Hello everyone I am considering my first build using Agate Stripping guides. The rod will be a 9ft 7wt Batson RX 7 + with a Galvan Torque Reel. What size and how many Agate guides would you recomend. Thanks in advance for your helpfull advise.

Hi Keith,
IMHO, you'd be better off using much lighter guides, especially on such a high-performance blank and reel set-up. Although beautiful to look at, agate is heavy, and will really reduce the rod's efficiency.
But, again, just my humble opinion...
George

If you are looking for performance, I wouldn't use Agate at all. If you are going for a compromise between look and function, I would use a size 12 for the stripper. No rock beyond that.

Good Morning Keith,
In addition I would add that agate guides are stone and they can be easily cracked (from experience). You might want to consider the Fuji Siicon Carbide(SiC) with titanium alloy frames. Fuji also makes a cermet guide which is colored gold with titanium alloy frames. Fuji indicates that the Cermet guides are their finest guides. Both the SiC line of guides and the Cermet line of guides includes single foot guides for use as running guides for fly rods. If you are a purist and are wedded to snake guides, then these running guides will not be of much interest to you.

Give it some thought. While agate guides add elegance and beauty to a rod their weight and fragility are factors to consider. Many of the modern ceramic guides are a good substitute for agate guides and they are also quite aesthetically pleasing in their own way. I often use the TiGold (titanium nitride) and the TiBlue (titanium oxide--Ibelieve) guides whihc are attractive and long lasting. I hope this helps.

Mike Blomme

On the same line of agate but not just stripper guides, is there any suppliers who carry Red Agate in the size 16 down thru size 8 for re-furbishing old cane rods.....or even oldies that are in good shape. I know Arcane makes the stripper guides in size 12 and 10 and are carried by Mudhole but do not make size 16 or 8......Help Needed !!!!!!!!

Tight Lines
Tight Wraps
Fishin'Stix by Fred

Check out Snake Brand Guides web site for additional sizes os Agate guides

Thanks
Keith Lovegrove