Can I get recommendations on casting blank guides? I'm familiar with fuji sic guides, and know they are good. What are some others? Thanks!

What's the application?

Frog rod for bass.

The most advanced casting set up available is with Kigan's Z series. Hydra worked directly with Kigan to develop the stripper and 2nd guide to compensate for line height off the reel and not having to do it by using a larger ring size.

St Croix recently implemented the entire train on the Avid X series with rave reviews (ZDH5.5, ZDH5, ZD5). We use a modified version with the 2nd guide as the stripper on ALX Rods and have had great success using it (ZDH5, ZD5)

Check out the casting train here: [hydrafishing.com]

Hydra Fishing, LLC

Online: [www.hydrafishing.com]
Facebook: [www.facebook.com]
Email: info@hydrafishing.com

The Fuji Alconite guides are nice. I believe the rings are thinner, and a bit lighter than their SIC, as well.

I've also used a set of American Tackle GBRLC ring lock with Nano Plasma rings that are nice. The nice thing about the nano plasma rings is that you can't get the rings in several different colors. On the set I used I went with gold rings and they really look sweet.

Scott,

You won't find a bad guide for bass rods. Most of my rods have the original Batson mini guides with hard aluminum oxide rings. You'll be hard pressed to find lighter guides out there. Keep in mind that your are fishing for a fish that doesn't make long fast runs, so the heat dissipations properties of the higher end ceramics aren't necessary. My guide selection would change significantly if I were chasing large fast fish in saltwater.

Depending on other build requirements I like features of other designs as well. When the rod is going to be used by someone that is hard on the rod, particularly with good odds of ripping guides off with a rod locker, I like a more substantial foot, and usually look at AmTak guides in that scenario. For musky rods that get guides banged around on the side of the boat, zirconia inserts are a great choice as they are a bit more impact resistant than the other ring materials. If the rod will be fished during conditions where ice may form in the guides, I look for the biggest ring ID I can find for a size class, and that is the Pac Bay Minima. If a specific color combo is needed, then I look to the PVD coated guides either from Batson or AmTak. Kigan's 3-D press capabilities allow them to attach the ring to the frame in ways that others can't, and their brazed tip tops are the best available bar none. For brand recognition and a darn good guide, Fuji is still the standard by which others are measured.

Personally, I have my preferences in guides for sure, Batson/Alps, but I keep an open mind and use what the guide that has the characteristics I'm looking for in a particular build.

Scott,

I have used the new Fuji Reverse KR Stripper Guide on numerous casting rods and have been very pleased with the performance. I've used the Alconite version of the guide and the Torzite version and have been very happy with the performance. One of the rods was the new Rainshadow Immortal Frog Rod blank and my customer is very please with the performance. As he said, "exactly what I was looking for" ! At the risk giving a plug to Batson, I have also been very impressed with Rainshadow's new Immortal and Eternity 2 blanks. IMHO, They are the pinnacle of quality and performance.

Don Campbell
don@sensorfishingrods.com

Microwave casting guides by American Tackle in titanium (tidal wave) guides would fill the bill.

Microwave casting guides by American Tackle in titanium (tidal wave) guides would fill the bill.

Microwave casting guides by American Tackle in titanium (tidal wave) guides would fill the bill.

Scott,
I usually do spiral wraps on my casting rods. I like the Fuji K and KB series guides for runners to the Tip Top. and an RV or LC double footed guides for the stripper (closest guide to reel). I use the RV (#6) guide on rods shorter than 6'10" and for 7'+ I use the LC. This is because of the height of the guide. The taller guide works better when the distance is shorter to the reel. I am trying to achieve the straightest possible line going into the spiral. My set up in ring size is 6, 5, then all 4s. The lighter you can make the rod the more sensitive it will be so I use titanium frames. The ring type really doesn't matter that much despite the hype. Wire framed guides like Recoils, will usually perform just as well with this set up. The lightest ring would be the Fuji Torzite then the Alconite followed by the SIC ring with the Alconite ring giving the most bang for the buck.. I would probably use Kigen or Alps guides if could get the specs for the height to ring size. I am really looking for a size 6 ring and the height to achieve a straight line.
Regards,
Lance

With the a z series single foot guides, how well does a fohran locking wrap work with these?

Thanks for all the feedback! Not as easy as it sounds with all the choices.

Keith Combs has his signature series frog rods with ALPS guides!! Check them out when you get a chance: www.alpsforecast.com

R. McBride

Batson Enterprises
BatsonEnterprises.com | RainShadowRodBlanks.com | ALPSForeCast.com | Build2Fish.com

I too like Alps guides. I just did a frog rod on a Rainshadow blank. 10, 8, 6 them 5 micro to the tip.