Hello!
I'm building a 8'6 4wt. (Yes, that famous SCIII!) and am still deciding on what type of guides to use. I have built all previous rods using double-foot snake guides, based on advice from a rod class instructor. I would like to experiment with single-foot guides though, but am a bit confused on how to size them as compared to snakes.
A search of the archives failed to resolve my main question:
On this rod, if using double-foot snakes, I would start with two strippers, 12, 10, and then go 5,4,4,3,3,3,2,2, and tip. If I were to use the single-foot, ceramic-insert guides, what sizes would I use to be comparable with those of the listed snakes? (Most ring sizes that I see in catalogs are 6,7,8, and 10mm.) Also, are their any recommended brands ("favorites") of single-foots guides?
Thanks a bunch for the help! Much appreciated! Mike

I have always had good luck with the Fuji brand guides. Although some others might be just as good.

I would suggest a couple of NSG or SVSG strippers in sizes 12 and 10, and then single foot SG type in 8 - 7 - 6 - 6 - 6 - 6 - 6 - 6 and top. I have used this set up a number of times and it works very well. I don't know how it compares to snakes. Once I tried these guides I have never looked back.

Mike and Mike,
The guide size comparisons sound about right.
For single foot fly guides I've recently received from Batson Enterprises the Forecast TiN ring and TiCh ring with the lite ticarb frames. These are cosmetically very attractive. I've mentioned before that I love using tigold on spinning and casting rods. The ring material dissipates heat the best, is very smooth and nearly as hard as SiC.
Also I just am a sucker for the look, feel, and lightweight of titanium.
The alloy plating process of these guides is assured by Batson quality and development with the good cooperation in the trusted manufacturing facilities.

The fly single foot tigold and tich ringed guides are now available. Also they can be incorporated with concept placement where very low profile guides and small rings are desired.

Another nice and inexpensive alternative to single foot fly guides are the new lite ticarb framed with black hardalloy ring. Extremely functional and still better attractive than standard stainless frames.

Try any of these and watch your line fly. Especially tigold and tich ring are primed for smoothness, performance and looks.

If you still want snakes, the ticarb plated snake guides we carry have a nice titanium color sheen and very smooth and long wearing, durable as they are attractive on any color fly blank you might choose.

Rich
Richard's Rod & Reel