I am planning to build a 13 ft spey rod based on the Batson blank. What is the guide type preference of those that have built (are building) a similar rod.
I'm thinking the Fuji Alconites or a single foot wire for the running guides.

Thanks
Brian

Fuji Alconite. Ralph

Single foot wire in #5 and Batson Zirconia #6's have worked well as running guides for me.



Scott Kinney
The Longest Cast Fly Rods
[www.thelongestcast.com]

I agree with Scott on the wire guide size (#5) but I prefer 7's in the guides with inserts as I use multi-tip lines and need to pass that connection point sometimes with a fish on.

If you're using a line without multiple tips, then #6 ceramics would be fine. This is also dependent upon the insert thickness as well.

Terry

I consulted R.B. Meiser ( our sponsor board Spey guru) before I started & he recommended snakes due to weight concerns at the tip of the rod. I folowed his advise & am pleased with my results.

2 cents,
Tim

I used single foot ceramics on my own spey rod and like them fine. My clients seem to prefer snake guides to minimize icing and weight. The spey rod fishing here is typically fall, winter and early spring for steelhead and it is often very cold and icy.

My knees and fingers tend to complain too much if I go out in the very cold and icy water.

Joe Douglas

Thanks for the input guys.. As with some of my fly rods, I think I will go with the Fuji Alconites