Microguides

[Gunnerntyler619]

I want to buy a rod that I really like but I don't know if Microguides are good for me.can some of you share an experience you have had with them and your thoughts on Microguides? Also what line you used would be helpful.thanks.

[Bassin Bob]

I usually use braided line with a flouro leader.  I can't do that with micro guides as the guides are too small to allow a leader knot to easily pass thru.  If you use straight braid or straight mono, micros are great.

[gulfcaptain]

Have both, and have used topshots, just have to make sure your albright knot is nice and tight and all tag ends of the mono or fc are trimmed as so they don't catch on the guides when you cast.  But they are nice.  I've become quite fond of the minima guides which are inbetween the standard and micro. Gives you pretty much the best of both worlds.

[uncustered]

If you use a bite leader and fish grass, or if you ain't afraid to fish those tournaments when the temps are on the teens (or lower, one tourney this winter it was 9° at launch) then the micro guides become Problem.

Also, if it's not a Fuji product I on't put it on my rods.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

"Micro" is a term used to describe a range of guide sizes, typically 5.5<. When choosing guides you need to consider line and connections but to summarily reject all guides referred to as "Micro" because you'll use a leader is a mistake. A size 4 guide (4mm ring) will easily pass an Albright knot joining 50# braid and 15# fluoro. In conditions of filamentous algae or icing, "Micros"  may not be the best choice. Outside of that, the smallest, lightest guides you can use preserve the blank's inherent qualities and help maximize sensitivity, recovery speed, and balance if applied properly. 

[Choporoz]

What are the pros of micro-guides if using mono or hybrid?  Is the list of pros the same for spinning and casting?

Is there a 'good' site or reference for me to learn more?

Thanks for any more info.

[new2BC4bass]

As Mike said, not all micros are the same size.  I don't as yet use leaders so I have no problem with micro guides on baitcast rods.  They are suppose to increase sensitivity due to their being lighter than standard guides.  I am not good enough to feel the difference.  Some say they improve casting distance.  I am not good enough to see a difference.

 

However, so far I can positively say that I hate them on spinning rods from my very limited experience with them.  They cut down seriously on my casting distances.  Others disagree.

[CarolinaBoy4Life]

I have one Micro guide rod a BPS carbonlite and I love it. Just depends on application and line your using as everyone has stated. I use 15-20lb FC on mine

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

As Mike said, not all micros are the same size.  I don't as yet use leaders so I have no problem with micro guides on baitcast rods.  They are suppose to increase sensitivity due to their being lighter than standard guides.  I am not good enough to feel the difference.  Some say they improve casting distance.  I am not good enough to see a difference.

 

However, so far I can positively say that I hate them on spinning rods from my very limited experience with them.  They cut down seriously on my casting distances.  Others disagree.

The key to casting performance of a spinning rod lies in the reduction train: Stripper, reduction and choke guides and their relation to reel size and placement. By the time line reaches the running guides, regardless of guide size If the line has not been tamed efficiently casting performance will suffer.

[Choporoz]

DVT,

  Would you happen to have a link to a site with some rod basics in first grader English?  I think I like what you said, but then again, I'm not sure I understand it.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

What are the pros of micro-guides if using mono or hybrid?  Is the list of pros the same for spinning and casting?

Is there a 'good' site or reference for me to learn more?

Thanks for any more info.

The benefits of smaller guides are the same regardless of the type of line used or whether it's spinning or casting. Less weight, especially on the tip, the better the blank will perform sensitivity and crispness wise. How this translates to each individual varies of course. For example, some don't see any difference between a Berkley Cherrywood and a St Croix LTE. The chances of that individual being impressed my employing micro guides is slim to none. 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

DVT,

  Would you happen to have a link to a site with some rod basics in first grader English?  I think I like what you said, but then again, I'm not sure I understand it.

The line leaves a spinning reel in coils as it's pulled off the spool. Efficiently taming these coils all but eliminates the oscillation of the line allowing it to flow more smoothly through rest of the guides. The Stripper guide is the one nearest the reel. It should be of sufficient size and height to collect the coiled line and start taming it without choking it too tightly causing it to back up and slap on the blank. A ring diameter of 1/2 the spool lip diameter placed 18-20" ahead of the spool is a common starting point. The next guide or two are the Reduction Guides. They gradually reduce in size with each successive guide further taming the line. The next guide is referred to as the Choke Guide. It is the first of the running guides which will all be the same size out to the tip. If done correctly, the line will be shooting straight and smoothly through these guides with minimal distance robbing friction. This guide layout practice is referred to as New Concept or 27X among rod builders. The 27x refers to the distance from the spool face to the choke guide which is optimally 27x the spool diameter. Manufacturers have their own recipes but the best performing rods will fall somewhere close to these parameters.  Here is a link showing the line flow and an alternative guide system. http://www.americantackle.us/microwave_guides.html  

Here is a Rod Building Forum if you'd like to research anything related: http://rodbuilding.org/list.php?2 

 

Feel free to contact me with any questions via, post, pm, email or phone

[Choporoz]

Thank you!  Even I can understand much of that.  Very instructive.  I appreciate your taking the time to explain.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Thank you for reminding me to speak in "layman's" terms. Glad I could shed some light.

[Capt.Bob]

Excellent job mike! you did that well,,,,,,,