Looking for info on typical guide material. Not the inserts the metal used in the guide itself.

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/20/2016 04:03PM by John E Powell.

304 grade stainless steel.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

Adam,
John and Russell are correct. Additionally, some of the lower end ocean boat guides are chrome plated and seam to corrode quickly leading me to wonder if they are regular steel under the plating. There are two common SS alloys in guide manufacturing; 304, which John stated, and also 316. While 304 offers good corrosion resistance and is less expensive, 316 is the best of all the easily obtainable SS alloys but pricier. Typically, guides stating they are SS but not which alloy are 304. Insist on 316 for salt water guides while 304 is sufficient for fresh. If price is of no concern, Titanium is the strongest and lightest while exhibiting the best corrosion resistance.

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

The guide companies tell what they are using in their catalogs and on their websites.

Mark is spot on ! They are both considered Austenitic type Stainless (18 % Chrome and 8% Nickel). Both are non-magnetic and non corrosive. Only a slight amount of Ferrite (.08% Iron). Although the 316 has a slightly higher content of Cr and Ni than does 304. It also has 2.0 - 3.0 % Molybdenum which makes it even more corrosive resistant than 304 type SS. So, like Mark said, I would use type 304 for fresh water rods and use type 316 for salt water use.

J.B.Hunt
Bowling Green, KY



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/09/2016 05:01PM by J.B. Hunt.