I've got some prototype ideas I want to try out. They're inspired by some of the inexpensive telescoping rods on the market. Some of those rods rely on guides mounted to plastic sleeves that slide into place and are held by friction, while still allowing all the sections to be collapsed into each other for transport. I know I can make my own with small pieces of scrap blank and single foot guides and I may do just that. But, in the interest of time and experimenting with some different set-ups, I wanted to ask if anyone knows where I can buy some of those cheap sliding guides that would be suitable for prototype use.

Also, when I was in France several years ago, tackle shops sold bare telescoping blanks without handles or guides. The ones I saw in France seemed to be high quality, light and responsive graphite blanks, not like the heavy and clumsy blanks used on discount store specials here. I even bought one but traded it away before I got into rodbuilding. Anyone know if those are available anywhere in the US.

Before I get lots of questions about why I would want to do this when there are 6 and 7 piece tip-over-butt blanks available, let me respond. The answer is that I am bored and I want to try something different.

I see them on internet @#$%& occasionally, as recent as last week. I got the impression that the guides were mounted to a rubber/band/oring type sleeve and held on by compression not friction but I'm probably mistaken. Anyway, internet @#$%& are the only place I've seen them.

The best telescoping rods have traditional wrapped SIC guides from the factory.

Mo

Steve; Have you looked at a Fuji catalog? I seem to recall something on the order of what you are looking for there. You might try their web site.

Fuji T1LMGG - for the top of the line in Titanium gold Cermet Telescoping guides, lol!!

OK, OK, the FUji guide designations for their Telescoping guide are as follows:
LM, and LA, and LM-H which are their high frames
ULM with a matching UL tip top (I think these would be ideal for ligt FW rods so the line cannot tangle on the tip.

The standard Fuji Tele guides are the:
TM and TA, as well as teh MM and WM. Teh WFM guide is their collapsing high framed telescoping guide.

don't forget the WWM and UM

Thanks guys. I wasn't sure I was going to get any responses to this one.

Billy, can you give me a link to an online catalog? I can't find any of the guides you mentioned at Angler's Resource/Fuji up top

Mo, do you know of an internet picture of the rods you mention. WIthout having the sections each about 5-9" long, I'm trying to picture how the guides could be permanently wrapped in place and still be telescoping. I guess the sections just partially, not completely, collapse?

I don't have a link to the website, search for Fuji Components, Fuji Japan fishing, something along those lines. I have a 2006 Fuji Print catalouge. None of that stuff is available from any US Distributor, only frm a hook up place overseas.

Steve,

Can you e-mail me with your e-mail? I'll try to take some pictures in a couple of days to send to you along with a mini review. Bsically, a 6' 7" medium power telescopic with 8 SIC guides, collapses to 12 inches long (no kidding) and weighing sub 3.5 ounces. Really amazed what technology has come to with these telescopics. Nice soft tip, but very solid power in the mid and butt.

Mo

BassPro Shops sell them,I have no idea as to the quality.
Regards Charlie