Guys,

I would like some feedback on guide selection (make and type), I have successfully used REC Recoil guides but I do not like them because they are noisy. I have used Fuji Alconites and they seem to be pretty good guides (no issues thus far) and I have also used Fuji SiC guides with success as well.

I will be building my first rods with higher end blanks (St. Croix SCV) and I want to make sure I do this right. Per my experience with the guides listed above I really can’t tell the difference in sensitivity, weight, etc between the Alconites and the SiC guides.

The rods I will be building will be used for Bass fishing primarily. I will have a combination of spinning rods (6 lb – 10 lb test fluoro) and baitcasters (12 lb – 20 lb fluoro).

Any thoughts on this topic? Any other guide make, model suggestions? Pro’s Con’s?

Thanks,

Carlos

You won't be able to tell a difference between Alconite and SiC if they both have stainless frames (if guide sizes are the same).

You have two options to lose weight ... Titanium Alloy frames (not plated, the real thing) and/or "micro" guides. In respect to brand, I use Fuji products. However, Alps would be my next choice if Fuji weren't available.

In respect to Titanium pros & cons ... they are lighter, stronger and corrosion proof (pros) yet more expensive (con). As to "micro" guide pros & cons ... do a search here on the site and read. That's a fairly lengthly subject and it has been covered extensively.

Batson’s!
I like their designs, styles, frames, choices of insert materials, and color options.
And that fact I’ve replaced far less of them, then some of the others.

Their ALPS design offers a stronger frame, and frame-to-insert glue joint connection, and have never had to replace one of them.

Also like their V-3 spinning guides. They are sharp looking with stronger frames and are less prone to get bent around as much as some of the other brands I’ve used.

Since St Croix uses Batson’s guides on their rods, I would say they also prefer them.

Steve - the only rods they show they being used on are the Mojos, Eyecons, and Premier... everything else is Fuji or REC. Seems the higher end rods are all Fuji guides. Am I missing something?

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Fuji has been around so long that people think they are the only guide in town ??

They probably check out sites like this one and use what is most popular. Talked about.

Marketing. many other companies making some very good guides.

Bill - willierods.com

Alex;
Evidentially I didn’t know something.
All I had ever seen is what is available in the stores around here with the Batson guide tags on them. Did not know few of their models carried other brands as well, till I went and looked on their site after your post.

Thanks for keeping me straight.
However it doesn’t change my opinion of or preference for Batson guides

The thing I found interesting is that on the (male) model Avid’s they use Fuji’s and on the (female) Avid’s they use Batson ALPS guides.

Maybe they figure the ladies are rougher on their equipment, so the went with stronger guides.

I also have been using the Baston's for a while! I like the pre grinding they do! Ready to install when you open the package! As well as I have yet to have a problem with one that wasn't man made. And only a couple of them. I've got a lot of rods out there, all of them have Baston guides on them. I, like a lot of people used fugi for a while. Changed over when I fished them once. Haven't went back to Fuji since, no reason too. Now, with all that said, I really like the K frame and may have to try a tip top in the future.
Lee



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/06/2011 05:19PM by lee smith.

I love the Batson XY guides for spinning, and their micro fly guides... that's all I use on my production rods.