Tonight while I was laying out the guides for a 2S66MHF (i'm using size 4 BLAG's for the runners) I noticed that a size 4 BLAG will fit snugly into the tip of the rod. I know that some guys wrap a "micro" guide on the tip in place of a tip-top, but has anyone ever used one that is inserted into the tip of the rod for use as a tip-top? Is this a good idea? I would use tip-top adhesive to glue it in place and I would then wrap the tip of the rod. I'm not sure that this would be enought to hold it in place and I'd like the opinion of someone who's been doing this alot longer than me.

thanks,
jeremy

Jeremy,

I have not done that before, but my 1st thought is that you would be applying stress to the tip of the rod. I am thinking that it could possibly split open the tip of the blank, or weaken it. I have come up with a fool proof way of splitting micro tops, I will be unveiling it here in the coming weeks.

Steve

Steve Bro
(BroCo Custom Rods)

My concern would be that the thickness if the blank would intrude into the space of the guide rings opening. Which is critical on the tip as the line often bends at this point creating a chance of restriction (friction) with heavier lines to begin with.
This has been apart of the challenge of developing a good micro tip with larger tubes because they create the same effect by intruding into the rings space.

Has anyone used the match rod tip tops with any success?

i.e. Fuji BNMVAT

Thanks,
Rick

Yes

Steve,

That's a very good point. I just looked and the thickness of the blank does not protrude into the guide ring opeing. However, after the tip is wrapped and epoxied, there would definitely be some intrusion into the guide ring opening.

I just taped up the guides and used a BFAT 6 for the tip top. I took the rod down to the pond and casted it a few times. I was using 14lb mono with a 3/4oz crankbait and I could easily cast it 70 yards (the diameter of the pond). For me, there's no substitute for the benefit of using the smallest guides that will do the job.

Thanks for your input,
jeremy

Why not look at a 5 or a 6 with a tube to fit the blank ???

Bill - willierods.com

Batson has size 4 ring tiptops-check out the "hot specials" area of Schneiders Rod Shop site, to the left.