OK so here's what I'm thinking... in an effort to keep weight down but protect and smooth things at the points were I think the most friction occurs, I plan to use PB Minima guides full length but lightweight ceramics at the stripping guide location and the tip top. My thinking is that due to the angle of the line against the tip top you have extra friction there. Then when you are really pulling on a fish, the stripping guide carries the bulk of the load. So this would smooth things out in the critical areas but leave me with minimum weight addition overall due to the Minima guides all along the rest of the rod. Am I all wet?

What weight line do you intend to use
All ( as fare as I see ) build a fly rod with a ceramic ring butt or stripper guide Then the minimas are a good choise The ( 4/s ) not the 3's

Bill - willierods.com

Randy,

I use the double foot minimas for the butt and 2nd guides, single foot minimas for the runners, and a regular loop for the tip top. I've used this setup for rods up to 8 weights (used to catch 30lb kings) with no issues.

jeremy

A fly line is softer than any tip top, wear from friction is not an issue unless the line is carrying a lot of dirt. Have many rods out that have light wire tip tops and there is no evident wear even after many years. With heavy rods fished for species that frequently get well into the fly line backing, a ceramic tip top might make sense.

The stripping guide does not carry the bulk of the load. The bulk will be in the tip and mid sections.

Form follows function. If light weight is your priority then minimas seem like a good choice. If casting distance is a priority some other guide may be preferable. What guides do distance fly-casting competitors use? If landing fish in difficult conditions is top priority what guide will most easily pass kinks, twists, and slip knots in line?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/25/2014 06:55PM by Phil Ewanicki.

Also
A Moderate rod with a soft action ( what blank ) will not handle a heavy guide on it It is like tying a rock to the tip it adds weight and slows the action a lot

Bill - willierods.com

There is very little friction between the line and guides on a cast. But significantly more so as you begin loading the rod with a fish.

While your plan may not be necessary, you're thinking is on the right path. If you feel good about it, do it. It's not going to harm anything. A ceramic tiptop will add a minute amount of additional weight, and all the way out there, but we're still talking little effect.

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