Gimme Some Learning On Micro Guide Rods.

[CiMo]

Some one explain the advantages or disadvantages of the Micro Guides vs Regular Guides on Casting rods.

Such as, do they work well with spinner baits, jigs, t-rigs, drop shots, senkos, ect ect.

I'm leaning toward trying one but not sure if I should.

Thanks & Keep Them Lines Tight!

[skeletor6]

Biggest advantage is they weigh less. A blank is at its greatest efficiency when bare. Components obviously need added in order to fish. The lighter the components on the rod the more efficient the rod is. Thus, microguides should aid in rod efficiency. Claims of more accuracte and longer casting have not been observed in my experience. Aaron Martens does mention in the promo for the Orochi DropShot rod that the smaller guides allow the line to stay in contact with the guides better aiding in sensitivity. Take that FWIW 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Here's my insight as a rod builder:

"Micro" is a term to describe running guides that range in size from 5 and down. Traditional full size guides are in the 6 range. The size is the inside diameter of the metal ring (not the insert). As a rule of thumb, using the smallest, lightest guides that will do the job, allows the blank to retain the maximum of it's design characteristics. Even though a few grams doesn't seem like much weight, the savings, especially in the tip section improves sensitivity, response and balance. Things to consider in choosing guide size include whether icing or clogging with filimentous algae are a concern. If so, a larger guide is needed. Beyond that you need to pass any leaders, knots or connections that you anticipate using. A size 4 guide will easily pass a well tied Albright knot joining 65# braid and 17# leader. If using stictly straight line 3' or even 2's will work but I don't think many over the counter rods come with them. As far as improved casting distance claims are concerned There may be an advantage in some instances but they will be modest at best and a distant second to the weight/sensitivity advantage. This makes them most useful in "feel" techniques like jigs, plastics etc. Keep in mind that all of this is with all else being equal (blank, line, lure...) To recap, "Micro Guide" rods are not an instant cure for all that ails you, but definetely have there place in any bass fishing arsenal.

[mcipinkie]

Can you say "Gimmick" in a sentence?

 

Next year it will be be super jumbo guides and every one will swear they are the best thing ever.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

They are not a gimmic at all, but I will add that they should be the same or cheaper than rods with larger guides given the same frame material is used. Some layouts need an extra guide or two (this does not negate the weight savings)so there is the extra labor to wrap them but the premium some manufacturers try to squeeze from a "micro" rod is out of line. The more likely scenario for the future is that smaller guides will become the norm and the term "Micro" will become obsolete.

[TNBassin']

Can you say "Gimmick" in a sentence?

 

Next year it will be be super jumbo guides and every one will swear they are the best thing ever.

Yep. They are ok for weight savings, but they are all hype IMO. 

[ColdSVT]

I have two rods with micro guides. a lew laser crankbait and a croix ltb. what I noticed was better sensotivity and maybe a hair more accuracy...maybe. I did notice a hair more distance when flipping but not in longer casting

[mcipinkie]

That Kool-Aid must taste great. Micro guides and fluorocarbon line and all of a sudden you're in Guntersville. If was in the market for new rods and I liked a rod, either micro or macro guides, I'd buy it, but not because of the guides. I note that Duckett, probably the leading proponent of micro guides, is making a macro series of rods. I wouldn't buy a micro guide rod just because they look so difficult to wrap. It's hard enough to wrap a normal little single foot guide.

[dodgeguy]

micro guides are awesome.they absolutely increase sensitivity.they also prevent wind knots and tip wrap with braid.

[thehooligan]

i just got a new cumara spinning rod with the micro guides. Had it out the other day side by side with my older cumara and didnt really notice that much of a difference...

 

I also had a veritas with the micros, i really dont notice any difference, i think i have dead hands, lol.

[flyfisher]

I own a few spinning and one casting micro guide set up and i haven't seen a ton of difference other than the weight savings.  I seem to be able to cast the same distance and have the same accuracy as i do with the regular guides.

 

To me it wasn't a factor when i bought the rods as i was looking fro a more sensitive blank and the rod happened to come with them so that is what i am using. 

 

If i fished a lot of cold weather where my guides were freezing i might think again but there are plenty of products out there that i have used on my fly rods to prevent ice up so really it shouldn't be a problem.

[TNBassin']

Apparently the guides on the Veritas are not true micro guides which I didn't know, so I guess since I haven't used a true micro guide rod my post is moot.

[Dyerbassman]

I tend to agree with the notion that they are another "advertised necessity" in order to sell more rods.

[moguy1973]

Apparently the guides on the Veritas are not true micro guides which I didn't know, so I guess since I haven't used a true micro guide rod my post is moot.

 

Yeah, I've seen my friends Duckett Micro Magic rod and those are some small guides.  When I got my Veritas I was like "Whoa, those aren't micro guides...They are smaller but nothing like the Duckett's"

[TNBassin']

Yeah, I've seen my friends Duckett Micro Magic rod and those are some small guides.  When I got my Veritas I was like "Whoa, those aren't micro guides...They are smaller but nothing like the Duckett's"

Yeah the Ducketts are tiny. Like threading a needle. I can see how those would increase sensitivity.

[GoneFishi'n]

I have a couple duckett micro magics which are seriously light. I haven't tried any other micro guided rod so I don't know how much weight it reduces. I mostly use the medium and it is seriously sensitive. I beleive that sensitivity mostly comes with the line but these rods are sensitive.

[BigMoneyGrip]

I have a Falcon Micro in the finesse jig. It weighe 3.67 oz and is one of the most awesome rods I have. I've pulled a ton of fish out with it.

[stkbassn]

Probably a lot less hype with micro guides than having a $500 dollar Loomis and saying you can tell the difference between a green leaf and a brown leaf on the bottom at 40 feet....LOL ...I like Loomis rods by the way so let's not get defensive....I have micro guide rods and like them but not sure how much they're helping me, I still got skunked the other night and could've used any rod to feel absolutely nothing on the end of the line