I have built quite a few inshore rods using the Microwave guide system with micro guides. I really like the line management of this system.
7 ft 10-18 lb blanks.
I would like to build the same blank with Fuji guides that would come as close as possible to the line management.
Have any of you found the closest Fuji guide train for this?
Recommendations please.

Jon Hood



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/02/2023 10:31AM by Jon Hood.

Because the key to the MicroWave system is the butt guide, which features two rings stacked in such close proximity, I doubt you can mimic it with any butt guide from any other manufacturer. The issue, even if you wanted to stack two guides, a large ring immediately followed by a much smaller ring, is that the height of the frame on the much smaller ring isn't going to center with the larger guide ring.

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So Tom, I guess in your opinion - there is no equivalent to the microwave guide system at this time?

Jon Hood

Nothing equivalent but the KR concept is comparable.
Norm

How close do you think Norm?

Jon Hood

Jon,
While there are many rod builders and anglers (such as yourself) who like the MicroWave guide system, there may be even more (such as me) who prefer the Fuji KR Concept (KL-H, KB, KT) or other manufacturers’ “match” guides consisting of smaller rings atop taller frames. Both systems work very well, especially compared to the old COF, and the on-going debate of which one is better will probably never be concluded. Consider building a KR Concept rod, if for nothing else, to experience any difference for yourself rather than relying on opinions and loyalty of others. I am basically a KRC supporter but built a MW rod just for that reason. Although the rod fishes well, I don’t particularly care for the MW runners and since one cannot purchase the reduction guides separately, I stick with KRC.

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

Good points by Mark, I agree.

I recently used my Microwave rod and was not impressed compared to my usual KR rods. No , I have no data, but it just seemed noisier, no longer on the cast, maybe not as far, and the recovery speed with an Immortal blank seemed a little slow. Yes, we find ways to like our favorites, and ways to dislike our not-so-favorites, but I don't think there is anything special about Microwave. The runners, which are most influential in recovery speed are heavier than the KT's used in the KR concept. If you really want to see the difference do True Natural Frequency and test casting with both systems and come to your own conclusions.

Aside from recovery speed, the biggest influence on casting performance is the line. Get a premium 8+ carrier braid and it will work well with any guide system.

Jon Hood Wrote:
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> So Tom, I guess in your opinion - there is no
> equivalent to the microwave guide system at this
> time?

I think there are guide systems that work just as well, but they will not look the same. The MicroWave is just easy.

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The micro wave system works very well, I just prefer the KR concept for a number of reasons. However, it all boils down to a matter of personal preference. You just need to try both in order to decide which one you like better.
Norm