Hi Guys,
Just came back from a trip with the fly rods-When I was getting off the boat I noticed that the stripping guide center had popped out on my 12 wt. This can happen from time to time I know, I had it happen once in the UK in about 20 years, but I have had a total of time 7 times here in the Philippines in the last 4 years on different rods. Each time the encasing frame has burst open around the ceramic center. I take reasonable care of my gear, and dont bash it around.
This is happening often enough to me that there must be some reason for the frequency of occurence here in the tropics
I have two theories.
1. that the rings may be bursting when water is splashed on the rod after being in the sun for a while-sudden temperature change ?
2.That the rings are popped by the bouncing around in the boat-though I never had a problem with this in the UK where the rides where much harder?
Have you guys any further ideas ?

You mean the metal frame is split open? I see this alot. In nearly all cases, the metal has weakened from corrosion and split, allowing the ring to fall out.

If the frame is fine, I can only guess that the ring got bumped on something and knocked out.

Here's a tip you can try, it may help although it's not guaranteed. When you're applying finish, take a toothpick or dental pick and apply 3 very tiny dots of finish to each side of the ceramic ring so that the finish touches the ring and the frame. These tiny "spot welds" tend to lock the ring in the frame, making it a bit less susceptible to knocks and bangs. But you can still knock a ring out, with enough force.

.........

Tom,

THAT is a great idea!

DR

Love that idea!! Will be doing it.

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

I will tell you this living here in the tropics now myself the salt in tropical seas is very high! I mean the corrosive battle we fight here (Naples Marco Isl. Fla.)doubles what i ever had to bear up in new england. But if your only a visitor and take the time to rinse your gear with fresh water after every day on the water it shouldn't be a big factor.

Thanks Tom,
Sound advise ! I think Billy also writes sense about the salinity of tropical water. wether its higher salinity, or higher chemical reactivity from higher temperatures still remains as a question, but the result is the same. I also have to admit also that in each case the rings were not of top quality brands, even if they are Sics and stainless !
Perhaps I should pay the extra shipping and get proper stuff sent in in future !!!
Thanks alot guys.