On a spinning rod, where the line hits the running guide rings on the size farthest from the blank, I notice that the same ring size tip will never seem as tall as the running guides. I have figured that not to matter on a casting rod, since the line is started down usually upon passing the tip. On a spinning set up though, is there an advantage to upsizing the tip so that the outer edge of the tip ring is in line with the running guides, so that the line doesn't have to go "over a hump" to pass the ring of the tip? Does that make sense?

Marty,
It sure does make sense and it bugs me too and I think that it is a problem on both spinning and casting rods. Yes, you can go up a size on the tip but unfortunately this will add a little weight at the worst possible place on the rod to be adding weight. If it is a fairly powerful rod that is probably the best option. If it is a lighter rod another option is to use a single footed guide with the same insert size as a tip. The single footed guide will give you a straighter line path and will be lighter but it will not be as strong. Compromises, compromises, compromises.

I would say that depends on whether you have a problem. If your knots aren't passing through the tip easily for instance that would mean you need to go larger or you could try the single foot.

Probably doesn't make as much difference as adding a larger and heavier tiptop would. In other words, a larger tiptop would not help things as much as the extra weight would detract. Small differences either way, but still some difference.

Why not just wrap on a single foot guide as a tiptop? That way you end up with the same ring height all the rest of the way out.

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The difference in a top with a #7 ring and one with a #8 ring or #10 ring couldn't be much.I'd upsize if it were me.

The only time I upsize my tip top, is on my Steelhead/Salmon rods. The only reason I oversize the tip on those rods is to help keep the ice from building up and closing off the tip while using slip bobbers. Other than that, I don't see any benefit going bigger just to have the guides line up to the tip.

I use black Fuji Alconite guides for preference. When I think it matters to keep the guide rings in line I upsize. When I want lighter tip-tops on a lighter rod I go to the TFST flyrod tip-top.

Louis Lampe

Just my 0.02...

I'm with Emory. On lighter rods, upsizing the tip-top may affect rod performance. And not the way you like... IMHO

Pavel,
Moscow, RU