Benefits of micro guides? 2025
JFlynn97 reply :
I'm going to be picking up a Dobyns Sierra 693SF in the near future, and I'm curious if there's any real benefits of getting the micro-guide version of the rod. Thanks!
burrows reply :
Well it’s a controversial topic but I personally believe it gives you closer contact to the blank and gives you more sensitivity also it prevents line twists and also makes the rod lighter because of the less material needed for the micro guides. I wouldn’t buy a rod with micro guides if you’re a braid to leader type of fisherman because the guides might give you a problem at your knot connection.
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
When used properly micro guides offer the benefit of reduced weight which is where the added sensitivity comes from. "Micro" covers a range of sizes. Whether or not this particular rod will pass your connections depends on the guides size, line and leader used.
J Francho reply :
I do not think any of the benefits micro guides offer outweigh the negatives. Do they pass connection knots? Some do, none very well. They bend too easily. Anyone that says they never bent one is either lying, or never actually fished with the rod. Lastly, if I have to put reading glasses on to rig up a rod, I'm passing. I have plenty of rods that don't have micros, and they're every bit as sensitive, light and balanced. In fact, I think many rod makers use micros to compensate for issues in these departments. I'd rather see more "mini" guides, like what is used on the Okuma TCS series. They are very tough, light, accommodate connection knots better, and don't suffer any of the issues above.
ratherbfishin1 reply :
I don’t know what it isn’t about micro guides I just feel like there’s more of a “finesse” and “perfection” about it. That’s why I enjoy using them... just my opinion.
Scott F reply :
One big negative I’ve found. In the spring when the cottonwoods are spreading their cotton all over the lake, and the cotton sticks to your line, the little balls of cotton get stuck in the guides and make it impossible to cast. I have to leave the rod at home because it becomes unusable.
J Francho reply :
On 10/2/2018 at 9:27 PM, Scott F said:I have to leave the rod at home because it becomes unusable.
Also true, especially with braid.
burrows reply :
On 10/2/2018 at 9:05 PM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:When used properly micro guides offer the benefit of reduced weight which is where the added sensitivity comes from. "Micro" covers a range of sizes. Whether or not this particular rod will pass your connections depends on the guides size, line and leader used.
The added sensitivity comes from both reduction of weight and being able to place more guides further up the rod creating more contact points to the blank which overall transmits more sensitivity.
For example the 7 foot sierras have 9+tip guides where as the 7 foot sierras micro guide rods have 13+tip guides.
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
The extra contact points is marketing bs. The most sensitive and responsive rod results from using the fewest, lightest guides possible. Rod power, application, line, connections, etc all should be taken into account. This is only possible to a degree in a production rod of course. All this is splitting hairs when it comes to on the water performance. It's fun to ponder and kick around but don't let it keep you up nights.
burrows reply :
On 10/3/2018 at 12:29 AM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:The extra contact points is marketing bs.
I disagree ????????♂️ However I do agree with the fact that micro guides are not for everyone for the specific reason that were stated above, in my case I’ve never had a problem with them I feel they do provide a better cast and more sensitivity and since 2014 having two of the lower end ghost series never broke a guide I did have one bend on me but I bent it back and that particular rod was sold but I still fish with the other one frequently with no problems.
fishwizzard reply :
On 10/2/2018 at 9:27 PM, Scott F said:One big negative I’ve found. In the spring when the cottonwoods are spreading their cotton all over the lake, and the cotton sticks to your line, the little balls of cotton get stuck in the guides and make it impossible to cast. I have to leave the rod at home because it becomes unusable.
Same issue with goose down/feathers as well.
Scott F reply :
One big negative I’ve found. In the spring when the cottonwoods are spreading their cotton all over the lake, and the cotton sticks to your line, the little balls of cotton get stuck in the guides and make it impossible to cast. I have to leave the rod at home because it becomes unusable.
OnthePotomac reply :
Some tout micro guides as contributing to more accurate casting, not distance, but accuracy.
J Francho reply :
I seriously doubt they do.
burrows reply :
On 10/3/2018 at 2:48 AM, OnthePotomac said:Some tout micro guides as contributing to more accurate casting, not distance, but accuracy.
They do help with accuracy!
WRB reply :
Diameter; There are a wide range of micro guide types and sizes as with standard guides. Also be aware that guide size is measured as the guide ring outside diameter the line and any knots pass through the ring inside diameter.
I like micro guides and don’t use braid with learders so no knots pass through the guides.
contact Dobyns ask your questions.
Tom
Boomstick reply :
On 10/2/2018 at 9:19 PM, J Francho said:I do not think any of the benefits micro guides offer outweigh the negatives. Do they pass connection knots? Some do, none very well. They bend too easily. Anyone that says they never bent one is either lying, or never actually fished with the rod. Lastly, if I have to put reading glasses on to rig up a rod, I'm passing. I have plenty of rods that don't have micros, and they're every bit as sensitive, light and balanced. In fact, I think many rod makers use micros to compensate for issues in these departments. I'd rather see more "mini" guides, like what is used on the Okuma TCS series. They are very tough, light, accommodate connection knots better, and don't suffer any of the issues above.
I honestly haven't bent one (yet). *fingers crossed*
Anyway, I do have an Avid X 6'9" ML/XF, use a double uni knot with 10 turns on each side and have never had an issue passing the knot with 10-15lb braid and 6 or 8lb leader line through the guides on that rod. On my casting rods that do not have microguides but naturally thicker line, I have had the knot snag a few times (another reason why I prefer straight mono or fluorocarbon on casting rods when possible).
J Francho reply :
I have several micro guide rods, including a custom spiral wrapped build. One is a 7'3" heavy jig rod (production, not custom) and there is no way 50# braid and a 12# leader are passing through with issues. Sometimes the normal guides get "sticky" when pulling line out to make a pitch, but casting is fine. Not so with micros. I don't see them as ground breaking as everyone makes them out to be, and prefer to use gear that works for me. What works for you might be different. I know I'm not the only one that dislikes them, and I'm willing to offer a friendly counterpoint. I REALLY want to like the Avid X line - I have like 20 or more regular Avids, and love those. Just can't get on board with the micros.
Boomstick reply :
On 10/4/2018 at 11:07 PM, J Francho said:I have several micro guide rods, including a custom spiral wrapped build. One is a 7'3" heavy jig rod (production, not custom) and there is no way 50# braid and a 12# leader are passing through with issues. Sometimes the normal guides get "sticky" when pulling line out to make a pitch, but casting is fine. Not so with micros. I don't see them as ground breaking as everyone makes them out to be, and prefer to use gear that works for me. What works for you might be different. I know I'm not the only one that dislikes them, and I'm willing to offer a friendly counterpoint. I REALLY want to like the Avid X line - I have like 20 or more regular Avids, and love those. Just can't get on board with the micros.
I really haven't had any issues with my Avid X. I don't think I would get microguides if I was using fatter line either, but for the ML/XF finesse rod, I've had no issues. It's my only rod with microguides for that reason.
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
On 10/4/2018 at 11:07 PM, J Francho said:I have several micro guide rods, including a custom spiral wrapped build. One is a 7'3" heavy jig rod (production, not custom) and there is no way 50# braid and a 12# leader are passing through with issues. Sometimes the normal guides get "sticky" when pulling line out to make a pitch, but casting is fine. Not so with micros. I don't see them as ground breaking as everyone makes them out to be, and prefer to use gear that works for me. What works for you might be different. I know I'm not the only one that dislikes them, and I'm willing to offer a friendly counterpoint. I REALLY want to like the Avid X line - I have like 20 or more regular Avids, and love those. Just can't get on board with the micros.
Your "ground breaking" reference is spot on. Each guide size has an appropriate application but like split grips and other innovations that start with custom builders, the manufacturers pile on and over sell, over promise and over promote them with little consideration to the original purpose.
burrows reply :
Micro guide haters ????
J Francho reply :
On 10/5/2018 at 9:04 AM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:Your "ground breaking" reference is spot on. Each guide size has an appropriate application but like split grips and other innovations that start with custom builders, the manufacturers pile on and over sell, over promise and over promote them with little consideration to the original purpose.
Hmmm. Split grips. In the late 80s early 90s, there was a shortage of good cork. It was also around this time "trigger sticks" became popular, over pistol grips. I recall Daiwa being the first to delete the cork foregrip, using a small plastic locking fore grip, and splitting the rear grip in order to reduce the amount of cork used, keeping cost down. This was in their green line and the silver tournament line. I would not have known anything about what custom builders were doing then, but that is my first recollection of split grips.
WRB reply :
If you communicate with the rod builder what line you use including any leader knots that must go through the guides the builder can accommodate your needs. Mirco guides come in various sizes, designs and quality, high end guides are expensive! Light weight single foot guides are not as robust as double foot guides for example.
I read for years on this site that most anglers using braid with leaders using double Uni knots for example don't have any problems with micro guide and that simply BS, unless the micro guides are at least 5mm. Very few production or over the counter rods have the correct micro guide size for braid with leader knots.
More micro guides are needed to keep the line off the blank, so the guide train must be engineered correctly for the reel height and rod length and action.
I like my micro guide rods because the were made correctly, however they do require some TLC compared to standard guides.
Tom
detroit1 reply :
Put a dozen regular guides in your left hand, and a dozen micro guides in your right hand. Notice all that weight savings? Wow! How many more casts or fish will be caught in a day? Think how much weight could be eliminated if they just GLUED the guides on. No thread or varnish needed. And get rid of that pesky decal to save even more weight. No thanks, I will not buy a micro guide rod. I think they look dumb anyways....
Big Rick reply :
On 10/6/2018 at 9:14 PM, detroit1 said:Put a dozen regular guides in your left hand, and a dozen micro guides in your right hand. Notice all that weight savings? Wow! How many more casts or fish will be caught in a day? Think how much weight could be eliminated if they just GLUED the guides on. No thread or varnish needed. And get rid of that pesky decal to save even more weight. No thanks, I will not buy a micro guide rod. I think they look dumb anyways....
Won't you tell us how you REALLY feel, LOL!!
Joking, bro...
zeth reply :
meh. don't do it. I wouldn't. Have a few rods with micros. Don't like them for many of the reasons stated above.
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