Stainless steel guides better ? NOT!

[kyron4]

Useing Trilene XL mono on my 5' Ugly Stik Lite, I had to replace the tip top after only a few outings due to grooves in the stainless steel insert. Upon close inpection I can see the next two guides begining to develop wear marks also. I have other Ugly Stik rods with Fuji Hardloy guides that have been used and abused for 10+ years and they look as good as the day I bought the rod. So what's so great about stainless steel guides ? Seem to be less durable than the Aluminum oxide Hardloy guides. This winter I'm takeing them off and replceing with the Fuji Hardloy guide set. Any comments or opinions ? -Thanks

[willsjwills]

Most stainless alloys are fairly soft and won't take abrasion. Ceramic or tungsten are best for line guides. Stainless is cheaper to use in rod making, but isn't good for the long haul.

[smoothlures]

Yeah, it's due to cheap guides. Replace them or have them replaced with good Fuji guides and you should be fine.

[The Lip RIPPERS]

This is exactly why I dont recomend them to my rod customers, If you want the best wearing on the market try the new color/nitrides they will hold up to wear for life, this is true even for saltwater applications, plus they really look great on any blank / wrap colors you choose, to view some of these visit our website, click on the rod building links , then click on guides / components.