Roller tip

Hi,
I’m just about to tweak my boat rod by replacing top ring with roller tip. This is three years old shimano hyperloop boat 7’10”, 10oz ~50lb class rod. I’m going to use it for shark fishing and a friend of mine suggested that I should replace top ring with roller tip.

I’m just wondering what do you guys think about that? Should I really do that? And if yes to what things should I pay attention while choosing a roller tip (its size compared to other guides) etc.

Other guys told me that this rod has old type T-ring guides and best I can do is to replace its top ring with Fuji SIC Flaged UST top ring and not roller, because roller make sense in, at least, 80lb class rod.

What do you guys thinking about that?

Tommy,
There is a trend away from rollers especially if using braid.
If at some stage you are going to use braid make sure that the roller you fit suits (something like the Aftco). Other than that there’s no reason not to fit a roller eye.

I bought 20lb & 30lb IGFA Penn Internationals from Veals bargain basement last year. They have Aftco rollers all the way up not just on the tip. I can maybe understand it on a bent butt IGFA 130lb, pulling in bluefin at 1000lbs, but for a 20lb (or even a 12lb)?

Why have rollers all the way up? Lovely rods, though. They have some blue's or porgie's name on them....... 8)

In my opinion, there is no really need to change the top guide. I had roller tip on my rod, ( previously changed from round one) but after one trip, I decide to replace it again for good round one again. Your main target will be tope, blue shark, if You be lucky. Both, especially tope won't be bigger than 50, 60lbs mainly. So Your rod up to 50 lbs will be strong more than enough even with "normal" top guide. Handy thing about roller is that You have to use less power when need to retrieve line with heavy sinker from depths.

final decision is in Your hands, but if you gonna change it, make sure the roller is good quality, with rolling part hidden deep in the frame. (other way, line can be easy lock between them)