I'm a big fan of using a minima guides on my fly rods and as a tip top. I've had no problems on my 5 wt. or 8 wt. But, I'm wondering if the same would hold true for a heavier weight rod like 10/11 that would be used in saltwater for bonefish, permit, tarpon, peacock bass etc.? I'm assuming it would work fine. But, we know about assuming. I'm not usually fishing for, or, catching fish the size that you might tie into in the salt. Smallmouth fight hard. But, not quite the hurt that some of these fish can put on equipment. Maybe somebody out there has some experience with this situation.
Thanks
Todd

I use Minima guides on all my fly rods now, and for the past few years, in fact.

If you have qualms about the guide durability, use the double foot casting version for your running guides. I would install an SIC ceramic tiptop.

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I don't have any questions about their durability. I like the high framed Minimas for the stripping guides.
I just don't like the Minima tips because they're not stainless framed and they're heavier than the titanium tips. But, a Minima guide as a tip top is even 1/2 the weight of the titanium tip. So, the reduced weight at the tip is a plus. I use a few locking wraps and haven't had any problems with the guide moving.
But, I haven't put them to the test that some of the fish I mentioned would put them under. Just wondering if it would stand up to the stress. Not the guide itself. But, the technique.

Todd: What size minima would you use as an 8 wt. tip-top and how do you make your connection between fly line and leader?

I got size #6 running guides and same for tip. Connection is loop to a furled leader.

Todd: Is your connection loop-to-loop or a nail knot? The diameter of the leader-to-line connection becomes critical with 8 wt. and up fly lines and necessarily thick leader butts when you use small diameter guides and tip-tops.

It's a loop to loop connection which I think may be more bulky than the nail knot. Haven't had any problems with size #6 runners or tip with the 8 wt. line. I would figure on size #7 runners and tip on a 10/11 wt. Could even use a size #8 guide for tip if need a bit larger.

I use Minima's exclusively for my personal rods. For rods that will consistently throw 8 wt lines and up, I use size 7 runners and a size 8 tip top guide that I wrap using a slightly modified Forhan locking wrap. I have plenty of clearance for bulky loops, but I prefer nail knots as my line/leader connection.

Sounds good.
I'm surprised more folks haven't chimed in. I figured more would see the benefits of using a guide in place of a standard tip tops.
Still kind of wondering how it will hold up to big game fish. I'm guessing if wrapped and finished properly, will hold up as well as a standard tip.

Todd,

I'm a big fan too of using a single foot guide (the same as the "runners") instead of a normal tip top. I been doing it for a long time on all my rods (Spinning and fly). I've never had an issue. I see no downside other than it's a little awkward to bind , but not difficult, and it looks a little different. The single foot guide plus the binding and epoxy is much lighter than a conventional tip top and I think it has a substantial difference on the rod's performance.

I like the Minima's too and use them almost every rod. I tried as small as #4 on fly rods but found they were too small for the connections. Now I use #5 on most fly rods. For 10/11# I'd probably use #6. That will give you a much wider opening than a #6 guide with a ceramic insert.

Todd,

I'm a big fan too of using a single foot guide (the same as the "runners") instead of a normal tip top. I been doing it for a long time on all my rods (Spinning and fly). I've never had an issue. I see no downside other than it's a little awkward to bind , but not difficult, and it looks a little different. The single foot guide plus the binding and epoxy is much lighter than a conventional tip top and I think it has a substantial difference on the rod's performance. (I don't understand why tip tops even exist except for maybe heavy saltwater rods.)

I like the Minima's too and use them almost every rod. I tried as small as #4 on fly rods but found they were too small for the connections. Now I use #5 on most fly rods. For 10/11# I'd probably use #6. That will give you a much wider opening than a #6 guide with a ceramic insert.

I also have been using single foot guides as the tip top on all my personal rods. I have never had a problem with the fuji Hardloys or Alconites, solid Titanium Fujis also have been good.

I am also building a 11' 9/10 WT Switch rod right now and it uses Three solid Titanium Batson Stripper guides and all the rest of the guides are Pac Bay Titanium Minima's including the tip top as a single foot fly guide.

I did find the Minima's to be a bit too flexible to my taste, I was able to bend the guide very easily with just my fingers and I am not sure just how durable they will be on this heavier rod. I am assumming the Minima's as suppossed to flex like that on purpose. Its almost like these guides are actually a Titanium alloy and not solid Titanium like the Fujis.

We will see how this pacbay Ti Minima holds up as a tip top.