I have a customer that has had me cut down a Lami GSB11201M to a #14 top, 9'2" overall. He will be using the rod for surf fishing with chunk baits utilizing a Penn 704 spooled with 30# test. We plan to set the rod up using the New Concept guide arrangement.

Two questions: Are the Alconite BMNAG guides up to the task of fishing 30# line? Would a BPLT top be the best match for these guides (as the Alconite does not come in a size 14)?

Let me hear your suggestions.

The guides can handle the fishing - what undermines guides most of the time is how the rod is handled. You can't beat and bang and knock them around like you can the heavier guides.

The BPLT top would be fine, but I'd spring for the PST top instead. The SIC ring will be right where you need it most and to be honest, the hardloy rings are a grade below the Alconites. I find the Alconites to be much closer in finish and polish to the SIC's anyway.

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Can I match the finish between the PST and the Alconites? I thought the PST was a gunsmoke frame and the Alconites are black frame. My customer would really like to have the Alconite in a gunsmoke to achieve the light guide with the frame color that he likes.

I find the Alconites to be a sort of dark brown frame. I doubt the gunsmoke top will be offensive. I used to use a gold SIC top on all my rods, regardless of the guide frame color. It was a finishing touch of distinction (you know how Browning uses gold plated triggers on their firearms) and also made the tip easy to see and hopefully keep out of car and house doors, ceilings, etc.

Honestly, the difference in frame color is not likely to be noticed. They are reasonably close.

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