Best Type of Guides??

[AJAX]

Are roller guides on the entire rod the best way to go? I've seen some rods with standard guides and then a roller at the top.

But the heavy rated and expensive ones all seem to have roller guides throughout.

Are they the best?

AJ

[fin]

Hey AJ,

one must understand that if you do have a big fish hooked up he is going to take a considerable amount of line fast, hence if you do not have any rollers throughout there could be a considerable amount of friction and heat accumulation within the line which not necessarily will ruin your line instantaneously but with continous catches your will ned to replace your line more often. Without doubt having a tip roller is essentail if you plan any catches on  frequent basis from 15 kg +.

I agree that an all roller is ideal but it is also a bit of a upmarket rod. One thing also to kep in mind is that when you do have a tip roller or a ful roller rod preventive maintenance that is imperative that is lubricating them after your season and again before your season. If you plan to use your rod regular checks are important. Imagine a stick roller when your line is shooting out of your reel... ouch and snap.

YOURS FIN

[AJAX]

FIN,

thanks for the tips, and about roller maintenance, makes sense

AJ

[fin]

You welcome and anytime, just remember no matter what rod you buy, it still needs attention hence from time to time have a good all round look at your reel and make sure there are no dents, scratches or stress cracks.

YOURS FIN

[Fishmagician]

Fin, and AJ, you guys hit the nail right on the head! Friction is a killer where large fish are concerned, and roller guides do a great deal to minimize the heat build up. I do use, and have found effective, rods that employ the roller on the first guide and the top, with four regular guides in between. Seeker and CalStar both make modles as I described they are less expensive...a couple of points here about these super duper rods. To be effective, these rollers must be well maintained. At least twice a year, I take mine apart, examine them, and lubricate their bearings and put them back together. I wash all my rods and the rollers, and my reels with a gentle mist, wipe them down when I put them away. Every winter when the weather is foul, I take the time to use a good quality car wax on them, buff them off, it helps keep that salt corrossion from damaging the finish..

Best regards.
Capt. Mike Fisher

[Simon G]

just one thing  rods with rollers need some attention before you use them
1 you need to make sure they roll
2 you need to be sure they are tight (if they are not the line might get caught in between the roller and holder and burn up)
3 you need to wash them every time you use them
4 if you are storing it oil them

[skip]

I been doing some checking as one does in the Winter period and note that there is quite a difference between a trolling rod and a standup rod, even though both are used when trolling lures.

I was always under the impression that rods with all rollers were the best, but it seems that isn't quite the case. Rods with all rollers are usually what they call trolling rods, but not in the sense we know them. Whilst we troll for fish a trolling rod is actually meant for fighting chairs. They tend to be longer than a standup rod, maybe 6.5 - 7feet, all rollers due to the nature of how the pressure is distributed on the rod in a chair. A standup rod is still a trolling rod except when you hook up the fish you fight it standing up! They tend to be much shorted, around 5.5feet - max 6feet and have a different action. They also tend to have monel wire guides not rollers as they are better for that type of style. Maybe they will have a roller tip on the last guide.

One thing I have learn about rods is the majority of the cost comes from the guides and how good the guides/rollers are. This is something to be aware of as in the case of wire guides, you should ideally have a min of Titanium Nitride guides especially if you fish braided (Spectra/Powerpro) lines. The best guides are Silicone Carbide but they are super expensive, like the rolls royce of guides! Fuji or Aftco guides are what you should be looking for.

Would be interested to hear people's thoughts on this. Mike/Joe what's your professional opinion on this.

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