I have a really good friend and loyal customer that I have been repairing his musky rods since I start building/repairing. He is finally to a point where he wants a custom build from me. So far I have the blank figured out for what he wants and we will be working on the handle together (most likely winngrip or cork split handle.) However, with all the different options for guides I am struggling to make a decision.

The blank I am most likely to use is the MU108XXH-MHX. 9'0" XXH Mod-fast 50-100 lb. (knowing him PowerPro Braid 100 lb. test.) He slams his muskies all season from bucktails, porkchops, cranks, trolling suckers, etc. He wants this primarily for his oversized custom bucktails he loves most. So the weight reduction is a big factor for him.

I am very partial to Fuji, I love the product over others I have worked with (which honestly isn't that many).
I am thinking Titanium frames (if he's willing to spend the $$)----SiC, SiN or Torzite for rings.
I can not decide on a micro system (which i would prefer to do) with or without rings or whether a micro system would actually hold up against the abuse. Even if I "flexcoat" thread wrap the micro guides will they hold up?
Also, i am curious about the newer reduction guides e.g. titalwave or microwave guide systems.

I have not had any luck with micro guides and find them too fragile for heavy duty use. I would tend to lean more towards KW guides. If he's chucking big bucktails, pounders, etc, I would much rather go with strength than what little weight savings you are going to get.

Likewise, Titanium and Torzite is pretty cost prohibitive and IMO, overkill. I would rather put my money into a better blank than the one you've selected.

I agree with Eric on not using micro guides for a Musky rod. I really don't see any advantage at all to use micro guides and a lot of disatvantages.

A simple mid level guide like the Fuji Alconite guides will work fine with a harger silicon carbide tip will take care of all of the punishment that you can dish out from the rod.

I would likely go no smaller than a size 6, maybe a size 5 but no smaller.

Good luck

8's are usually the smallest I'll use, as the tip you'll need to fit is often an 8 ring to get a large enough tube size. To help avoid future repairs, pick something strong, and something that sits lower to the blank.

Thanks - Marc

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

Thank you all for your advice. This has been very helpful!

I use Fuji LDB guides on a large percentage of my musky rod builds and haven't had a failure yet. I generally stick with the 6's but I've used the smaller sizes with equal success. They all easily pass 100lb braid. I've used them on rods built to throw pounders and they hold up fine. Make sure to do your locking wraps!!!

Jeremy