Hi Guys. I'm getting back into the swing of building again, and have on my bench another cod blank (Seeker CBS-909, trimmed tip and butt). I've been fascinated with the holographic guides and color-ring guides by Am. Tackle Co. I am considering trying a direct spiral using a bumper guide (as per the article in the last Rodmaker magazine). Here are my questions: If I use the BZBSU as the first guide from the reel (analogous to the Fuji BULG), would it be kosher to switch to HZBC guides? These would be size 12's and maybe a few 10's closer to the tip. I realize the color scheme may not work, but am more interested to know if guides other than BZBSU's or BULG's would hold up to hurling 17 oz jigs and dealing with 100# test super braid. Thanks, Scott G

Hi Scott,

Our regular duty guides with our Atlas frames are rated up to a 30 lb maximum. Some claim they're strong enough for more but with your application I would stick with the BZBSU's all the way.

Warmest regards, Joe Meehan, American Tackle