Any recommendations on either ring type for ultra-light to medium-heavy freshwater use?

Thanks - Marc

Keep it simple - that's all I can handle!

For an ultra-light, I am waiting for the new Airwave microwave guides with stainless steel rings. Don Morse will hopefully chime in on when they should be available. I have been using the Duralite ringed guides and have not had an issue.

Chris Richer
Iroquois ON

Minama 4's will work well And light

Bill - willierods.com

X2 on Bill's recommendation.

There is really no difference in them as far as looks and durability are concerned, the only difference is price. You can not scratch either a nanolite or duralite ring with a hacksaw blade so both will hold up to any line you use. Just remember that they are sold only as a set, so if you break the stripper or transition guide you have to buy another set to replace either one. However, I have read (in a previous tread) that if you do break one of these guides you can contact American Tackle and they might sell you a replacement.

X3 on Bill's recommendation Jaa

x2 on Norman's post.

Marc,
Do date I have put 13 guide sets of the Micro-wave Duralite on custom rods. I have had 4 guides that had to be replaced. True, they were all bent frames (stepped on) but in each case the ring just popped out. No problem with cracking or chipping. All of the guides that had the rings fall out were the running guides. You might want to order extras of those if you start using them in your shop.

Buzz

I have had two occations where the microwave stripper needed to be replaced. For one of these bought a new set of microwaves guides to replace the stripper, for the other replaced all of the microwave guides with Fuji KR guides. In both cases an expensive guide replacement. I have used the minima 4 guides only a few times, but so far no problems. Used the minima 4 match guides as stripper and reduction guides (2) with the minima 4 fly guides as runners. These were set up very similar to the KR concept set up. I do know that a hacksaw blade will cut the minima 4 guide rings, but that is pretty harsh treatment, so I am not sure if they will or will not groove with time. All three guide systems performed extremely well. It all boiled down to user preference. Hope this helps.
Norm

I have used both. The Nanolite rings are slightly thinner than the Duralite's. I have not had any problems or issues with either.
Rog

A lot of builders here have posted using minama guides on a lot heaver rods then what your building with no problems Try a search if you can find the posts

Bill - willierods.com

Good morning, I will attempt to answer several points brought up....

*Nanolite is a harder ceramic than Duralite and is made to handle the abuse of today's super braids. That being said Duralite is also a very very strong ceramic and holds up great.

*The AirWaves are expected to show up at HQ any day now. They are a ceramic-less version of the MicroWave guides and super light. They utilize a super hardened 316ss insert.

*It is true that the MicroWave guide system is only sold in complete system sets, however..... If you break a stripper or transition guide please contact AT directly and we would be happy to get you a replacement.

_______________________________
God Bless, Don Morse

800-516-1750 ext. 1207 / don@americantackle.us

Rod Building..... It's What We Do.

Thanks all! I'll check them both out, and probably the AirWaves when they are in.

Thanks - Marc

Keep it simple - that's all I can handle!

I have built with both, Nanolite, and Duralite. I also have build with the TidalWaves, which are titanium and titanium coated versions of the microwaves. I like the Nanolite with it's thinner ceramic insert. When the AirWaves' come out, I will be building a bunch of ultralight rods with them.. Waiting for the call from Don...

So am I :)

Chris Richer
Iroquois ON

Chris and Randy.... you will be some of the firsts to know.

_______________________________
God Bless, Don Morse

800-516-1750 ext. 1207 / don@americantackle.us

Rod Building..... It's What We Do.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/23/2015 02:20PM by Don @ American Tackle.