Building a 5wt and an 8wt. There are options for small, large, and x large tip tops. What are the standards for each wt?Thanks. Gary

It mostly depends upon the size of knots you use. You do not want a knot getting hung-up when landing a fish, it does not matter when casting as the knots are outside the tip. Most of my customers prefer the large loop regardless of rod weight.

Ok. Great input. Thanks.

What is the size of the guide located closest to the tip top? You may want a proportional look. But as stated, the most important thiing is for knots to clear the tip top.

I'll check. The rod I've built so far the tip top isn't proportional. I'm using the recoil titanium and they come in 3 sizes.

Those recoil titanium tip tops are very light, so you could use an oversize tip top without measurable harm to casting. My personal opinion is oversized tip tops are unnecessary for anything much lighter than a 12 wt. and they look clumsy too. Anglers whose casting stroke creates a twisted line might benefit from a large-opening tip top.

Then of course comes the question ot do you affix the tip top with epoxy or with meltable tip top glue in case it ever breaks or cracks? I promote the latter approach.

I use tip top glue. It's actually a moot point. The recoil large tip top doesn't size small enough for the 5wt.

Kind of always thought the REC tip top of any kind looked like they were made out of tin cans.

Spencer, i,m still rolling on the floor!

REC tip tops are homely as a board fence. I suspect the swaged aluminum tube is necessary because the loop can't be soldered or brazed or welded to the tube because of the nature of the NiTi alloy - so the legs must be pressed into the tube.

I like the look of them. Old school look.

REC doesn't use aluminum tubes any longer.
Been years.

I loved them for their weight.
Now made of stainless steel - heavier.
Changed when they came to market with black guides Stainless was able to be colored black.
Herb

I've been using the titanium guides although I don't believe the tip top is.

Ae the new REC NiTi loop and stainless steel tube tip-tops joined by welding or soldering, or are they still swaged together? Some rod-builders prioritize function, others prioritize appearance.

I don't understand why anyone uses a tip top. I haven't used one for many years (fly, casting and spinning rods). I just bind on a single foot running guide (using a locking wrap) at the very end of the rod, identical to all the other running guides. The weight of the thread plus epoxy is much lighter that the weight of a tube and you can really feel the difference especially on light rods. (Of course most people who use tube type tip-tops also use a short trim thread wrap plus epoxy for aesthetics anyway). Compare the weight difference between a tip top and a running guide with the same ring diameter. The weight difference is very significant (and it is located where it matters most).



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 11/04/2020 11:43PM by David McDonough.