More questions on the fly stuff today. I have a guy looking for an 8wt fly rod and he said he will be using it in salt water. What do I need to look for in the seat? Will a standard wood insert style be okay ? I was planning on REC titanium guides. Will there be any issues with cork?
Thanks
Mark

Cork and titanium guides are fine. Some wood seats will be okay - if they are stablized, etc. But I'd opt for any of the good nylon-graphite seats. They just work and work and work.

..............

As always - except regarding ceramic runners for fly rods :-)) - Tom is correct.

BTW - REC Recoil are a Nickel Titanium Alloy. Just as stain/corrosion free - but harder than pure Titanium.
Cork is great. I use REC RSLL aluminum seats for 8 weights. I like the way that they hold the reel foot. IMO - the fancier TruTrak RFTS do not hold the reel foot as well.
Yes - wood is good AS LONG AS STABILIZED. But you should be aware that there is stabilized and STABILIZED. IMO - the best stabilizing is done by Mike at [www.stabilizedwood.com].
The stuff I purchased on @#$%& was not nearly as good. Mike's wood buffs-up to a high shine and is more impervious to water.
If you're not going to turn your own wood - consider REC's stabilized wood inserts.
Herb
CTS

I like the aluminum Alps seat for 8 wts. Whatever you use it will look and function just fine if you rinse with fresh water after every use in salt. Only takes a minute and is very effective.

Gentlemen, as always. Thank you. I have a few possible stabilized inserts I've turned. I've never fished in salt so I wasn't sure. My customer probably knows but I just want to be certain

I second the Alps for saltwater.

[getbitoutdoors.com]

This is the one I meant. Pricey, but an awesome seat, functionally and in appearance. [getbitoutdoors.com]

I've used the Alps Centra Lock Fly reel seat on a few builds. It's a beautiful seat, but I found there was always a little play with my Tibor reel feet. The flat section on the Alps Triangle (Recessed or Standard) work much better on the larger saltwater reels with no play.

I have used "fresh water" fly rods in salt water exclusively for over 20 years. I thoroughly rinse my fly rod - and reel, and line, and flies in fresh water - Immediately and Every Time after I use them in salt water. No problems.

I personally like to use the 3KFS. I love the carbon it adds to the build and the black aluminum hoods are the way to go for me. [www.americantackle.us]

The other option that came to my mind is the AL8. That fly seat I would use on a heavier outfit utilizing larger reels. It defiantly has a classic look to them and wont put a dent in the wallet. [www.americantackle.us]