Hi all, I'm debating which stripper guide to get for my high end (burkie) fly rod build. Does anyone have experience with the Alps Ring lock solid titanium guides? And are these really solid titanium versus coated? It's either these or the pricier Fuji titanium frame SiC guides. Thanks!

You can also look at the Fuji Ti framed Alconites or if you really want "High End" the Torzite ring. All Torzite ring guides are titanium frames. Also Kigan offers Ti Framed guides, they are used on St Croix rods.

I would assume that when they (Alps) say: solid titanium, that's what they mean. That being said, Fuji titanium guides are lighter, but then they are double the price. Your choice ...

Some guide frames are plated with a thin layer of titanium. Some guides are made of a solid titanium/nickel alloy. Either or both of these may be as good or better than sold titanium guide frames, if solid titanium frames in fact exist and are not just marketing double-talk.

Solid titanium means solid titanium alloy. Pure titanium will not work. Different vendors have different alloys, but both the Fujis and the Alps are very high quality, finely finished guides. I have used both. Neither is coated. All titanium alloy guides are very corrosion resistant and ideal for saltwater rods. The advantage in solid titanium alloy vs coated is that the titaniums will be lighter and there is no chance of the coating wearing off since there is none. I expect the difference in weight, at the lower end of the rod, will be insignificant. There are some titanium alloy guides that are not nearly as tough as these two. I think you are dealing with the best (double foot titanium alloy ceramic rings) with these two brands. Some may argue with that assessment, but there really is no valid argument that says either will be unsatisfactory for a high end rod.

Micheal is right on in his assessment. Your choice.
Norm

Thank you all!

Ring Lock guides are from American Tackle.

Thank you Randy.....

He is correct, American Tackle Ring Lock guides are are patented design for the ultimate in performance and durability.

They incorporate a system of pressure fit, enlarged glue reservoir and increased contact area around the ceramic ring to dramatically reduce ring failure.

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God Bless, Don Morse

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

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