Setting up two 5'6 ultralight spinning blanks (spink and purple!) for my daughters, and wondered if Batson's BMLG ("M") guides would be advantageous, or just generally favored vs. alconites.
(Or, a mix of both?) I normally use alconites, but have never seen or used the BMLG's for comparison. I will be using the concept setup. Any suggestion for sizes or general setup are greatly appreciated! Many Thanks, Mike

Mike

I have mixed the M guides with Alconites and like the set up. I use a #16 M series then a #12 or a #10 Alconite spinning guide followed by 4 or 5 #6 alconite fly guides. I let the size and and angle the reel forms with the blank determine whether I use a #10 or a #12. I have also used a #20 BYAG in place of the #16 M and don't notice much difference. I use the M series on rods where I plan to use very light lines.

Jim

Mike; If color is an issue, Mudhole has some pretty red SF spinning guides with gold Ti Nitride rings that really look good on the Pink blank. I used them on a Pink rod. They also have Green ones that look good on the Purple blank.

If you go with Black or SS frames, I prefer the Alconites. I would use a 16 (depending on reel ) a 12 an 8 and the rest 6's with a # 6 fly tip.

Just a thought

J.B.Hunt
Bowling Green, KY

Thanks Jim and Jay, I appreciate the help. I'm using small, lightweight reels for the kids so the first guide will probably be a 16 or 20byag. I wasn't sure if there would be a weight issue between the two mfgs, but guess it shouldn't be an issue d/t small size anyhow. I'll take a peek at the colored guides also, thanks for the tip Jay. Again - thank you both!

If you use the Batson M guides and the matching tip you end up with a really neat looking set up that perfroms well. They are my favorities to use on an Ultra light

Mike, I did a light SCIII with M guides (and tip) and NGC and it turned out sweet. I used four #4 M guides for the choke and running guides. I can't remember what I used for the butt and other guide and I'm not home right now.

Thanks Steve and Chuck, I wondered how the M guides and alconites would look combined, I would like to keep everything uniform if possible.

Steve, sounds great, I appreciate your experience with these - I think I'll give the M's a go as suggested using the concept setup. Thanks again, Mike

When I built rods for my kids the main criteria in guide selection were (in order of importance): (1) looks cool; (2) durable; and (3) cheap. I wouldn't worry about any weight difference between the different guides you're considering. I personally would give the alconites a slight edge on any rod I'm building for myself, but for my kids criterion (1) would probably make them a second choice.

Have fun!

Getting ready to use the hol frame/ring guides on those blanks! The purple/pink highlights in them is awesome

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!!

Great idea Mike. I got to try those myself !

J.B.Hunt
Bowling Green, KY

Holographic guides look great. The Amtaks with gold rings are my favorite.
Dave

I have many rods build on fly blank(w4-w9) using model "M'guides and never have problems,super rods.

Jean

Thanks everyone, a lot of great suggestions here. (The holo's really do look awesome on these pink and purple blanks!) I sincerely appreciate the help!