from everything i have been told and my experience is the braid does not "groove" the guide rings. this is coming directly from bill batson's mouth, numerous fishermen, builders, and vic cutter(pac bay) as well. i know i have not built any offshore rods, but even the alconites hold up for the heavy use fresh water and lite saltwater guys using braid. even those "Kingfishing" guys. i also understand it is better to use adequate components that wont break down.

it seems that the frames are more important than the ring material. i like the "k" series, but the frames are not assturdy looking as some of the traditional guides.

i really like the guides Amtak has been producing recently. i like them for my heavier rods, but the Pac Bay minimas are incredible for any light or fly application.

thanks for the replies. i am just trying to educate myself about some types of fishing i don't normally do.