When setting up a micro guide rod, should the tip top match your running guides or be larger? I have read both ways here and just looking for some clarification.

I try and match but if match isn't available no harm in going one size bigger . . going smaller of course makes little sense then you might as well down size the runners too

So basically it depends on availability

The tip takes the most punishment from the line. My selection of tips are SIC grade or better.

It is not important if the tip matches the guides its durability that counts.

Bottom line it depends on how much one fishes. If one fishes once or twice a month probably any tip will suffice.

I do a lot of fishing and I really work my equipment hard and I never had any issues using SIC grade or better tips.

I try to use the same size tip as the last guide.

John

it depending on what I an using rod for
lighter rods I match size except when using 1.5 through 2.5 micros then I will go with 3mm top. (Not available in smaller sizes.)

on heavier rods will use 4mm tp 6mm top depending on technique using it for. heavier lines tend to bind when at an angle to top. (pitching,flipping) I'll use a 6mm
and I prefer the stouter tip for duability for throwing things like; ( big crank baits, A-rigs, heavier spinner baits, mega swim baits) 4mm through 6mm

here are a coupe older posts from 8 and 10 years ago that may help

[www.rodbuilding.org]

[www.rodbuilding.org]

Thank you for linking the old posts. That helped a lot!