I'm building a 9' 9wt fly rod that will be exclusively used in saltwater, in the surf and inshore. I'm thinking about using fuji k guides with titanium frames starting with a kw 16 and then a kw12 for my reduction train. What would be the a good running guide size? Thanks

For that build I use single foot size 5 wire guides.

I would go light as possible with the stripper guides. Look at pac Bay minima 4 Ti coated. I believe the fuji K guides are overkill and there's no benefit from the design...IMO. For the runner guides I prefer snake style guides. Recoil or snake brand make a quality product. One size 6 or 5 then size 4 or 3 to the tip.

I use the Fuji K Ti frame and SiC or Torzite on all my fly rods now that the Ti V guides are discontinued. Doesn't give you the height like the V guides but I still like Fuji quality. If it is for yourself I would consider going with the Torzite for added diameter of opening.
If blank is fast I would use the SnakeBrand runners in a size 3 (I use 3's on my #10's) If the blank needs lighter runners then I would use REC Recoils in a #4. Same with the tip-top. If fast the SnakeBrand in the small ring. If slow then the REC Recoil in large ring.
I've had some bad snarls pulled through the SnakeBrand small ring tip top.
Herb

Herb the rod is for me and the action is fast... if I went with the torzite k guides would you recommend the 16 12 reduction train that I mentioned above or would you use something different?

Just curious. How do the torzite guides benefit a fly rod? # 16 guide retails for $32.00. Do the benefits outweigh the cost?

Grooving of guides is not a problem with full fly lines, but perhaps a problem if you use shooting heads with mono running line and do a LOT of casting. Fishing the surf with a 9 wt. rod is heavy duty stuff. I would go to two-foot guides for durability. Fly casters for distance and some surf fly casters are going to #20 stripping guides for increased distance. Small running guides look nice and save weight but tend to get torn off the rod when a big fish takes off and a snag in the fly line comes out of your shooting basket.

I do not think there is any additional benefit to using torzite guides over any other type of ceramic guides. A titanium frame helps with corrosion but the type of ceramic ring does not matter that much. You cannot cut or even scratch any type of ceramic ring with a hacksaw blade, therefore they will hold up just fine with any line you use. Basically only a diamond will cut any type of ceramic guide. Spend the extra money on the frame not the ring. Titanium alconite or equivalent is all you need. In addition, if you damage a guide it cost a lot less to replace. If you clean your gear after fishing stainless steel frames will hold up well.

Phil and Norman, thanks for the responses. I was hoping herb would respond since he recommended the torzite guides. I use double foot minima 4 guides for my fly rods and haven't had any issues fishing from boat or beach in Salt conditions. Phil made a good point about shooting head lines, but I still don't see the point in spending that much money for torzite. I feel it's better spent on the blank. Phil also mentioned using a size 20 stripper which I agree is a good idea. I use a high frame 20 on most of my rods. Great info fellas. Happy holidays! MH

Sometimes when you hook a good one that decides to leave the area in a hurry and before you get him on the reel your stripping hand feels a small tangle headed for your guide train. Lefty has a suggestion for this situation: turn your rod upside-down, which makes it easier for a small twist or tangle to pass through your guide train - but only if your rod is equipped with snake guides.