I have been thinking about trying the Batson RRD F guides with Hard Aluminum Oxide as a replacement for Fuji Alconites on the bass rods I build. Most of the guys that I build for fish tournaments (as do I ) The abuse we put our rods under as well as putting them in and out our boat rod lockers causes quite a few poped inserts during a season. While I thoroughly enjoy the steady repair work I wonder if the guys I build for would be better served by the RRD frame.

So, does anyone have any experience with these guides? Do they reduce poped inserts? Also, doesnt anyone have an idea of the weight difference between the Batsons and the Fuji's?

Thanks
Scott Sheets



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/26/2007 02:56PM by Scott Sheets.

Scott,

I like the Bastons better, they had a tad higher frame and are every bit as good as the Fuji. I've lost a few Alconite rings but I've not had any trouble to speak of with the Bastons. I dont know if they'll be a better option for you, but I'd surely give them a run.

DR

Dont forget to use the New Light Alps XN for the stripper guide and Alps PP top in the 06 ring, they are RRD as well.

Karry Batson
Batson Enterprises Inc.
Ph: (877) 875-2381
Fax: (360) 683-3579
karry@batsonenterprises.com
www.batsonenterprises.com

I mainly use Batson blanks on my projects but I've always used Alconites because I thought the Alconite rings were "harder" than aluminum oxide. But the note says "hard" aluminum oxide - is there a difference? Thanks.

I dont see the Alps XN guides in the same 'Blk. Chrome x 2' frame as the F Guides. Am I missing something?

You might also consider the American tackel Ring lock guides. They have a cupped frame for the rings to sit in,and are marketed as less likley to pop out. check them out at the American tackel link above or Mudhole.

I'd rather be catching!

Part number for the Light Alps SS316 2 x Black with Hard Aluminum Oxide is (XBLXNLG) its in the new products catalog and on my web site these will work with the (XPBFLG) RRD F guide use with the (XBPPLT) Alps tip top..

Thanks for the responses. Karry, what is the difference between the ALPS guide and a Batson stripper?

The Alps Light XN is noticeably lighter in weight than the Batson Forecast UD guide and the Alps has the RRD feature "Recessed Ring Design" to help from ring pop out and to help protect the ring from hits and dings aka abuse. Both are available in the SS316 Stainless Steel.

If anyone is interested in obtaining the newer Alps Light XN guides and the matching single foot "Recessed Ring Design' guides from Batson, along with matching tips, just give me a call at 931-684-6164, as we have stock on these.

Bob McKamey -- Custom Tackle Supply

Karry,
Thanks for the information. Bob, do you also carry the regular Batson guides?

Scott -- Yes, we carry lots of the Batson/Forecast/Alps guides. If for some reason it is a guide that we don't stock, I order from them at least once a week and sometimes twice. So it is not a problem to have them sent in, if for some reason it is a guide series that we don't stock. Just contact me if I can be of any further help assisting you or others.

Bob McKamey -- Custom Tackle Supply