I just received a great looking flamed Payne 100 4wt from Anglers Roost. I also received a set of guides but just looked up an old post that suggested different size guides (2- #1/0, 3- #1, 4- #2 $ 1- #20). [www.rodbuildingforum.com]

My set came with 8- #2/0, 6- #3, 1- #6, 1- #16 & 1- #20). What do you think, should I use the ones I have or duck out and pick up the recommended sizes?

If it were me, I'd go something like #12, #8 and then snakes in all the same size. You don't need all those different sizes - they do nothing for you other than add a little unnecessary weight.

However, if you put the guides that you have on the rod, you'll find it will work just fine. Don't expect to gain much of anything, if anything, from the other set.

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There's no good reason to use a stripper any bigger than size 10 on a bamboo rod of any line weight, I would never use anything bigger than a 8 on a 4 weight bamboo rod. From there use 2 each size 2 ,1, 1/0 and 2/0. I would have to look it up to be sure, but Payne might have put 10 guides on that rod, I usually use 9 on a 7'6" rod, stripper and 2 size 2 snake guides on the butt, the other sizes 2 each on each tip. I don't know where your guide sizes that you got with the rod came from,they look very strange to me. I don't even know what 16 and 20 could look like, spinning rod guides?
john

A #10 or #12 should be more than large enough for a stripping guide on a 4wt rod. I think you will like the way the rod performs much better of you stay with smaller guides.