I have decided to build a 9'6" 7 wt. St. Croix IV rod and I was wonder what guide advise anyone might have. I have heard alot about the Fuji Alconite single post. However, I am wondering if these would be overkill on a 7 wt. I can definately see the dvantage on bigger rods with heavy lines. I just seems like a lot more weight??? Has anybody used the new RECOIL guides from REC? Any suggestions would be great. Happy New Year!

Todd

High quality guides are never overkill, particularly when they are as inexpensive as the Alconites. I use them regularly and really like them. I'd try something like a 16, 12, 10, 8 and then 7's on out. On a rod of that length you'll likely wind up needing about 10 or 12 guides plus a top.

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Listen to Tom, and believe it or not, these guides will result in LESS weight, considering you will have half the wraps and half the finish. I really like the alconites and they are a primary guide for my building, especially on casting and spinning. I tend to lean toward the SIC on flyrods, particularly if the customer fishing alot. SIC will be slicker and less wear on the line, less effort on the fisherman. Guides and their placement I would argue are the most important aspect of rodbuilding, many times I will spend the extra $15-20 for the SIC. Little cost increase for great gains.
Side-note. I have found the SIC guides feet require much less preparing. The Alconites need a little more dressing to get a smooth transition. I guess it is a simple thing that higher end guides have more attention to detail.
Elrod