I've never been faced with this issue before. I have a customer who would like the guides replaced on his saltwater rod. Simple enough task, but his tip size is an 11, which is unusual for a rod of this class (20-50#). The running guides leading up to the tip have a 10 ring. I can't find a tip top that is a 10 (11) in a titanium finish that will match the guide set he wants. There are several tops which are 12 (11) that will match up. What are the ramifications of using a 10 ring guide train ending in a 12 ring tip top? My gut tells me "no big deal" but I'm a little uncomfortable doing it. Thoughts, please.

Dave Sytsma

If the shoe fits wear it! Also, does the tip have to match in color? Talk to the guy and get his opinion. You can only do so much.

Mr. Sytsma,
Batson offers the Forecast SU saltwater tip top in a Ti PVD finish (over stainless steel frame) with a size 10 ring and 11.0 tube size. The item number is TCSUZT10F11.0. We've lots of them on hand. Below is a link to our dealer locator page. If you have trouble finding one give us a call at 877-875-2381.
Also, to answer your question regarding a 12 ring top with 10 ring runners, no, it wouldn't matter in the least for the vast majority of saltwater applications. Take care.

[batsonenterprises.com]

-The Batson TEAM
BatsonEnterprises.com

David,
You could also wrap his rod with size 12 runners and then everything would be the same size. Since it is a heavy saltwater rod, the weight doesn't matter and the size 12's would work as well or better than the size 10's.

Good luck

What Roger said

Thanks for the help, everyone. As it ended up, I made out better than I ever thought I would. I am using ALPS XN titanium guides on this rod. Thanks to Geoff Staples, I was able to get a matching Forecast SU tip top in titanium finish. These were rolled out at the ICAST, but none of the companies I use had received them as of this time. Geoff suggested I call Utmost Enterprises, who are just down the road from Batson. They went to Batson, got what I needed, and it's on the way. The stars line up for me every once in a while!

Dave Sytsma