I started a new topic, “Vintage Conolon Build Date” on 03/23/2019, requesting information to as to when my rod was built and also the guides used. Don Mang afforded me with copies of the first few pages of the 1958 Conolon catalog, one of which showed the double-leg-single foot “Flex Guides” wire guides used at the time. Thank you so much Don!!!
The butt guide was missing when the rod was given to me and someone had previously replaced that one with a double-foot, evidenced by the remaining wraps. I would like replace the present butt guide with one as installed at the Conolon factory in the 50s. This is my most cherished rod.
Do any of you have, know someone who has, or can lead me in the correct direction to someone who might have any “Flex Guides”? Beside the rod deserving the proper guides, the Flex Guides are rather unique and I really like them. I would be willing to purchase a few sets if available.
Please help me out; rattle some cages and dust off that old rod building Rolodex. I will be gratefully indebted.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

Allow me to add the full name of the guides is,”Conoloy Flex Guides”.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

Aetna Foulproof Guides?

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Tom,
Thank you for the interest and hopeful assistance. After viewing the photos from my other post, Norman Miller stated the guides were similar but not exactly the same as the Aetna Foul Proof guides. Please view the four pictures under Miscellaneous, Mark’s Conolon. The copy of a page from the 1958 Conolon catalog I received from Don Mang shows the exact guides as on my rod and they were named, ”Conoloy Flex Guides”, not Conolon but Conoloy. If Conolon had the guides manufactured solely for them, I would guess I would be hard pressed to find any now. I have to remain hopeful as it means quite a bit to me. Thanks for any enlightenment!

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

Interesting they would use the term "Conoloy" which seems almost a play on the material used for making the FoulProof guides - Monel.

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I was looking into them for you last night.. Im waiting on some emails..

Mark, Check the photos in Misc. I only have these four guides. Sizes: 12, 10, 8, & 7.

Dennis J. Danku
(Sayreville,NJ)

Anthony, thank you for taking the interest and time. I am anxious to learn of your findings.
Dennis, yes, those are the style guide I am looking for! Although the wire gage of your guides appears to be bigger, many women complain that pictures of them make them look fatter lol. While I am in need of a size 16-20 for this rod, I would be interested in purchasing the four you have if they are available.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

Im still waiting.. I have a thing for conolon rods, they seem to find thier way onto my bench often.. The history of the missilite is really interesting if you havent read up on it, i suggest doing so.. I spent about 2 hours going through my history trying to find the article i read, it gave the names, dates, previous careers, etc. Of everyone who started the company.. Including a paragraph on creator of the guides.. If i come across it again, ill be sure to email you the link.. Best way to find a guide that looks alot like another is doing a search including the creators name.

Mark, Just the opposite. These guides have a wire size that of a small paper clip. Available, Yes. ([email protected])

Dennis J. Danku
(Sayreville,NJ)

Dennis.. Your the man, it amazes me some of the stuff you got

Anthony, That's because I don't throw anything away. But someday it will.

Dennis J. Danku
(Sayreville,NJ)

Ha.. My address can be your dump ;) lol

I'll put you on the list.

Dennis J. Danku
(Sayreville,NJ)

Hey Anthony,
Don’t be jumping in on my guide find! Lol
Dennis,
Maybe those women were correct about pictures of themselves. I will contact you by email. Thank you.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

Lol ive gotten stuff from him before, i was waiting for him to post.. He was my next contact acually.. Lol

its ok.. I like to share :)

Mark and Anthony, I didn't even know I had those guides until I saw the photo, then I started looking through my bins. I haven't seen those guides in 15 years. It was the photo that jogged my memory.

Dennis J. Danku
(Sayreville,NJ)