I have a lot of questions about a few projects I am working on. I hope I don't go overboard with the questions I am just hoping for the best possible outcome.

1 I had 2 match style guides break at the base of the foot on different guides from a single factory rod. The company has been great (STCroix) about replacing the guides but I am wondering if in the future would I be better off with either a standard size spinning guide for strength or is there a different style high frame guide that is stronger. I think they are pac bay match style with both leggs meeting at the foot, would the fuji concept with the "Y" frame be stronger. Also are they as high profile as the match style guides?

2 I wrote about a casting style steelhead rod that I chose to remove the guides on and the are under the guides looks terrible. I was told to try the U40 perma gloss to coat the blank after a light buffing with scotch brite. I have the but section buffed. Has anyone done this? Should I perma gloss it horizontal to reduce running or should I do it verticle to reduce sagging? Also will this finish coat crack in cold or under load?

3 I just recieved the spey kit I am going to build and have only worked on the handle so far. I am plannign on doing a thin highlight or decorative wrap outside the main wrap on the guides and hookkeeper. Do I do this first from the outside then over the main thread tag end wtith the thin wraps or do I do this last?

4 I looking at a future project, where I counter bore a spinning forgrip with my dremmel to recieve all of the front lock on an uplocking reel seat. The reason being that in cold weather I don't split my fingers around a spinning reel foot I usually hold in front and I see that I hardly get the front forgrip in my hand I am holding colder metal parts alot of the time. Would this cork be prone to breaking? Should I glue it to the seat or leave an expansion gap for flex? Has anyone done this? I have and old unused handle that I might practice on. What do you guys think would it be too fragile?

Again I realize that I have a lot of questions but I have 3 projects in the works right now, and a possible near future none

Can't help on the first issue of match guides. The only ones I'm familar with are Forecast and they wont break unless you stand on them!

If you have the steelhead rod stripped, apply the permagloss with a foam brush. Cut a small a V in the top of the brush, load with PG and run it down the blank once. Let dry and repeat. I generally cut a piece of the foam from a large brush and just wad it around the blank and run it up or down. PG is good stuff, and it shouldn't crack or peel if you've prepped properly. Thin coats work best.

Not sure what you mean with the thread question.

There are several good reel seats on the market that have the locking hood already covered with cork, you just screw it over the reel foot as usual. I know Fuji makes one.

When guides break in that situation, you can almost guarantee that they've been bent back and forth. I'd switch styles or try handling the rod more carefully. It's also possible that they were damaged before you bought the rod. You don't know what type handling they received in shipping or the store.

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