I gone to build a Rainshadow SWB70L 8/15lb Spinning Rod and don't know which guides to use. Was looking at the Alps XPBVDLG and the Fuji BNOG.I would like some feedback on theses guides. Fuji is half the price of the Alps and they are both aluminum oxide . So a little confused Thanks Dennis

Big difference. The Alps are SS316 stainless and have recessed rings.

Thanks Grant so you are saying it is a better guide, and you would use the Alps Guides

I view Alps right up there with Fuji as far as component manufacturers but if money is a concern the Fuji's are just fine , Fuji may use 306 stainless instead of 316 but that's not a major negative , not in the least . Only if you were planning to never rinse the rod down with freshwater after fishing would the Alps 316 frames be advantageous since the 316 stainless is a bit softer and known for better corrosion resistance but 306 stainless has been used for decades on guide frames and still is to this day by many manufacturers .

Can't go wrong with either , if i was choosing guides for a $200.00 + dollar blank i might spring for more expensive guides but the blank you're building on is a very affordable blank , why not stick with very affordable guides . Can't go wrong with either choice .

Thanks Herb you and Grant has been a big help. I got the answers I needed. Have a Blessed Day

306 SS has also been rotting for years since they started using it. If you are fishing saltwater, spend the money for a more corrosion resistant guide (Fuji CC, Titanium, Alps 316). Also make sure that the heel of the guide is filled with epoxy up the leg a little, where water can get trapped if it is not filled in properly. You will get more life out of those more corrosion prone guides that way and of course rinse well after every outing.

Thanks Lance I wrap my guides and then apply thread finish let turn on dryer overnight, then come back and glaze the complete Rod. This seems to work for me. Actually I should say That was how I was taught. Don't know if it is right or wrong. I been using a lot of the Rainshadow swb eGlass blanks which seem to work well for a reasonable price blank. So I will use the Alps 316 guides for now on. Thanks once again Dennis

Dennis,
Can you explain what you mean when you say that you glaze the complete rod after drying?

Thanks much

Well I worked at a Tackle shop that built and repaired Rods he would install the guides and put one coat of Pro Kote over thread work decals. Let it turn overnight on dryer them come back next day and brush on pro Kote on Rod from fore grip to tip top as it's turning use a little heat and let it turn on dryer again. I don't know if it is right or wrong. I know it adds weight other then that I don't know Thanks Dennis

That's the first I heard of someone adding pro-kote to the whole rod. I would think perma gloss might not be a bad idea as a finishing touch for a saltwater rod.