Are there any performance advantages to consider when deciding between traditional snake guides and single foot guides for a fly rod?

Charlie - do a search on the topic. You will find lots, and lots of posts - making convincing arguements on both sides of the issue :) The best I could summarize it is that SFs improve performance, but if it is enough to abandon the "traditional" look of snakes is a matter of personal taste and/or fly fishing ideology :)

On heavier weight fly rods (10+) I have used 3 ceramic ringed guides, then in the mid section snake guides as to contact points is stronger and then SF guides on the tip for lightness. One of the concerns with SF's is line slap as the fly line is closer to the blank.

I can't visualize having a greater line slap problem with SF guides that hold the guides away from the blank than snake gudes that allow the line to ride against the blank. What am I missing?

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

I've got to add to what Stan said; I've seen rods with snakes where the finish has a groove in it where the line has rubbed so much; the SF ceramics don't allow that to happen.

Putter
Williston, ND

How can a SF guide with a ring hold line closer to the blank than a snake which has no ring or anything to separate the line from the blank??????

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!