I am about to build two new flyrods a10 weight and a 12 weight. I am going with black pearl recoil snakes, but for stripping guides I am a bit uncertain. Originally I thought of minima type either size 20 and 16 ( or maybe 12 instead).
Before, I started to think REC ceroil with ceramic inserts or maybe REC ordinary fly stripper guides without inserts. Rods are gong to be used in Baja Mexicoand power Pro braid as backing. If not ceramic inserts, I do not need to worry about breakage . Any opinion what to choose? Is a combination of 20-12 stripping guides better than 20- 16 or 16-12?



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 11/21/2024 06:01AM by Terje Bendiksby.

Fly rods only have one stripping guide (the guide closest to the reel). Normally on the larger line weight fly rods I will use two ceramics, high frame spinning types in sizes 16 and 10. On a 12 I have used 16, 10 and an 8 due to the greater lifting power in the butt of these rods. Even if you use non-ceramics for the running guides, I'd use a ceramic tiptop and stripper, plus one or perhaps two beyond the stripper, prior to the running guides.

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

Terje
I only build fly rods - for 25 yrs.
I would use a #20 REC Cerecoil or #20 Fuji Ti Torzite stripper.
Then #16 of above.
I also like to use a #12 ceramic.
For runners I would use one #5 or 6 REC S/F Then the rest #4's
Or Snakebrand snakes ( not S/F) runners.
Herb

As Tom indicates, technically only the first guide is the stripping guide, you may choose 1 or two additional of the same exact type, but they are technically not stripping guides.

Guide size is personal preference. IMHO I don't think you need to go larger than size 16 on the stripping guide, but you can certainly use a 20 if you want. I would use a Cerecoil or another brand's titanium double foot guide with ceramic type insert.

You could go size 16 to size 12 to running guides, certainly on the 10 wt, or 16-12-8, or if you want 20, 16, 12 on the 12 wt or both. Your choice.

The larger guides will of course add some weight, but on a 10- and 12-wt fly rod that will be negligible.

Running guides need only be large enough to enable your line to leader connection to smoothly pass through. Size 3 or 4 Recoil would be fine. You can taper down to the final running guide size or just go directly to all the same size running guides from the last ceramic guide. It is an aesthetic choice rather than one of function.

Thanks for good help and input. I have ordered Cerecoil guides and I have the option to choose ceramic top. My running snake guides will probably be one size bigger than your suggestion, basically because I have a bunch of black recoil guides.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/22/2024 03:02AM by Terje Bendiksby.

IMO - nix the ceramic tip top ring.
Why do you think you need it?
Too much weight at tip of rod.
What size Recoil runners are you using?
You're talking $15 to get proper size.
With all You're spending - what's another $15
Herb



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/22/2024 11:15AM by Herb Ladenheim.

Herb Ladenheim Wrote:
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> IMO - nix the ceramic tip top ring.
> Why do you think you need it?
> Too much weight at tip of rod.
> Herb

I always weight my tip top ring ( and the guides) before I wrap the blank. I probably will not use ceramic tip, due to the weight issue The reason I am thinking about is my backing PE braiding it might be though on the plated tip top. On the other hand; I never had issue with braid and non ceramic tip top ring.
Maybe I was overthinking and will stick with what I already have ordered.

Terje
Gotcha
Herb

As to backing, that is your choice and not sure how often you will get into your backing, but the more coarse the texture of the backing, the more you chance to create friction on your guides and wear grooves into them. I am not sure how a braided line for backing compares to normal fly fly backing or gel spun, but I would go with the least abrasive.

On 10’s I like 16-12-8 the 4/4 to tip with snakes or Herbs rec for SF.

Hollow core is a bit softer than power pro for the backing. Cortland or Threadlock are the two I have used.