So I don't have to buy one of each I would like to know what the favorites are for thread wrapping finishes and why .... so far I have only used Flex Coat High Build but I thknk there may be better options for micro guides - I ordered some Permagloss today to try.

There is no best one for everyone.

The best finish is the one you can get consistent and equal results with time after time. Taking the time to learn the one you choose is where its at. I just recently switched to threadmaster and had to change a couple little things from what I used to do. Wasnt a big change, but it made all the difference.

I can use any of them and have used most. Some have a place for one thing, others another.

I like hi-build Threadmaster for repairs, and I keep coming back to Aftcote for everything else.

Every time I try something else, then go back to the Aftcote, it's like "coming home" again, I've decided to just stick with these two for the use's I stated above.

DR

I have used Flex Coat High and Low build and Threadmaster High and Low build. I have settled on Threadmaster Low build since I usually have to apply 2 coats anyway. I love the clarity of Threadmaster. To me, the application proces is about the same for both brands.

personally, i'll use threadmaster (i have both regular and lite, but have not used the lite version yet) .. not sure why, by my flexcoat seems to be have a slick surface after it cures...(both regular and lite)

-
Give a man a fish, he'll eat for a day..
Teach a man to fish, he'll be broke!

I'll add a vote for TM lite. I switched to regular Threadmaster a few months ago and tried the Lite recently for micros. I'm sold on the Lite. If I start at the tip, it's just the right consistency for very small wraps on micros, by the time I get to the butt, it's thickened up to be somewhere between lite and regular. That's just me though. My old standard was Flexcoat regular with very good results, Threadmaster just seems to agree more with my techniques. I have also tried Diamondite but was very dissatisfied due to a hazy finish after it cured, followed directions to the letter several times, maybe a bad batch?

Steve

for long life, as in not cracking and non-yellowing, my money is on TM and aftco. I have guys fishing 200+ days on some rods and they are holding up for years. Opposed to almost everything else i have tried yellowing and failure in under a year with no where near that kind of exposure.

I would get both the light and heavy versions of whatever you choose to see what works best for you. I think in time you will see both are needed depending on what you are doing.

My two favorites are Thread Master and recently I have tried Gene Ballard's Diamond II. Nice stuff.

Bill - willierods.com

I had the same problem with the Diamondite, and I think a lot of people have.
Too bad, as it is easy to work with and cures really hard. But, every rod I used it with had the haze problem.

LS Supreme lite and high build get my vote over the threadmaster. LS has good pot life and no curing problems. Actually my first and sentimental favorite is Crystal Coat the Clemens finish. Of course it is no longer available. Pick one and do some experimentation with mixing and applying etc. Permagloss will require multiple coats not just two coats.

I've tried many of them and have not really had any problems with any. Only one rod over the last few years had an epoxy problem and I sell a bunch of rods to full time guides that spend nearly every day on the water. Honestly, the one problem was probably a mixing mistake on my part because the epoxy was never very hard after it cured. I regularly check out my rods because I fish with the guides that use them and they all look fine.

My favorite is Diamond II followed closely by Thread Master, both lite and high build.