Hey, looking for some of your thoughts on this. I'm just now getting into using spectra backing as I'm taking on more longer-range trips (6-8days). I've got an assortment of Calstar and Seeker rods in the 20-50# class that either have the aluminum guides or the Fuji (ceramic insert) guides. As I am spooling up my reels with 50-65-80# spectra backing, am I ok using these rods/guides, or is it adviseable to utilize all-roller rods in this application? I plan to use anywhere from 25 to 100 yards of top shot (in 20-30-40-50# mono/flouro), depending on the application. I understand that the roller-rods generate less friction(heat), I just don't know if I need to worry about breaking-down the spectra or cutting the guides if I use the rods I currently have? I do have several all-roller rods for my 60-80 applications. Thanks for the help!
I know a lot of guys on this board who use spectra backed reels with rods like the 700M (myself included), so I don't think it is a problem. However if your going up to 80lb, a roller tip and stripper guide is probably a good idea; I am not sure, but maybe even for the 65lb gear too.
Personally I’m not a fan of ceramic guides for Spectra or Mono. The problem I have with them is the inserts is cracking or popping out. For me it seems the only time I notice this is when I’m on a fish and the line starts to fray or gets cut by the cracked or missing inserts. Maybe I am hard on my rods, I fish on panga’s , smaller boats as well as the sporties. I use chrome now for mostly everything now up to 60lb test where I go to roller guides. Spectra has not been a problem with my guides.
i don't know of anyone who has really had that problem, you hear about it, anyway alot of guys get their rods re wraped every 3 years or so anyway,, shouldn't be a problem..
dont mind me jumpin in, all my rods are custom, last year i was introduced to the new pacbay, h-d guides the titanium frame, with the blue inserts, long story short, used 80lb spectra backing w/60 top shot. hooked up a big yelow on it , right at the spec to mono knot was rubbing back ang forth on the tip, well the tip insert popped out. find your self the smallest knot available, dont worry about the spectra it holds good.
The problem is not the guides but the inserts themself. Not only have I had the problem with missing (popping out in transport), cracked (still in the guide) and popping out while on fish inserts but I have seen it many times happen to other anglers. I don't mean to flame but who rewraps there rods every 3 years or so? I have 15 year old custom wrapped rods that I have replaced the tip top's on some and thats all. Rewrap every 3 years? I don't think so.
Most inserts pop out due to frame flex. Guides used on rods over their rating usually are the culprit, but Pac Bay guides seem to do this much more than Fuji. I only use SIC, and just for lighter rods. I still prefer the Perfection coated stainless and roller tops over 50 lb.
