like them!! The guide feet seem very long. Also i've read all about the noise/vibration issues that have cropped up on the board. As this was supposed to be my best build yet and No1 fly rod (spent a fair amount of money on the reels seat),I'm wondering if I should be putting guides on it that i'm already having reservations about and have never used before.

What guides would you opt for if you had the choice? and in what sizes?

I'm leaning towards Fuji Concepts, will there be a significant weight increase with these?

All help and input much appreciated.

Signed

Frustrated/Confused Rodbuilder!!

I'd go with Alconites or, if you don't mind spending the money, SiC guides with the titanium frame.

Steve,
Can you provide the specific model number for the titanium frame SIC's (and source if known)? I have a couple of 9' five weights to build this winter. From a rod I stripped down I have a like new SIC titanium stripper and tip, and a set of REC Recoil snakes, but while fishing the other three rods I built with Recoils I've become pretty annoyed with the zinging sound. Time for a change - IMHO.

I'd also be open to an alternative light wire snake that won't wear out.

Jeff Shafer

Jeff:

Compared with the REC recoil, single-foot, wire loop guides all the other single foot wire loops will show wear after a few seasons. You expect to replace them, given the style they are. It has already been mentioned that the other choices are ceramic ring, single foot fly guides by Fuji and others. The lightest and costliest are the SIC Titanium by Fuji. They are, by the way, a very proven guide and will do well to keep the fly rod action close to it's original frequency. A good alternative is the Fuji Alconite- lightweight with a good ceramic ring. I have no personal knowledge of the sturdiness of the AMtak titanium fly guides, so I cannot mention anything about them except that they exist. For my own rods, I use the Fuji Alconite. I can afford them and they are very light.

My $0.02 worth

Doug Weber
Weber Rod Works

Fuji Alconites #6 running guides work well on that blank!

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

Thanks Doug,
Would you have the model number of the single foot Fuji Titaniuim SIC? And source?

Jeff

Located some Titanium SIC's, but other than the Angler's rsrc/Fuji link, which doesn't appear to do retail, I'm having trouble locating the Alconites.

Jeff Shafer

The Fuji SiC Titanium frames are TSG for the single foot fly guides and TNSG for the double foot guides. The Alconites are BLAG for fly guides and BLNAG for the doube footed guides. These are black ring/black frame. They also come in a chrome frame CLAG and CLNAG. Mudhole has them and I'm sure most of the sponsors have them. The Alconites are listed under the "Concept Guides" section.

If you click on Dan's website, Dan Craft Ent., and download his catalog you will find Forecast guides, Struble, Bellinger and REC reel seats. Email or call him and he will fix you up with all the componets you need. If you are ordering a blank from Dan he will make sure you get the right size tip top and winding check for that blank.

Also if you go to the RainShadow/Forecast,Baston, site on the left you can see all the Forecast Guides along with ring colors and sizes.

Hey Brother
I JUST built the same 5wt you're talking about with double foot RECoils and 2 SiC strippers. Beauty. Aside from the TSG, this is what I would recommend. I would recommend the sng ft RECoils on this rod, but REC doesn't make them small enough. A 6wt for salt would be a different story.
Don't hesitate to email or even call me for ideas.

Josh Markvan
www.markvanheirloom.com