I'm starting to build a 9'6" 6wt fly rod that I plan on using for tossing streamers and other heavier flies (I have a 4wt that I use most of the time) for trout, and lake fishing for panfish and bass. I'm thinking of using the SA Mastery Quad tip and may run another spool with a shooting line and shooting heads. My question is about what size running guides to use. I will use ceramic guides and top. I was planning on using 12 and 10 strippers, then a 10 sf, couple of 8's and run 7's out to the tip. I thought the 7's might provide a bit more room for the shooting head/line connection and for the different tips on the SA line. Thoughts?

Running or shooting lines don't need much room, but you do have to clear the connections, as you mention. I'd just use whatever is needed, but no larger.

If the 7's will work, just go with 12 - 10 and then as many 7's as you need. Skip the intermeditate sizes - they don't do anything at all for you or your line.

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I bet 6s will work if you make your connections with braided mono. Go to www.danblanton.com/gettinglooped.html for instructions how make them. Most fly shops carry braided mono.

If you use guides that have thin rings like the Fuji Alconites, SiC or the Am Tack Titan you'll get a little more room in a #6 as the IDs are a little larger because of the thinner ceramic material..