Hardloy or Alconite guides hold up better in salt water fishing? I know Titanium is best but wondering about the the two mentioned. Also will 12lb mono pass through a #6 guide with no problem?

Thanks,
Roger
Greensboro, NC

Alconites are lighter and look better than Hardloy. Pretty sure the frame material is the same, weight is also dependent on the guide style. Both ceramics will work very well in saltwater, Hardloys are cheaper, but Alconites are not that expensive anyway.

12 lb mono will have no issues going through a #6 guide at all, unless you are running ridiculously heavy leaders (like over 60 lb) and passing knots through the running guides.

I use alot of Fuji Alconite guides as well as the American Tackle Nanolites.

Keep in mind that with salt, it's the frame material that is affected, not the ring material

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!!

#1 - Black Alconite guides will hold up better than Black Hardloy guides. The paint/clearcoat on the Alconite is a superior finish and withstands the saltwater better. BTW, black frames do fight off corrosion better than chrome frames.

#2 - Yes, 12# mono WILL pass through a #6 guide. As a matter of fact, it will pass through a lot smaller than that. I put #25 through #4 guides and there is TONS of room left. The line only occupies a very small percentage of the total space.


FYI, the cost difference between Hardloy and Alconite is very little. Alconite rings are actually more durable, lighter and smoother. In addition, they look a TON better IMO. Something about a grayish pink ring that just doesn't work for me.

For the money, the Alconite guide is really quite the deal IMO. However, don't forget to rinse and repeat after EVERY trip. Saltwater is tough on even the best of components.

Jim -

And when finish is applied make sure the feet are coated - all around, or saltwater may get under at the feet.

Bill - willierods.com

Thank you for all the replies.

Roger

bill boettcher Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> And when finish is applied make sure the feet are
> coated - all around, or saltwater may get under at
> the feet.



Yes it will.

This should be a surprising answer to your question about line going through guides - be sure to observe the line rating and ring size pictured.

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