I posted earlier about reel seats and had some good ideas, I'm thinking about a REC RFTS with a 1.5RCR removable radius fighting butt and was looking at titanium snake guides. I just wanted some input from some experienced builders on here. I'm building it for myself and just want the best of the best. I was looking at some other seats but I wasn't sure if I could put a removable butt on it so that's why I'm going with this. Is this a quality seat is my biggest question? I may use it for salt also. Any input would be great. Thanks, Lonny

Lonny,
I only use REC reel seats and I only fish the salt. But I use either the RSLL or the smaller RSLS. You can use either on the 8wt. The RFTS is the Tru Track model and more expensive but I do not like them at all because I don't find that they hold the reel foot as well as the RSLL or RSLS.
For that rod I would go with the REC Recoil guides - either snakes or single foot.
On the latest #8 I just built I used the REC RSPG spinning guides . The #10 just after my stripper . then the #8 then runners of #8L. They have legs that keep the line from coming in contact with the blank while casting, They are still light enough.
I use a very high stripper - a Fjui TSVSG - now discontinued. So the #10 may be too high and the ring on the #8 is too small for the guide right after the stripper. So you will hane to go with a #20 REC Recoil - then a #16 then the #8. Then #8L as runners
Sorry to through that curve ball - but you can always stay with conventional fly guides.
The REC Recoil are not Titanium - they are a nickel titanium alloy.
BTW - REC is coming out with a fly runner that has a good size leg to keep line off the blank. But it will catch the line in the "V" section of the guide. Unless they remedy I will not use it.
Herb

Lonny

I'm with Herb with regard to REC seats for heavier weights and those intended for salt. REC provides multiple fighting butt options. Just read the descriptions carefully to make certain you purchase the compatible seat, butt, and cork check options.

With regard to removable fighting butts, I am not a fan. My preference is for a permanently mounted butt.

With regard to guides, I freely admit to being a stuck in the mud traditionalist still using snake guides. I've used REC guides, have no complaints, but switched to Snake Brand years ago and thus far no runs, drips or errors. Drop Mike McCoy at Snake Brand a line and ask him about the third party testing of his guides in a salt environment. If nothing else you will have another data point for making a best of the best decision.

Finally, if you are new to the salt, and regardless of your final component selections, know that cleanliness is truly next to Godliness. While a quick wipe down and air dry can work for fresh water, in the salt there is no substitute for an end of day - every fishing day - thorough wash, rinse, and dry.

X2 on not liking removable fighting butts, I know no one, myself included who hasn't lost a removable butt. Also the hardware to make them removable is pretty heavy.

The problem with Sage blanks is that they need the extra length of a removable FB to reach a full 9'0". REC has two types of "ad-on" FB's. Fixed and removable. Get the fixed. Another problem with Sage blanks and REC FB's is that the FB maxes out at 1.5". I like at least a 1.75" FB
Herb

I ordered the RFTS and removable fb, after all the replies I'm thinking I'm gonna try to call them and change my order. Thanks everyone, been very helpful!. I believe the 896-4 is 9'6" and now I'm thinking of building my own FB. I've had the blank since before xmas and have been doing a LOT of research and looking, this has been the best info I have had. I don't have the option of looking at anything other than online and I'm definitely new at this. Gonna do a practice rod for my wife and hopefully get her into fly fishing. It's a 5wt mhx so I don't think I can go wrong with it! I'll use it if she don't! I'm still open for suggestions, I also was looking at some titanium snake guides, pretty pricey for sure, hope they are a good investment. Thanks again.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/02/2017 12:33AM by Lonny Lampshire.

Sage One 896-4B = 8WT 9'6" 4 piece Builders BLANK (not designated for factory finished production). I like these reel seats: Alps ALW-HERAWL2 & RAK7L2(TR), REC RGAL, Struble U-21 and Sea Guide TiFS, Guides: Fuji KW 16, 12 strippers REC Heavy duty RSNX(B) 4, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3 and a HH large loop TT. 11 guides and a tip top. I don't like single foot snakes so if you are thinking about those I would get ceramic single foot guides instead with 7 or 8 mm rings and add a running guide (12 guides and a TT). Just my 2 cents.

Lonny
before you build / install your grip and seat - measure all components and where they will fit on the blank.
You may find that you are right up to printed logo on rod - and maybe even over it.
My experience with Sage blanks is that one cannot build a FB on the blank without overriding the logo sticker.
Herb

I'll do that, thanks Herb. I may have to put the kabash to a fighting but if that's the case.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/02/2017 01:34PM by Lonny Lampshire.

Lonny,
They use a 7" full wells grip whereas most other brands use a 7 1/4" to 7 1/2". The butt is attached to the reel seat so the label is not covered. You should be able to use a 7" full Wells grip, leave about an inch to 3/4" of the blank outside the reel seat at the butt and still not cover the label. I just put one together on a nine foot blank and I was able to do that. I would think with a 9'6" blank the label should be up a little farther. Like Herb said dry fit everything before you glue it down. I like the butt to fit on the end of the blank and not mechanically in the reel seat end. The advantage is; it is lighter. Also depending on where the label is you may get away with a slightly longer grip by about 1/4" or more.
Lance

Thank you Lance.

Now at odds with either snake, or single foot guides. i was thinking about getting these. What are your thoughts on this? [www.mudhole.com]

Looks like it will get it done. Sage has always recommended going up 2 sizes from the recommendations on their website when using single foot guides vs snakes.