In a previous thread I was recommended the Seaguide HLG as a alternative to the Pac Bay Minimas that I could not locate. Got the Seaguides today order them from American Rodbuilders Warehouse. Figured I would give my thoughts for others that might consider them. First off shipping was very fast and they have a great easy to use website. As for the guides I still prefer the minimas. Here is why:

The size 16 and 12 have a split style foot. Basically the guide foot is open in the middle with a thin leg on each side that wraps around at the end, like a skinny elongated U. Saves weight I guess but also a cost savings, less material. Biggest dislike is I am in the camp of liking to file and contour my guide feet. There is darn little material to file on and make the type transition I prefer. One plus to the design is when filling the guide foot tunnel with finish this guide ain't going anywhere as I am sure the finish will fill the void in the center of foot nicely.

The size 5 guide is a standard solid foot design. Only minor complaint which applies to all the guides I ordered is there is no contour to the underside of the foot.

I got the MKG runners in size 4. I have not measured yet but they appear to be slightly smaller ring size than the Pac Bay f series. Biggest issues is the guide foot is tiny imo probably a third narrower than the Pac Bay . Most definitely will be using a locking wrap with these even then I would be hesitant to use this size on more than a ul or light rod. Again no contour to the underside of the guide foot.

As to the overall quality of the guide they are great. Excellent even finish and no manufacturing flaws I can see. Overall they are decent just no at the same level as Pac Bay. I will use this set but will hold out for Pac Bay for future builds.

I also ordered some of there aluminum winding checks. Finding a true green is very hard. They offer a green check. Picture looked more blueish but figured I would try them anyways. Well the picture was true to color. There are a very nice shade of aquamarine. Like them a lot just not a true green check so my hunt for those continues. One thing about the checks is they are much slimmer than most aluminum checks. I like that some of the others are too bulky looking. These are a nice subtle touch.

Overall I hope this does not come across negative. Just want to throw some info out there. Nothing really wrong about these products there are just different. For me they don't quite meet my preferences but I would use them.

Check out the SSR Guides by CRB,(Mudhole) they may fall into the same category..

Being basically a Fuji fan, I tried the Sea Guides just to see, granted not the “ringless” versions as the Minima Ms in question. I found the ringed versions of Sea Guides to be of great quality and would certainly use them again. While I may be guilty of comparing apples with oranges in this particular case, Sea Guide offers a quality product at a reasonable price.

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

Agreed it is a quality product at a decent price. Just wanted to share some details for those that might be comparing these to Pac Bay when ordering.

I love Seaguide products. In my humble, and highly arguable, opinion...you can't go wrong.