Hi All, I'm trying to decide upon the optimum single-foot fly guide for my fly rod building, and I'm looking for opinions. Obviously it's a compromise between cost and effectiveness and I'm hoping I can get some suggestions of the optimum trade off between the two. So If you can help I'll be pleased to hear from you.
cheers
David w



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/19/2009 09:59AM by david williams1.

I would take a hard look at the Pacific Bay Minima 4 guides.

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Tom, are the I.D. of the Model F Minima 4 guides in size 4 big enough for fishing 4-6 wt. fly lines and leaders rigged with nail knots or are they too small like the size 4 ceramics? I would like to try a fly rod project with the Minima 4 guides and want to use the smallest that will work well with nail knots (not loop to loop) and 4-6 wt. lines. Thanks for your "guide"ance.

They possess about the same size opening as a #6 or #7 ceramic guide.

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Thanks, I'll order a set and give them a try.

Unless the rod is going to get tons of use - choose what you think looks good. The difference in cost is relatively low. I've always used the various pac-bay fly guides because they hold up well and have a number of options that... well... I think are purty :)

Another option to consider is the recoil guides. I like them for travel rods and backwoods rods that might take a little more rough handling and abuse.

If you are trying to design the ultimate in performance, then it might take a bit more research - including those minima guides. Otherwise, I always choose what looks good.

My opinion is definitely worth exactly what you paid for it.

Thanks guys, where's a good place to buy the pac bay minima4 guides?
cheers
David

Only two places I know of stock them. Binghams and Schneiders.