Looking at building up a 80lb standup tuna short with a bent butt and rollers with enough clearance for wind-on leaders. However, have been looking predominately at a full Aftco kit up (winthrop is outside my budget), but have also noticed cheaper offerings from Stuart, PacBay, ATC, etc. I was wondering whether these prices are reflected in the quality of the product, or am I just paying for the Aftco brand name?

Thanks in advance,
Dane.

Aftco makes a first rate product - that's why so many companies have copied their basic designs. You cannot go wrong with Aftco.

Now having said that, if you take a look at the other brands you mention, you may find that you like some of their subtle differences. The quality is good across the board, with each one having slightly different refinements and features. There's no reason to think any of these models are somehow deficient in some way or another. They're all very good.

.............

Dane,

The Highest Quality, competitively priced, Roller Guides that available in the USA, are manufactured by All American Guides - (Listed on left side of Screen).

These guides are made of stainless steel, whereas other roller guide companies like Afco, use thin chrome plated brass, and some companies use anodized aluminum.

All American Roller Guides come in 6 different colors. The color layer is a homogenous constituent of the metal and cannot delaminate or peel,. as what happens to chrome plated guides.

All AA roller guide components are the same. This means that if you need a bearing, roller, pin, or screw, one fits all. This also means that you if you want to carry a spare roller wheel, or other part, you only need to carry one part. Most other companies use different size roller wheels for each guide size, so you would have to carry multiple spares of various sizes.

AA roller wheels and bearings are covered by a limited warranty, which lasts for the life of the rod on which the roller guide was installed

Click on the following link, then put your mouse pointer on the "Conventional Roller Guides to review the specifications, Roller Tips, Color, and Pricing of All American Roller Guides:

[www.aarollerguides.com]


Rena Hall