Is there a "better" top for a 5 wt fly rod than the REC titanium loop top with the al tube? I used to us Fuji titanium with the gold ring and have one, but it seems heavier. Is the ring material worth the extra weight in the top?

I don't know of a tiptop I'd rather have on my 5 than the REC.

But any brand wire loop tiptop will work fine, and be lighter than a ceramic ring tiptop, I believe. We have some real fly experts on here, so I'm sure more to come from some knowledgeable people.

Bill

My question for you is exactly what do you hope to accomplish?

In a salt water environment is difficult to imagine anything better than an REC Ti tip top. But a 5 weight is mid weight with limited usefulness in the salt. For a 7 weights and less I use the Snake Brand tip tops which I think a quality product, and REC Ti tip tops for 8 weights and above. Never had a problem with either, and tip top replacement is quick and easy.

For a 5wt rod used primarily in fresh water (does not need to be exclusive) any brand of wire tip tops will work fine. Large loop is preferred by many. All the major suppliers on the left have them. I build only fly rods and use mostly Batson products.

Bill,
A simple wire loop works very well and is very light.

Use tip top cement to adhere it to the blank.

Keep some spares on hand and if you ever have an issue, just pop a new one on the rod in about a minute.

Good luck

Thanks. Gonna go with the REC tip. I thought the insert tip might be better for playing fish, etc. but have decided the fine tip of the rod puts so little force on the rod that there probably will not be any difference. Had a tip in the drawer anyway. Gonna have to order another couple for the build it was intended for. I do use heat based top cement and use Tom's method of over wrapping to secure it. Never had one come loose

Bill
You will have a problem buying an REC tip-top with aluminum tube.
they were discontinued a couple of years ago in favor of stainless. Not as light as aluminum. I bought-up all I could.
What size do you need?
Herb

I weighed standard large and medium Fly tip tops and they are heavier than Fuji SS framed Alconite or Ti SIC. The aluminum tube RECs are lighter though, but are kinda of ugly. I have used them on a few builds and really after it is all put together you can hardly tell how ugly they are.

Never been a big fan of the REC tops, the nicest ones I have found and use are the Snake Brand fly tops.