Holographic guide's?

[therapy]

I am about to embark on my first rod build (with some help from Ant72). I have bought a 7 foot 5" samurai 3-5 kg blank and the blue camo grip's etc. Now I have to select the type of guide's. The Fuji sic guide's I know are pretty good but I like the look of the holographic guide's for a bit of bling value. Just wondering what the general consensus is as far as quality go's. Are they comparable to the Fuji's or just made for look's. It will be a plastic's rod so will be fishing 10lb braid. Any advice appreciated............


Cheers.......Terry............

[finga]

I have a set here on a light rod.
The cook liked them and wanted them so she got them.
They look flash and they seem to work alright.
I put a set of the blue Zirconia's on a rod for dad too (yellow bindings...he's a parra fan) and he has not said anything negative.
BUT we don't use them to the extent (or understand them) that most really keen anglers would.
The guide feet have not seemed to suffer from been used in the salt but we wash everything pretty well after use and, honestly, don't use them a great deal as compared to a really keen angler.
The Zirconia rings seem to work but seem to be the unknown factor.
None have broken for us yet.

Give them a try. Guides can be changed if they don't do the job.
PS I personally prefer the AmTac's to the Fugi's in general.

[flathead95]

try these http://www.alpstackle.com/TECHNOLOGY-SS316.html
nick

[sleepygreg]

Scott,

Why do you prefer the AmTac's to the Fuji's? Not being a smartarse here, just curious. I have used fujis most of my life..and provided the right guide for the application is used, have had no dramas with them. But I am always open to experiment within reason. ( I am going to get back into rod building very soon, once the new house is built). Though I probably have enough fuji componentry in storage to build another 50 rods, I dont mind trying new things.

Greg

[Owen]

My only experience with the Amtaks (blue zirconia/holo) has been less than impressive.
They rust pretty easy and the tip gouged out and then cracked.
Maybe I got a dud, but no problems with Alps or fuji (although haven't had holo's in those)

[therapy]

Thanks for the replies men. I have decide to go the fuji siccaloy(?) guides and will add some colour with some metallic blue highlight's. As it is my first build I will adhere to the addage of KISS. Can't wait to get started and then finished and then bent on some critters. Thanks again and I will post some picks when finished although it won't be anything like some of the works of art you guy's post on here. Funny how many rod's other people have that need repairing when you mention that you are setting up to do build's.......mmmmm

Cheers.............Terry...........

[finga]

Scott,

Why do you prefer the AmTac's to the Fuji's? Not being a smartarse here, just curious. I have used fujis most of my life..and provided the right guide for the application is used, have had no dramas with them. But I am always open to experiment within reason. ( I am going to get back into rod building very soon, once the new house is built). Though I probably have enough fuji componentry in storage to build another 50 rods, I dont mind trying new things.

Greg

Greg, I know you pretty good by now and if you ask a question it's not trying to be a smarty.
Actually my main gripe with Fugi guides is their distributor in Australia.
Frogley's sux in my books after trying to have dealings with them.
Old Mr Frogley (who I knew, and deeply respected, in Alstonville when I was growing up as a kid) would be turning over in his grave I reckon.
If you have the stock then use it. Nothing wrong with it.
And Owen is right about the Alps. I've used them and never had a problem. I quite like them to tell the truth.
I was not aware Alps made the zirconia's until flathead put the link up. Thanks for that.
I would be using them if need be in the future after hearing Owen's failures.

Maybe we have not used the rods with the Amtacs on them enough for them to show their true colours. Only one way to fix that. Use the buggers more.

[Owen]

I only had the one failure and as I said, maybe it was a dud.
Was built by one, so could've rubbed off.
I don't really put enough rods out there to be able to say for sure, but I reckon John Laws only ever said one true thing in his life.

"When your on a good thing...."
Or was it trust British paints.....?

[sleepygreg]

Thanks Scott. I hear what your saying about Frogleys. Probably the same gripe I used to have with the Jarvis Walker/Penn agent that serviced Sydney when I had the shop, nothing wrong with the product but the service/attitude left a lot to be desired (and sometimes a very nasty taste in your mouth).

Greg