Guides....

[calebw]

SiC, SiN, Hardloy, Alconite? Whats the best bang for the buck on a budget jigging build? This is going to be for a 200 gram rod spiral wrapped if that makes any difference...

[FLATLINER]

SiN in my book. Others may have differing opinions.

KK

[JRJBfishing]

I used the SIN's on my 300 gram spiral and they have been great so far!

SIC's are good, but so far as bang for your buck, go with the SIN's!

[CaptLeoNYC]

I say SIC, IMO they are the top of the line and will allow you to use any type of line without worrying about guide wear. Theres an old saying " Its better to have a gun and not need it, then need a gun and not have it" my .02

[helm]

The rods I have came with either Fuji Hardloy or Fuji Alconite guides. I am of the understanding that either of these guides are not harmed when using braided line. Can anyone confirm this?

[tankerfly]

Caleb,

I used SiC on my 200g rod. They are nice and I'm confident with them, but not sure I really need them. I think you would be fine with Alconite. The cost is big factor- my guides cost more than the rest of the rod components put together.

Matt

PS. Maybe do an SiC top as that pont will have a lot of stress from braid.

[FB280V]

Hiya all.. Kinda new here, but I really appreciate all the great info, and talented builders on this board.. I'm an amateur builder, but sold tackle for over 20 years, so have a pretty good understanding of components.. IMO sic's are certainly not worth the extra cost in this application.. While sic's are very hard, and resistant to wear, that very hardness makes the more fragile than other options on your list.. A hard knock will crack an sic easier than a "softer" ceramic. In my years in the biz, I've yet to see any decent quality ceramic "groove" as braid legend suggests, so to me durability and resistance to impact ( which is what wrecks most guides) , is the greater issue here.. I'm with Flatliner on the SiN's,which are imo, more durable than an Sic , and hard enough to fish wire.