A few words about "Spectra®" and guide materials: Today out on the long range boats and big game yachts Spectra braided lines are being used more and more. One of the top questions is, "will my guide rings groove when using Spectra?" The answer is, that most fishermen who have invested their time and money into long range fishing trips and other expensive tackle insist on Silicon Carbide rings or roller guides. For ring type guides, SiC is dependable while all the other materials have been used to some extent with success while using Spectra. I personally use Spectra and a long top shot of mono. I have been using all guide material types and still have not experienced any guide ring grooving, including getting spooled by a big game fish using Spectra on a large two speed reel. The guide material for that fight was "Hardloy". Guide grooving depends on how often you fish and how much mileage of line passes through your guides while fighting fish. For most guys, Stainless or Hardloy work fine. But there have been reports of these softer materials grooving in some cases. Bottom line is that you still have the choice.

Materials:
Stainless Steel: The Standard Stainless Steel guides made by Perfection and Pacific Bay are found on most standard rods used on both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. They are tough and very dependable for line weights up to 80# test. Today, these guides are available in chrome or black finishes. There is a new coating called "Titanium Nitride" or "Titanium Carbide" that puts a super hard surface on the same stainless frames. This coating has been around for a relatively short period of time and will prove to be a great advance in guide technology and adds a new low cost alternative to the ceramic guides available.

Carbaloy: Again, this is the standard material used for the tip-top guide of stainless guide sets. This is a super hard alloy that has proven itself over time to withstand any line abrasion. This material is available for a complete guide set, but is quite expensive. We recommend Carbaloy for the tip-top, whenever you build a rod using stainless steel guides.

Silicon Carbide (SiC): SiC rings are extremely light and strong, and provide the ultimate in abrasion, corrosion and thermal shock resistance. A performance plus on any rod, SiC's heat dissipating conductivity makes them the perfect choice for Tuna Sticks, when line speed, friction, and heat build-up are at a maximum. Without superior materials like SiC, after one big game fish it will be time to change your line. Also with todays braided "Spectra" lines, SiC is depended on more than ever by the most experienced long range fishermen. Fuji SiC guides are only available in gunsmoke color frames or gold. Pac Bay offers black, gold and chrome frame finishes.

Silicon Nitride : Fuji's newest guide ring material is rated just below the silicon carbide for hardness. A new alternative which are available in black frames. "Spectra Safe" for most sportfishing applications.

Alconite® : In addition to Silicon Carbide, a new ring material will be available in the Fuji New Concept Guides. Alconite® is Fuji's latest ceramic ring. The makeup of Alconite® provides a rare combination of strength, lightness, and durability not found in other rings. Alconite® will only be available in Fuji's Concept guides and tops. Alconite® is very strong and durable, so durable it can be made thinner than any other ceramic ring. So strong it holds up to all kinds of fishing pressure.

Hardloy® : HialoyTM: Represent the hardest grade of Aluminum Oxide. Softer grades of Aluminum Oxide will groove over time and damage easily, which in turn damages your line. Strong enough to be mounted without shock rings for lighter weight and better heat dissipation. These materials are the most popular ceramic guide rings and are widely used on many production rods. To extend the life of a fishing rod using these guides, you may consider using Silicon Carbide for just the tip and the first guide up from the reel seat. This will be a tough set-up and not cost an arm and a leg.

AFTCO Roller Guides: Badfish only sells AFTCO Roller Guides because they are the industry standard. You will find 99.9% of all of the heavy tuna sticks being used with the San Diego Sportfishing Fleet, that have roller guides, will have AFTCO. No need to consider anything else! AFTCO provides a wide range of roller guides, starting with their new graphite frame and titanium "Light Roller Guides". These guides are a great lightweight alternative on any lightweight rod. The rest of the line-up include the Standard, Heavy Duty and "Big Foot" models which will cover your heavy duty applications for up to unlimited line weights. Roller Guides are the least abrasive on your line. Badfish feels they are truly the best way to put the odds in your favor when fighting a fish.