I like the idea of smaller guides, but I use a lot of leaders with braid, so I don't want to go micro. For a 7' MH what would be the sizes I need for a smaller guide setup? I want 9 guides plus the tip top. Also, do they make tip tops like this? What size would I need there?

I am trying some four and a halfs. Should be just right.

Anything smaller than a size 6 is considered a micro guide.   "Macro guide" is a term some rod company made up, it doesn't mean anything.  If you want smaller than normal but not tiny, go with a Fuji size 5.  It's small but not too small.

So whatever size I decide to use, I'll use for every guide including the tip?

So whatever size I decide to use, I'll use for every guide including the tip?

You can do it that way.  A lot of people like to start with a larger guide and transition to the smaller guides.  I've used all size 4's on many rods and they performed great.  If you do that, you have to start the first guide further from the reel than normal, like 24"-28".  If you go with transition guides, start with like a double footed 6 or 8, single footed 6, then to the 5's with a 5 tip.   Static test and test cast to get optimum placement.

 

I prefer a spiral wrap. One dbl footed 6, two single 5's as the transition guides and 4's as running guides.

I don't like the terms micro or macro or standard for that matter. A guide is a guide and they come in various ring sizes and frame heights. Pick the lightest guides that will withstand the load and pass any needed connections. A 4.5 will pass an Albright connecting 50# braid with a 15# leader. If pitching a lot maybe step it up a size. Match the tip top to the runners, no smaller.

Or you could just do 1 double footed 5.5 or 6 onto 7 4.5s, then the tip top. I don't really see a need for more than one double foot, but perhaps that's just me.

Or you could just do 1 double footed 5.5 or 6 onto 7 4.5s, then the tip top. I don't really see a need for more than one double foot, but perhaps that's just me.

Nobody suggested he use more than 1 double footed guide.  I wouldn't do that either.

I would start with a larger stripper and maybe drop down three or for sizes to the runners. On my personal rods I normally go 8, 6, then 4 as the runners. Since you are using leaders I would stay a little bigger on the guide size.

If using a large reel that sits high I'll use a little larger stripper to get some ring height, but in general you don't need anything larger than the level wind line guide opening. Multiple size transition guides don't do much for performance, but some like the aesthetic effect.

I like the idea of smaller guides, but I use a lot of leaders with braid, so I don't want to go micro. For a 7' MH what would be the sizes I need for a smaller guide setup? I want 9 guides plus the tip top. Also, do they make tip tops like this? What size would I need there?

The Micro and Mini guide system has been used a ton! You would have to deflect your rod in order to figure out where to put them and how many etc.. http://www.rainshadowrodblanks.com/product-line/revelation-bass-casting/click on the "BluePrints" tab and find the 7'2" MH. We have used a mini guide concept