Question about Skagit tips

[EricNotTheRed]

Hey all.

I already own two single-hand versi-tip lines (7wt and 9wt) and I am wondering if either of the tip sets might be usable with a Skagit line on my new 8wt Spey rod.

In their Spey documentation, Rio describes the grain weights for various tips, but it's not clear to me whether these are the same for single and two-handed. The weights listed are:

#7 95 grains
#8 109 grains
#9 129 grains

I haven't been able to find the tip weights referenced in the context of single-handed rods.

Does anyone know if there is any difference in the weight of the single-handed tips vs the Spey tips? I know that the main lines are much heavier for the two-handed rods, but I'm not sure if this applies to the tips. Both types of tips are 15' long.

Assuming that single/double-hand tips are the same, I'm guessing I could probably at least use the 7wt tips with my rod.

Any oracles of wisdom out there?

[btree]

I'd say go ahead and use those tips with your skagit. I mix and match my tips with all my lines. Some lines cast tips better than others but I have not found that it's been enough of an issue for me to worry about no matter what line I use with what tip.

[EricNotTheRed]

Thanks btree.

That is consistent with what I've found so far. The best reference I've found so far is on a fly fishing equipment website that sells the Rio tips. They indicate that you can mix and match the tips depending on what you are trying to do, i.e., delicate presentation vs. turning over big flies.

I'll have to give them a try. The difficult part is that I've never cast a Spey before, so I don't know how they should feel. Maybe I'll buy one matched tip for reference while I'm learning.

Ciao

[TieFlier]

When it comes to spey casting and rods ignore the # system used with single handed rods. Grains is a far better and more consistent measure to use when looking at lines, tips and heads. I checked my rio card that came with my versi-tip line and the tip grain weights are the same as you posted above:
#7 95 grains
#8 109 grains
#9 129 grains
I think you should be fine with the tips you have for now while you learn. It may not be a perfect system but I don't think it will hinder you too much. I am going to guess that your 9 weight tips may be better for casting, but I may be wrong. Have fun practicing.

[RalphH]

I've been using the tips that came with my Versatip #8 & #9 SH lines with Rio Windcutter and Skagit lines for some time with no apparent problems.

[EricNotTheRed]

I just got a reply back from an email to Rio and they confirmed that the tips would work fine. Thanks for the info, guys.

[SalaR]

I just got a reply back from an email to Rio and they confirmed that the tips would work fine. Thanks for the info, guys.

Single and double hand tips are certainly different,although the use of your regular versatip lines is fine..you can also use Polytips and even floating tips... when using floating tips to adapt to that fishery I would suggest to make sure you get the correct length and physical tip. if you look at many of the better skagit head dimensions you will see much similarity in design and tapers...and the tapers will determine their efficiencies for a particular task...we are lucky today to have so many great lines available to us from all major manufacturers..
Have fun...and slow down!
C