Have a request to build a 80 lb class tuna rod with a spiral wrap and he wants Fuji SiC guides - but I'm unable to find a roller tip-top that will work - the All American @#$%& only goes up to a 18 and it does not look like regular roller tip-tips will work flipped over. So, looking at larger diameter traditional tip-tips.. the Fuji SiC only goes to an 18 as well....

Looks like AT has one with a "halide" ring that will go large enough - but not sure about that materials hardness, etc..

any recommendations?

Michael,
What size do you wish for the tip ring and what size is the diameter of the rod blank tip?

Michael,
You are correct; All American Roller Guides are the only rollers designed for spiral wraps; conventional rollers will not work. You are also apparently correct that the largest tip tube size Fuji offers is the HGST-18.
Dang, you have a fat-tipped blank! I can only assume you are measuring with calipers, and possibly a few times; none the less, consider re-measuring and even letting someone else measure (sometimes we all cannot see the forest through the trees). I would think blank manufacturers are fully aware of tips with tube sizes which are common and easily available and build their blanks accordingly. My 80lb Calstar tuna rod has a #12 tip and my 100lb Seeker is a #14 (both spiraled with full sets of AA Rollers). Battling large, powerful fish is certainly no time to compromise on the quality of the guides. I hate to say it but if you cannot find the best quality tip in a size to fit your blank, find another blank! I think a roller tip (if not all the guides) is a wise choice for 80+rods! Just out of curiosity, what blank do you have?

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

Roger - I think we're doing with size 12 rings.... the tip is a size 24 (or a snug hair larger).

Mark - the blank is a Seeker IGFA80 - its a stout rod for sure :) - I have one Aftco roller tip already in hand that was going to be used and it sits snuggly on the tip.

I did find some ALPS tip-tops that go that large - though not sure they have them with the Zirconium rings - and he's pretty stuck on needing the SiC for hardness (though do not think he's going to wire-line - just think he "wants the best") ....

Michael,
The Aftco roller top will not work for spiral-wrapped guides! All American Roller Guides are the ONLY that will!
I am confused with the numbers you afforded Roger, especially “the tip is a size 24 (or a snug hair larger).” A size 24 tip = 24/64in = 3/8in (.375in)!!! I seriously doubt your blank tip is that large! Even your previously mentioned size 18 = 18/64in = 9/32 (.281in) is huge for an 80lb rod. Again, my SeekerCTF63XXH tip is a size 14 = 14/64 = 7/32 (.218in) and that is a 100lb blank. Seriously consider re-measuring; something is out of whack.
Your choice of size 12 ring running guides will certainly work but may be larger than required; 10s or 8s will get the job done. I suspect you have chosen Fuji HBSGs which would be a good choice. If so, consider reversing the reduction guides with the long legs pointing forward; not that it is of real concern but such will eliminate line slap on the legs and it will drive the deckhands crazy. One way or the other, if you do not already know and employ it, learn the FG knot; simply put it is ultimately the strongest and smallest diameter braid-to-leader knot!

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

That blank is listed as a tip being size 23 or 9.1mm , wow thats a telephone pole

Fishing is not a matter of life or death, it's much more important than that

Michael,
Do you have the blank in your possession to actually measure the tip or are you relying on the printed specs that John found? I still cannot imagine a blank with a 3/8 tip diameter; that’s more than a telephone pole, that’s a bridge support! If such is the case, make your life easy, bite the bullet, learn from the experience, and get rid of it and get a proper sized blank. I will say that thread wrapping the tip would certainly be less frustrating!

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

Have the blanks in hand. Have a Aftco size 24 roller top and it just barely fits. It’s a broom stick for sure - not sure how I’ll static test it - lol. But it’s the specific blank he specified.... think he was mirroring this off another semi-custom rod.

We are going to have a talk about if this is what he truly wants / needs for the use....



Oh - and the FG knot is the bomb!

Hello Michael.

Here are my picks, one for non-roller and one roller.

XBBRHT Boat Tops

SKU: #XBBRHT

$6.59 to $7.63

Black SS Frame | Halide Ring | Spinning, Casting & Saltwater


Size

12

Tube Size

10.0 (~4.0mm)

12.0 (~4.8mm)

14.0 (~5.6mm)

16.0 (~6.4mm)

18.0 (~7.0mm)

20.0 (~7.9mm)

22.0 (~8.7mm)

24.0 (~9.5mm)

25.0 (~9.9mm)

26.0 (~10.3mm)

28.0 (~11.1mm)


Will this work for a roller?

AFTCO Super Heavy Duty Swivel Tops

SKU: #STOP

$92.00 to $111.00

Chrome Plated Frame | Silicon Carbide (SiC) Ring

Option

Black

Chrome


Size

14/64"

16/64"

18/64"

20/64"

22/64"

24/64"

26/64"

28/64"

30/64"

32/64"

Hope this is useful.


Tight Wraps & Tighter Lines.

Bob,

New Bern, NC.