I'm sure this has been discussed before, but I couldn't find exactly what im looking for using the search function... I've purchased a sage 7100-3 sp blank for a lake erie/ontario steelhead rod and i would like advice for guides. I am leaning towards using two df ceramic guides and then sf recoils to the top. Usually, for any flyrod I build that is larger than a 3wt I use ceramic guides. I am hesitant to use ceramic guides on this rod because the rod will get a lot of use below freezing temps and I have to use larger guides due to ice building up inside the guides. | want to minimize weight as much as possible and i think using ceramic guides would make the rod too chunky. I'm looking at size 7 ceramics, size 4 sf recoils, or size 2/0 df snakes for running guides. I have used recoils before and the noise they make is not an issue. I am hesitant to use ceramics because I think hanging 9 size 7s is awfully heavy and I think the df snakes would also be heavy because of the extra finish needed for two wraps. Also, If anyone has contact information for anglers roost, I would appreciate it - they are in my neck of the woods and would probably be able to steer me in the right direction. Any advice is appreciated, thanks in advance.

No doubt in my mind - the REC s/f recoils. I would also go with a REC recoil tip-top.
The #4's are a good choice. I use those on all my 9 - 11 wts.
Herb

Mike....

I agree with Herb 100%. The RECOILS are far superior to any ceramic guide in cold weather and will build up with ice 75% less.

Paul