In mid summer of 2007 we got our first indication that there were new options on the horizon regarding guides for bass rods.
Conventionally we would "follow the crowd" and use Fuji Alconites ranging in size from #12 double foot down to #6 single foot.
The new word was that very small ring size guides had a lot of advantages.
Not being one to simply jump on the band wagon, we began to experiment with the Fuji LSG's down to the smallest size of 3.5's. We built several different configurations before we settled on our rods being built with all LSG 3.5's (plus tip) and using no transition from larger to smaller guide.
To our astonishment, we found multiple advantages of doing this.
FIRST: The weight of a set of micro guides is 17% of a set of Alconites in standard sizes. Any weight savings on the upper portion of a rod adds significantly to its sensitivity.
SECOND: Casting distance is increased because the line path is totally straight from butt guide to tip and the small diameter guides greatly decrease line slap which is a big cause of reduced distance.
The percentage increase in casting distance is especially true with stiff "memory set" mono or fluoro and not quite as big an increase with braid. The end result is that you can actually cast farther than your ability to set the hook.
THIRD: The low profile means that you get far fewer "wind knots" with braid because there is not as much protrusion to catch a loop.
FOURTH: There are less tangles with multiple rods lying on deck or in the locker.
FIFTH: Your rods go in and out of your rod locker with ease.
SIXTH: The durability of these guides is equal to or greater than conventional single foot guides because of their low profile. A shorter profile means a shorter lever with which to bend.
We always use the Forham locking wrap on all our guide wraps. They will not come off.
