So which do you folks feel are the best brand micro guides for bass blanks? Do you have a item # for them? I tried some Amer Tackle but they brake easy...Thanks

The new Pacific Bay FX zirconia micros are very strong and light, but hard to wrap.

The original Batson minis are on most of my personal rods. They've served me well, but I don't use rod lockers, and try not to abuse my stuff too much. The Kigans are worth a very hard look. Aside from the normal fly guide type micros not having much of a neck, they are some very fine guides. If you prefer a bit more height off of the blank, Kigan has an option for those too. I don't know if they are available through the retail supply chain yet, but everyone who came to the ORBS gathering knows about them and left with a set with zirconia inserts. Maybe Alex will chime in and tell you about them ;)

Joe



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/14/2011 12:56PM by Joe Vanfossen.

Jerry,
American Tackle has introduced a heavier version of the micro guide in their Artus HD's are significantly stronger than a standard micro frame, see the link: [www.mudhole.com]

Kind Regards,

Brook Oliva
Mud Hole Custom Tackle, Inc.
brook@mudhole.com
(866)-790-RODS

I've been using Kigans because the foot is long making it easy to wrap, no failures yet, 3D pressed rings etc. Really nice guides to work with.

David Dosser
Coshocton, OH

Brook beat me to it. The Am Tack Artus HD's look pretty beefy.

I have been using the older American Tackle ones the most without any issues at all. Plan on trying the newer ones here soon myself to see how they work. Also have a set of Kigans and the Fuji K series to try on some rods as well.

I will jump on the Kigan bandwagon. They have a lot of nice features, a relatively long foot, strong frame with just the right amount of neck for a Forhan locking wrap, and a very good system to hold the rings in.

Where Kigan really shines is the tips, they are way better than any other tips I have used both the standard and micro. Since the braces are welded on the side there is nothing for the line to hang on, and they are much less likely for the brace to come loose from the tube. The biggest problem for any tip is rings popping out and the Kigan system is vastly superior to any other that I have seen.

my choice and why

[rodbuilding.org]

Steve,

have you decided to stay with a locking wrap or have you moved away from that with the new design? I did not lock the set that I have and have had no failure as of yet.

Tom

Thomas
I still use Forhan's locking wrap on every thing.

It may not be necessary with Batson's new foot design on their Micro's
But I like the insurance they provide and not enough extra work to stop

Pacbay's 3.5 Minima micros also have very secure feet design with a nice bulge for the wrap to hold securely.

Mo

Hi Jerry,

How are the guides breaking? Try the Artus HD's they're twice as strong. We designed them for heavier uses such as inshore and heavier FW. Joe Meehan, AT

Joe, They are breaking below the ring . If they bend any they break. I love the nanolite rings. I just feel that the metal should not break so easily....

If I can answer any questions please email or call. We carry most of the different manufacturers micro guides in stock including Batsons, American Tackles regular and heavy duty micros as well as Fujis regular and heavy duty micros, and also our newest brand which is the Kigans.
They are all very good guides and all hold up to regular everyday fishing. I've built countless rods with all of them and had no problems with guides breaking or pulling out and I quit using the Forhan locking wrap a long time ago.

Lance

Hi Jerry,

In our experience the breaks occur when the guide gets damaged and then bent back into shape. Not much you can do there especially on a micro guide. We increased the width of the "ankle" when we designed the guide frame and we use an extra strong 316SS. You have to have a balance of strength and weight considerations. The HD's are as strong as you can make them but they are heavier. We have a new medium version due out the first of the year which falls in between the two. That will probably help. Joe

We carry the full line of Batson, ALPS, and Fuji Micros. My vote goes to the ALPS Micros. Very well designed, multiple rings and frame colors to choose from, and have had no issues with them.

Tight Lines and Bull's-eyes,

Get Bit Outdoors
407-542-7840
www.GetBitOutdoors.com
www.facebook.com/GetBitOutdoors

Steve,

Thanks for the update I think I will utilize in future wraps for anyone vice myself, as you stated the extra insurance is well worth the minute time it takes to perform the wraps.

thanks again,

Oh my vote goes with either the Batson and especially the ALPS.

Tom