I'm looking for recommendations for a micro guide transition for a 7'2 ml using a 3000 or 2500 spinning reel. I was considering 20 10 and a 5 fly guide with 5 micro to tip. Any input would be appreciated . Thanks

What size line are you using? With a limp mono (8lb. or less) or braid, you can use those sizes without issue. In fact, that is where I would start with my test casting. If you can get by with the lighter guide train and still have adequate casting distance, I would do it.

With heavier stiffer lines, the height of the 20 starts to become an issue as you move toward the 3000 sized reel. In that case, a 25, 16, 8, (Y frame) 5 fly at the choker location and then your running guides will work well. If you want a little extra height and still choke the line down a little quicker, try a 25, 12 Y frames and then your 5 fly.

My best advice is to keep a set of reduction guides in Y frames from 25 mm or 30 mm down to 6 mm on hand to tinker with during test casting. Get the cheapest model you can for the set (which I tend to use anyway as the aluminum oxide rings and steel frames work well for what I do most of the time). If you decide to use Ti frames, upgraded inserts, or different frame colors, you can order exactly what you need. I also encourage adding sets of different frame heights to see how they relate in terms of ring size and guide height. It's a quick way to spend $50 or so, but it is well worth the money spent.

Joe Vanfossen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> What size line are you using? With a limp mono
> (8lb. or less) or braid, you can use those sizes
> without issue. In fact, that is where I would
> start with my test casting. If you can get by
> with the lighter guide train and still have
> adequate casting distance, I would do it.
>
> With heavier stiffer lines, the height of the 20
> starts to become an issue as you move toward the
> 3000 sized reel. In that case, a 25, 16, 8, (Y
> frame) 5 fly at the choker location and then your
> running guides will work well. If you want a
> little extra height and still choke the line down
> a little quicker, try a 25, 12 Y frames and then
> your 5 fly.
>
> My best advice is to keep a set of reduction
> guides in Y frames from 25 mm or 30 mm down to 6
> mm on hand to tinker with during test casting.
> Get the cheapest model you can for the set (which
> I tend to use anyway as the aluminum oxide rings
> and steel frames work well for what I do most of
> the time). If you decide to use Ti frames,
> upgraded inserts, or different frame colors, you
> can order exactly what you need. I also encourage
> adding sets of different frame heights to see how
> they relate in terms of ring size and guide
> height. It's a quick way to spend $50 or so, but
> it is well worth the money spent.

Actually I was going to use a 15# braid. I'll take your advice and grab a bunch of guides. The reason I'm asking is I really like working with Alps guides. If I can get away with using them as much as possible I do. I've done the Kr concept, mw guides and ngc. I thought I would try Y guides with micro this time. Thanks for your detailed information.

With 15 lb. braid, the 20 - 10 should work very well, but it never hurts to check another setup too. I'm a big fan of the Alps Y guides as well, and think you will be pleased with them in this application.

I have also used the Alps Y guide / F guides for a handful builds. I also agree with Joe - get one Y of each size and you're covered ! Then just fill in the sizes that you have used from your "set" on your next order. I always have one of each size, and try several setups with different guide sizes to see what is going to be the best for the particular reel and line that will be used.
Rog

Me too!