These two GLX loomis rods I am replacing a SIC Ti frame guide on each were off because of a rod locker. Now Would it be better to have a metal framed fly guide to a Titanium framed one, I realize of a weight difference, but I am thinking even with Micros the frame will be stronger in case it hits the locker again.

Thoughts ???? Yes - no

Bill - willierods.com

Titanium is metal...

Rod lockers eat guides. Bottom line. Micros do help based on my experience. Less to hang up.

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I would just hate to constantly change one or two guides. Thats why I asked. I figured for the extra weight but smaller guides it might be better. Plus I figured the SS frames would be stronger.

Bill - willierods.com

If the guy has top end rods, bass boat with rod locker and the money to pay for your micro services ask him to spring for a set of the new rod Stick Jackets - take a look - [www.swamplandtackle.com] ! Or if you are charging him a fair price for you labor you may want to throw in the Jackets to help preserve your investment.

The micro guides really do not need too much help being so small and strong - with the Jackets when he wins a tournament with the micro rods he can hide them from all his buddies.

Keep in mind that something has to give. A fisherman who yanks a rod out of locker and hangs a guide that won't bend or let go will most likely damage the rod blank.

One thing you might consider is the use of the flexible Recoil guides. They'll flex/deform and then spring back to shape. Of course your customer will have to be agreeable to the switch but if he's damaging a lot of guides this might be an option for him.

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I've seen recoils ripped off too.

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I'm sure it can happen, and needs to happen. But they'll likely take more abuse without actual damage to the frame than most ceramics will.

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Bill,

If you're concerned with frame durability, I'd certainly use the SS frames over the titanium ones. The titanium sounds great, but the fact is in my experience only, the SS frames will stand up to being bent back and forth much more than the titanium frames. One or three bends with a T frame and you're in trouble, I've had Batson SS frames bent over and over and over (night striped bass fishing and big feet is hard on rods!) and not fail. I'm sold on the SS frame over the T, no question about it.

DR

I make sleeves with the same material as the stik-jackets for my rods.....they do a good job of protecting the guide when you pull the rod out. I would replace the guides with the same and send him a sleeve...or tell him where to buy one.

Scott Sheets
www.smsrods.com

Bill:
I usually have my sister make me socks for rods, nice snug fit may work. The guy also got laid off of work ???

DR: one of the 7 footers has #7 ring runners on it. Go down to a 4- 5 will help it a lot. Thinking of the Ti's being a lot smaller ??

Food for thought Tom; One of the casters has 4 double foot casting guides then large single foot runners. Useless weight. There is a lot that can be done to lighten and make them better performers.Even with guide on top. One caster has the single foot spinning guides with the double upright braces on it for runners ?? I have no idea about that. That is a Kistler. That's the re-glue the seat.

Bill - willierods.com



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/04/2009 03:38PM by bill boettcher.