I have an issue with some tich coated snake guides of a well known brand. I have fish the rod, maybe for 15 hours. On a few guides the tich coating has started to show wear leaving the copper-primed stainless steel visible. Decided to replace these guides( they are all the same size) and it was easier to peel of the tich coating than epoxy on the windings with an razor blade. After removing the guides, one guide looked like it was made off copper wire.The coating fell off during the process. Have I gotten a bad batch and are unlucky? Or should i replace all the guides with chrome snakes? There are three snake guides of the same size on the rod that have this problem. Tomorrow I will check another rod, hardly used , used for the same issue.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/15/2016 03:45PM by Terje Bendiksby.

"Titanium" has become a greased pig in the lexicon of rod components.

I have experience with TiCh single foot wire guides by Batson and have had no trouble, even with two intensive weeks in salt water. For any source of guides, I think what you report is unusual. I would contact the source. Titanium and the TiCh plating are not the same thing, but in my experience, except for the strength of one brand of titanium alloy Y spinning guides, I have had no problems at all.

Of course, when using your equipment in salt, it should be thoroughly rinsed after each use.

I also use the Batson TICH single foot guides extensively and have never experienced a similar problem.

I second Michael's advice. Gently but thoroughly rinse your rods and reels immediately after use, not "Later" or after supper, or after you change, or the next morning, immediately. I have used some "fresh water" rods and reels weekly in salt water for over 15 years and they are corrosion free. I forgot to rinse a Penn International #30 before flying home from Baja and guess what?