I am new to custom fishing rod building and I am confused by tip top sizing terms. I see that a particular rod blank has a tip size listed as 8.
When I look up tip top guide size one I see is listed as Size: 8(8) ~ 3.2mm tube. Would this be the correct tip top to order for a rod blank having size 8 tip? Does a rod blank with a size 8 tip mean it has a tip diameter of 3.2 mm?

Thank you in advance for your help,

Harry

The tip size is in 64ths of an inch. So a blank with a tip size of 8 is 8/64 which equals 0.125 inches. Multiply that by 25.4 to convert to millimeters and you get 3.175 mm.

When you look at tips to buy there is the "ring size" and the "tube size". You would need a tube size of 8 and whatever ring size you decide on, typically whatever your smallest guide is.

Just in case you didn't know guide sizes are in millimeters and are the outside diameter of the ceramic material the ring is made from. Therefore different brands/materials will have different inside diameters for the same stated size.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

Thanks Russ

When you order your blank,buy the tips with it . Have the dealer fit the tip to the Blank, no mistakes. Or buy the size listed plus one size smaller and one size larger

I for one applaud Alex for trying to wean builders off of the antiquated 64th system and listing the Kigan tips by the actual mm size of the tubing used. The tip manufacturers are buying tubing in .2mm increments so it would be nice if the blank manufacturers would go along and everybody could get on the same page.

Also get a sizing guide I like the PacBay and save some time If 1/2 MM larger you can wrap with A thread and glue
Usually I scrap the tip to get a better fit and bond

Like said have the supplier size it for you

Bill - willierods.com



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/23/2012 11:41AM by bill boettcher.