I am planning on building my first rod as I mentioned in another post and was wondering what you folks think about the Fuji Alconite guides? Are the sets of Alconite guides like the one Mudhole and others sell worth buying?
Here's what I plan on buying and would appreciate any comments about the supplies I have in mind:

Lamiglas 7' "S" glass blank
Fuji Alconite guide set and tip
U-40 LS Supreme finish
U-40 Color Lock
U-40 Rod Bond

Thanks

Mike

I used the Alconites on the new guide concept rod I mentioned below. I think they're good guides. Really good and not very expensive. I have two other sets in use on rods and they have not let me down.

Alconites are great buy for the $. I have used them on alot of rods and they have not disappointed. The only times I go to SIC or Cerement are for high use rods (I am building two for some guys that fish 300 out of 365 days a year and we decided on SIC) Other things you can do are use just SIC tip, as it is this guide that tends to "groove" the most, or for flys use SIC stripper, then finish with Alconites. It all a matter of what you want to pay, because $ is quality when it comes to Fuji. If it is your first rod, I would do alconites just to learn grinding and handling guides. I know I am talking circles, but just letting you know what I think.
BTW, I saw on your supplies, don't mean to insult but don't forget handle, reel seat, threads, brush (or spatula), some denatured alcohol, and something to mark the spine and guides with (china marker works good). I know you probably already have that taken care of, but I remember my first rod, I had to order things like 3 or 4 different times and after all the shipping it got expensive. Happy wrapping
Elrod