I have noticed that when ordering tip tops, the standoff dimension of a tip top is lower than the standoff dimension of the corresponding guide size. I believe that the tip tops are probable sized by the cone of flight method. As a consequence, I tend to order a tip with a ring size greater than the first guide. I believe that fly guides would work or at least be closer. I would like to maintain a straight line path while keeping tip weight down. Are there any manufacturer's who are on board with the NGC and produce a tip which is in line with the next guide?

Just wrap a guide as the tip top. Problem solved.

I was thinking of trying that but I just am not too fond of the look. Would it be possible to dissect a tip top (separate the tube from the bracing/ring) and superglue a single foot guide to the tube, then wrap over the guide foot? Has anyone tried this?

That's certainly an interesting idea. Not sure the superglue buys you anything, but wrapping and finishing the wrap holding the guide to the tube should be all you need in that regard.

...........

How about just using an unbraced tip top?

The issue I see is that with the NGC one of the goals is to establish a straight line path from the choker guide, through the running guides and out the tip. The tips on the market are sized according to the cone of flight theory. So after the NGC is set up, there is an offset in the line pathfrom the first running guide to the tip. Using a lrger ringed tip may alleviate this somewhat depending on the configuration of the guides and tip. Now, it may not make a huge difference, but the way I see it, if we are following a system, then it behooves us to make the system work as well as possible. It seems to me that the fly guides seem to line up better with the tips than the spinning or casting guides, but even some match guides that I have from H & H, exhibit the same issue.

Not to step on your toes -- but they work It's a fishing rod get one the same size as the running guides and another one size larger Test cast both

Your going to give your self a hart attack

Bill - willierods.com

John,
I have to agree with Bill.
To go a bit futher, just build your rod, leaving the tip off.

Then, get a dozen tip sizes varying from the very smallest to the largest that will fit on y our rod.

To temporary installs, do some test casts, and line retreives, and see if the size of the tip makes any difference.

If you do find that there is any difference, let us all know.

From the standpoint of casting and retreiving, I would be very much suprised that even if you had a size 8 running guide and then went to a size 3 tip that you would actually find any difference.

But if you do, please let us know.

Roger

Bill, I did that. The one that is one size larger casts better (not a scientific test mind you).

No offense, but your point is strange considering that a hand line in the hands of a skilled fisherman will still catch fish. Trying to make things better is what fuels innovation. If mankind thought adequate was OK, then many things that we use everyday would not exist - stepping down off soapbox.

Then tell all the makers of guides to make them the way you want or make your own

Why not just use the larger ring ?? If it casts better maybe with the larger ring any knots will pass though better A good thing.

or get several different tops from several different manufactures and try them out

Why is it strange You have parts try them all to get what you think is the better one You have only what is out NOW

Bill - willierods.com



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 07/22/2011 03:02PM by bill boettcher.

Funny, I found the larger tip didn't perform as well. Could be that the tip of the rod was rather light and the larger tip top was heavier.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

Then again who's guides are you using ???

Bill - willierods.com

John,
I've used a fly rod tip top on a MH spinning rod.
No issues so far and the rod has been in service over a year.

Eugene Moore

John, you posed an interesting question. What about getting an unbraced tip top and bending the ring up? or using a bigger tube and set the tip so it sits higher? they both have drawbacks. it seems like your best option may be to use a running guide as a tip top.

a question, did your testing show any appreciable difference?