Great points and questions brought out in the threads below. I wanted to address most if not all but it would take too more time than I have. Instead I thought I would start anew with comments about the system as a whole. I know that many people are wary of marketing mumbo jumbo but I can say we did exhaustive testing on our own to validate any claims, if nothing else but to make sure WE were all convinced before we went to market.
Development – I’ll spare you the details of the processes in research and development as well as fabrication and manufacturing. Interesting as it is, it was quite repetitive and tedious trying all the combinations.
The Guides – Beginning with an elevated 20mm/6mm combination stripping guide that uses the 20mm Ring Lock primary ring to capture the oscillating line and the 6mm secondary ring to instantly control it. A high frame 6mm Ring Lock transition guide brings the controlled line to “snagless-designed†5mm running guides maintaining control for the duration of the cast.
About the system - One cast and you feel a difference, or I should say it’s what you don’t feel. There’s a distinct reduction in line vibration with the MicroWave guide system. More casting and you notice that it doesn’t cast like other guide trains. If you add some elevation and back the power off a bit you’ll see dramatic increases in distance & control. That’s when you realize what Line Control really is. There’s no denying that establishing control early is best.
Comparisons - We used popular sets of guides in various spacing suggestions along with all the same Bushido blanks, identical handles and casting with the same weights and/or lures. We lawn casted, street threw and have been fishing them every chance we get. We have compared these rods over and over again with skeptics (myself included) to prove again and again that the distance & ease of casting/accuracy claims were correct. We also built rods in various different lengths & power/actions to reevaluate confirming the original results.
Attributes;
Distance – We tested everything from common guide trains and spacing to the custom creations people still feel can best the MicroWave system. We simply outcast all we tested, although some systems were closer than others. Without a doubt distance provides solid measure which is perfect for marketing so it’s going to come up first every time. The casting distances we were able to achieve most likely are not typical to fishing situations. Even substantial improvement in distances may not be enough to convince some anglers which is why distance would probably what I would focus on the least.
Accuracy – This is where I would concentrate. Using less power to cast equal distance or even increase distance by stepping it up a bit allows me to focus on targeting (and I need it). Typically anglers will increase power to maintain distance in their cast sacrificing accuracy. I see it with every caster we demo, once they begin casting the MicroWave system, they slow down and begin to concentrate. This system makes precision easier providing anglers real advantage.
Fatigue Reduction – Less power needed to cast means less energy expended while casting. Seems logical but is it measurable? Maybe, now that I fish this system weekly I switched over to techniques where I do a lot of casting. I have never cast all day long before, until now.
Rod Balance – We greatly reduced weight in the entire system. They weigh less than all ceramic ring standard stainless guide trains including the newest guides offered providing a better balanced rod.
Blank Performance – Due to the reduced guide weight added to the rod blank material to load and recover more naturally. This contributes to better casting in distance & accuracy as well as hook setting & sensitivity. When the blank performs at maximum efficiency a wider range of lure weights can be utilized. (we definitely were able to cast unweighted worms more effectively using this system during fishing, I mean testing)
Complete System – This is the only guide system that is a complete package to deliver the advertised benefits. They are sold as a complete set to include every guide needed (unless extra running guides are required for longer lengths which are sold separately). Suggested spacing completes the package taking guess work out of designing a solid performance oriented rod. Although changes might be made to enhance performance of this system, if used as directed solid results are a certainty with no confusing formulas to worry about.
I am sure there’s a lot of things I fail to address here so if you have any questions or would like additional information please contact us at American Tackle or visit the MicroWave pages on our web site.
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www.americantackle.us]
Best Regards,
Darrin Heim
American Tackle Company
