I'm building 4 identical side-drifting rods for my own use. I'm trying to go as cheap as possible, without sacrificing functionality. My current dilemma relates to guides. These are 9-foot, 6-10# spinning rods. I'm torn between Pacific Bay Hialoys, Fuji Hardloys, and Fujy Alconites. I'm going to be running 10# mono exclusively on these. I'm looking for the happy marriage of price, durability, and weight (and Titans are out of my price range for this project). Any thoughts would be most appreciated.

Thanks all,
-Nick Dazer
Portland, Oregon

Nick,
If you are going to be using monofiliment then the regular aluminum oxide guides from Batson, American Tackle or Pac Bay will all last longer than we will. All of the Fuji are going to be a bit more expensive. If you are going to be using the rods in salt water at all you might want to consider the extra cost of titanium plated guide frames.
I would use single footed guides and set them up using the Concept System on the rods due to the lower weight.

I vote for Fuji Alconites for fresh water. You now have two good answers. Ralph

If at first you don't succeed, go fishing, then try, try again.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/16/2005 11:18PM by Ralph Jones.

Like Emory said, they are all more than adequate although I would, like Ralph says go with the Fuji Alconite Concept guides set up in the Concept system from the article in the library above. I would use BLAG 6's from the "choke" guide to the tip. I think that you will love the results and the lightness of the set up.


Mike



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/16/2005 11:33PM by Mike Barkley.

Personally, in fresh water, run the Pac Bay hiaoloys; been using them for many, many years and not hardly a problem on many rods.

Putter
Williston, ND

Nick,
I would use Hialoy or the better grade of aluminum oxide from several of the manufacturers rather than the Fuji Alconites if as you say cost is a consideration. At one time it was my understanding that the Fuji Alconites were Zerconium but I now understand that they are just a high grade of aluminum oxide. So why pay the additional for the Fuji Alconites. For about the same money you can get the Zerconium guides that have harder inserts and are plated with titanium and in my judgement are more attractive.
For a cost that is in between there are now some guides available, I know from Batson but do not know about others, that are aluminum oxide but with titanium plated frames if you plan to use the rods in salt water.
Sorry Ralph and Mike to disagree about the Alconites

Thanks, everybody. Your advice was most helpful.

-Nick Dazer
Portland, Oregon