micro guides!

[thedude]

This is an interesting new trend in rod building that i thought i would post up some info on. Its a really cool idea and pretty amazing cost savings when you look at the benefits. Micro guides are just that - ultra small single-foot guides. Average smallest guide on a factory rod will be a size 5 or more likely a size 6. micros go down to 2 or 3! Here's a pic i took to show the difference


There are some performance benefits to using the smaller rings. First off, they weigh next to nothing - even lighter than recoils. The small, low frames make them near impossible to bend and better yet.. they cost a whopping 1$ a guide for a quality brand.
On spinning outfits, the preliminary information coming out of the rod building community is showing that these things will enhance casting distances - especially with braid and other ultra-limp lines. Due mostly in part to how quickly the ring sizes taper (sz 10, sz 8, sz 6, sz 3.... tip) which tames the wave-lake pattern line takes the form of when it leaves a spinning reel.
The only downside that i can find is if you are intending to use heavy line - 20lb or so - or using braid with a long leader where the knot will have to pass through the eyes. On most 12lb or lighter diameter lines i don't see this as being and issue. A size 3 is so tiny though, on thick lines, i could see it causing and issue.

[canvsbk]

I've looked in Mudhole's catalog and of course Netcraft's but I can't seem to find micro's anywhere........

[thedude]

mudhole might have the fuji alconites which are sz4s. The ones pictured are batsons i got from swampland tackle. customtackle.com also carries them although i don't think they are on his site.

[BryanP]

Netcraft has the Fuji Alconite 4's which are the same size as the Batson 3's.

[Mike Nolan]

One thing about the micro guides is they have very small feet and you definitely want to use a locking wrap if you try them so they won't pull out.  I have found micro-guides (specifically Alconite #4's) actually seem to bend more than traditional size guides.  They are lighter than traditional sized guides.  The guy that told me about them claims he can notice an increase in casting distance but I don't know if I can.   I haven't used them in cold weather but I would assume you would have more of a problem with icing up and if you're getting older and your eyes are giving you problems seeing close up, threading line through the micros is tougher.