So I've finished 2 "Micro" rods and I'm in the process of deciding on a blank for a flipping stick. In looking at all of the micro tip tops, the biggest tube ID that I can find is 5.5. The Blanks that I'm considering have tips that measure out around 7 or greater, so what has been the solution to this problem? Obvious answers include using a different tip top in a bigger ring ID, but I do recall reading something about "splitting" a tip top. Is that correct and if so please explain. Thanks

Joe

Joe

The tip that I split is a Fuji BFAT 4.5(3.9) which means that the largest tube size is size 3.9. However it is not a practical solution for tip sizes greater than 5.5 or 6.0. With heavy rods and tips the size you mention, I find the best solution is to simply use a regular tip with a size 6 ring. Might look a little different but it sure is practical.

The split top may not be functional for the blank you are describing. Even if it is windowed the ring height will not clear the large diameter of the blank if the bracing sysem is left intact. I only split the Fuji micro top 4538 for installation on blank with tip tip diameter up to 5.5.

I am delivering extra heavy duty flipping sticks to tournament fishermen using braced tip tops with a size six ring -

For a heavy duty flipping stick please consider the Castaway XP3 BB2 listed on the linked site: I have completed micro builds on this XH blank, rated to 2.5 ounce lure wt, under a total rod weight of 5.5 ounces. The guys using these rods are requesting larger rear sections of two piece grips for full grasp it they decide to long range throw heavy swim baits as well.

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Thanks for responding so quickly. That helps me immensely in figuring out the layout for this flipping stick.

After reading and looking into this so deeply, I'm convinced that one of the manufacturers needs to build a "braced" micro top.

As a side note, I've narrowed my blank choices down to a castaway or a St. Croix.

My suggestion as well as others who have been using Micro guides for some time when building flipping/pitching sticks
DON'T USE MICRO TIPS ON FLIPPING STICKS!!

Not because of tube size, but for larger line clearance [rodbuilding.org]
and structural strength afforded by the larger tips.
Especially when using faster reels were you tend to reel the jig into the tip several times a day when reeling and looking at you next spot opposed to looking at your jig smashing into the tip.

I seem to replace more 6 to 8mm tips every year on flipping/pitching sticks then most other rods. Last thing I want to do is give them a tip with less material and strength to combat with.

Steve, you are right on the money.
Jeff

I recently finished up a couple "micro" rods and used a Fuji Alconite 6mm tip. It looks huge on the end of the rod compared to the running guides, but they both cast very well. Now if we could get rid of the 20+ inches of ice on the lakes I could give 'em a test on a fish...

I use the smallest tube & ring I can find. I have a bad habit of reeling the main line and shock leader knot into the top. I started by wrapping a guide but after replacing a couple of guides I got lazy and just use the smallest top I can get.