I notice that when the topic of the AT Microwave guides are discussed, they relate to freshwater. Is there a problem using them for inshore saltwater? I am building one for going after fluke and striped bass in the NE. What other micro guides would work? Thanks,
Sanford Hochmna

Your line has no idea if it's being used in fresh or saltwater. The same criteria applies - use the smallest and lightest guides that will easy pass your line, any knots and will stand up to the task at hand.

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

They do offer "Tidal Wave" guides which are directed at the inshore market. They aren't corrosion proof, but rather corrosion resistant. A titanium coating is used over stainless. If you want true saltwater guides, you will have to look at Fuji or Kigan solid titanium alloy frames and a 27X layout. You won't find a difference in distance between an appropriate 27X (or similar) layout and the Micro Wave (or Tidal Wave) concept. In respect to "Micro" guides, be careful just how small you get those running guides, knots need to pass them with ease. Be sure to use a Forhan locking wrap on any single foot guides, it does make a difference in durability.

Sanford The Tidal Wave in either spinning or casting (which you didn't mention) offer titaniium coating over stainless steel ONLY on the stripping and transition guides. The running guides, which are 7 out of the 9 guides are 100% titanium and totally corrision free. This looks like a pretty good set to me for saltwater use.

Many of us have built plenty of rods using this system, and my customers are very pleased with the results.

Tom

tomscustomrods.com
Bel Air, Maryland

Thanks guys,
Tom,
You live in my home state. I had a home in Silver Spring, and spent most of my time on the Chesapeake Bay. I am making a spinning rod as well as a casting rod for someone and want to make sure these guides will work out. My blank is a Boshido 7' which I understand can take a lot of abuse.I have not used micro guides until now. We fish up here in Cape Cod for striped bass and blue fish, and they can be heavy as well as good fighters. I mainly fish for tuna, but that won't be what these guides will be for. The information helps.
Sanford

If AT is using the same stainless on the Microwaves, it is the better stainless for corrosion resistance.

Sanford, Take Jim's advise and be alert to the knots if your using braided line and shock leaders. If you use Swamplands Micro-Wave guide its main ring is a 30mm and the micro is an 8mm thats not much room for a knot to pass thru. If your going to use mono, will 17# test surfice? I'd go K-guides.

Dennis J. Danku
(Sayreville,NJ)



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/09/2013 05:44PM by Dennis Danku.

Thanks Dennis,
Yes I was aware of the knot issue. Using braid of around #30 (compared to 40 or 50 mono), I can make a double uni which would go through the small guides. I wonder what they thought we would do...glue two ends together of #5 braid???????????

I don't have any issue with a Micro Wave 30/8 butt guide. I use 7mm running guides on inshore and freshwater rods. Between knots and duckweed, I just found I don't like anything smaller.

Hi Sanford, down here in South Louisiana, I have zero issues with the MW's either Spinning or Casting - and do get abused from the salt but hold up great!

I'm sold!!
Sanford

I built a NOS 8-17 Shikari 7'6" with AT micro guides for inshore trout fishing and have brought in Reds, Jack and even a over sized snook. The guides are great for braid. I use 10 lb Power Pro and casts great. I never get many wind knots, always close the reel manually. I'm making another I like the guides that much. Like everything else they will be a test of time

James,
Was it a spinning or casting rod you built?
Sanford

James Rice Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I never get many wind knots,
> always close the reel manually.


This statement says "Spinning".