Ive been building a number of planer board rods on the Mud Hole DR-1024 and they work great. I have been using a spiral wrap with Fuji Hardloy guides with an Alconite tip top. No problems and I like the cost of the guide set up. Now I want to build some downrigger rods for the Great Lakes,again using the spiral wrap with the MH DR-1024 and some XH DR1086 blanks. This is NOT for wire line but Im wondering if the standard Alconite (BNLG) are going to hold up? I have been considering going to the Alconite boat guides (BHNLG). What ACTUAL advantage, in a downrigger/Great Lakes venue is there to going to the heavy boat guides as opposed to the standard casting guides using the same ring? i have some ideas of the differences but would like to hear from someone that actually has tried them.

................. You don't like the Alconites? then what would you suggest?
Thanks,
Buzz

I like the BMNAG if I'm looking for something that takes abuse in stride. I personally feel any alconite guide frame will be a little stronger than a hardloy frame due to the way the ring is held in the frame.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

Alconite has been in deep pressed frames, Hardloy has not which explains why "any" Alconite holds up better. Fuji has now introduced Concept frames with deep pressed Aluminum Oxide rings. Look for MN, LN and L frames in Concept "O". The most inexpensive concept frame Fuji has ever offered.

Great info thanks all

Buzz

I use BMNAG's about 80% of the time. They are a great, tough, quality guide. If someone wants to spend more, I'll usually recommend the Fuji MNSG SiC guides.