I was looking at some Falcon rods (casting) at my local sporting goods store. I happen to be looking at the BuCoo line and the ones with the micro guides are I think $20 more.
Why the micro guides are they worth the extra money and what are they suppose to give you over a standard guide rod?
Lighter weight I guess, other than that I dont see an advantage.
Lighter weight, increased sensitivity and casting distance. I don't know if I totally agree the later two but the argument is that the micros cause less line slap and more contact that will transmit bites better. I have noticed a minimal distance increase. But the big thing for me is weight. Takes a lot of weight of the end of the rod and feels a lot better in the hand
casting distance, less fouling, weight savings
For the life of me, I can't understand why they cost more. All I can think is that they are the latest thing on the market (as far as production rods go), therefore they feel people will pay more to have it. The cost of a #4 Alconite is the same as a #6. They are no more difficult to work with, in fact, I prefer wrapping micros to larger guides.
How are they when you pitch and flip? Does the line flow easily with a short cast like that?On 10/25/2012 at 9:52 AM, 11justin22 said:Lighter weight, increased sensitivity and casting distance. I don't know if I totally agree the later two but the argument is that the micros cause less line slap and more contact that will transmit bites better. I have noticed a minimal distance increase. But the big thing for me is weight. Takes a lot of weight of the end of the rod and feels a lot better in the hand
I had issues with micro guide rods when the trees around here had cotton blooms and the cotton collecting on the line and having issues with it passing through the guides. While they were awesome when the lakes were cotton free they still weren't worth the hassell. My micro guide rods have been sold since. Some love them others hate them. If I had the choice I would prefer standard good quality guides or "semi-micro" which are considered and in between guide.
I like micro guides I have several rods that have them including my two custom made jig rods. I have found one issue with them if you fish in colder weather they plug up with ice way easier than a standard guide.this may not be a problem for some who live in warm climates.I'm from the Northwest where even in late spring we can have air temps cold enough to ice up guides when casting
On 10/25/2012 at 10:10 AM, Kevinator1 said:How are they when you pitch and flip? Does the line flow easily with a short cast like that?
Yes it does, my jig rod has micros and I flip with it all the time. Line comes off very smoothly allowing an accurate cast.
On 10/25/2012 at 10:02 AM, S Hovanec said:For the life of me, I can't understand why they cost more. All I can think is that they are the latest thing on the market (as far as production rods go), therefore they feel people will pay more to have it. The cost of a #4 Alconite is the same as a #6. They are no more difficult to work with, in fact, I prefer wrapping micros to larger guides.
X2
Ronnie
On 10/25/2012 at 9:09 AM, gramps50 said:I was looking at some Falcon rods (casting) at my local sporting goods store. I happen to be looking at the BuCoo line and the ones with the micro guides are I think $20 more.
Why the micro guides are they worth the extra money and what are they suppose to give you over a standard guide rod?
As far as cost goes, I have no answer other than marketing. I have 3 Falcon Bucoo Micro rods and love them. I notice smooth long casts, very accurate casting and excellent sensitivity. They say the sensitivity is due to the line being closer to the rod blank.
The line has zero problems flowing through the guides even with a tied on leader.
The weight savings, especially as a percentage over standard guides is significant. Less weight , especially in the tip section allows the blank to retain more of it's original design properties. The correct guide is the smallest and lightest that will do the job in a given application. It must pass knots and not connections needed and not foul in cases of ice, filimentous algae etc. "Micro" covers a range of guide sizes and I expect over time the term will become obsolete. Jigging and other contact bait presentations are one app. where they shine.
I have them on my new Veritas rod and it definitely casts farther than my standard guide Shimano Clarus rod, but I'm not sure its because it's 2" longer, or that it has my new Revo S on it compared to a BPS pro qualifier on the Clarus. I guess I could always take the PQ off and put it on the Veritas to see if it still casts further. The micro guides definitely give a more sensitive feel to the rod and I guess it shaves off weight because my Veritas is longer but way lighter than my Clarus.
On 10/25/2012 at 7:39 PM, moguy1973 said:I have them on my new Veritas rod and it definitely casts farther than my standard guide Shimano Clarus rod, but I'm not sure its because it's 2" longer, or that it has my new Revo S on it compared to a BPS pro qualifier on the Clarus. I guess I could always take the PQ off and put it on the Veritas to see if it still casts further. The micro guides definitely give a more sensitive feel to the rod and I guess it shaves off weight because my Veritas is longer but way lighter than my Clarus.
To compare Micro guides against standard guides, the rods need to be exact. You can't compare two different rod models and lengths, too many variables.
You would need two Veritas rods micro & standard same, length, power and action using the same reel, line and lure switched between the two rods in question.
On 10/25/2012 at 7:13 PM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:It must pass knots and not connections needed
x2. i had to return a micro rod b/c my connection knot (blood) wouldn't pass thru it. i use braid on all my reels w/ fluoro leaders when needed so "true' micro's are out of the question. i like the semi-micro's b/c as stated they foul less
I love micro guide rods. Can't say I'll be buying another rod with standard guides again. I love the weight savings, and I'm slinging baits noticeably farther and more accurately than I ever did with my standard rods. Maybe it's placebo, but nonetheless I'm loving micro guides so far. I have 2 Veritas micro guide rods now, but a Falcon Bucoo micro is in my near future.
On 10/26/2012 at 5:34 PM, TNBassin said:I love micro guide rods. Can't say I'll be buying another rod with standard guides again. I love the weight savings, and I'm slinging baits noticeably farther and more accurately than I ever did with my standard rods. Maybe it's placebo, but nonetheless I'm loving micro guides so far. I have 2 Veritas micro guide rods now, but a Falcon Bucoo micro is in my near future.
i just got a Veritas and a Bucoo, both of them with microguides... these are my first rods with micros... unfortunately i havent tested them yet but i hope i can get to the water next week...
btw, you may want to check the local Academy, i got my Bucoo for $30 while its marked at 130 on the webpage...
On 10/26/2012 at 11:37 PM, (= said:btw, you may want to check the local Academy, i got my Bucoo for $30 while its marked at 130 on the webpage...
PLEASE, stop saying this...
On 10/26/2012 at 11:52 PM, BASSHUNTER1961 said:PLEASE, stop saying this...
hahahaha sorry, i just cant help it... =)
On 10/25/2012 at 7:13 PM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:The weight savings, especially as a percentage over standard guides is significant. Less weight , especially in the tip section allows the blank to retain more of it's original design properties. The correct guide is the smallest and lightest that will do the job in a given application. It must pass knots and not connections needed and not foul in cases of ice, filimentous algae etc. "Micro" covers a range of guide sizes and I expect over time the term will become obsolete. Jigging and other contact bait presentations are one app. where they shine.
one of my concerns with micro's is the thick surface algae goo we get alot of here, then the flimentous algae and all the nasty crap like that which most of my lakes around have. i could see micro's gettin gooped up bad...besides when cotton woods do their thing which irritates me to no end...the normal guides get pretty gunked up as is let alone micro's...so its definitely something i have to consider is the micro guide size differences if i go that route?
but i do think i'll get one to try out for a crankin stick for early & late in the season when the waters clear of goo first...
On 10/27/2012 at 1:26 AM, Frog Turds said:one of my concerns with micro's is the thick surface algae goo we get alot of here, then the flimentous algae and all the nasty crap like that which most of my lakes around have. i could see micro's gettin gooped up bad...besides when cotton woods do their thing which irritates me to no end...the normal guides get pretty gunked up as is let alone micro's...so its definitely something i have to consider is the micro guide size differences if i go that route?
but i do think i'll get one to try out for a crankin stick for early & late in the season when the waters clear of goo first...
Yes that has happened to me with my Smoke rod. but not all the time. Dont know why but one outing it happened 3-4 times in a couple hours then the next outing it the same thick slop spot didnt happen at all. The build-up wasnt all that bad just the tip mostly and a quick couple pinches its gone.
I own one of the Cabelas Prodigy Micro rods and it is lighter than the regular guide rod I have and caught it on sale for $70. During cottonwood time it does get clogged but as someone said so do the regular guides.
On 10/26/2012 at 11:37 PM, (= said:btw, you may want to check the local Academy, i got my Bucoo for $30 while its marked at 130 on the webpage...
The nearest Academy is 200 miles away.
On 10/27/2012 at 1:26 AM, Frog Turds said:one of my concerns with micro's is the thick surface algae goo we get alot of here, then the flimentous algae and all the nasty crap like that which most of my lakes around have. i could see micro's gettin gooped up bad...besides when cotton woods do their thing which irritates me to no end...the normal guides get pretty gunked up as is let alone micro's...so its definitely something i have to consider is the micro guide size differences if i go that route?
Wonder if KVD Line & Lure would help?
On 10/27/2012 at 1:26 AM, Frog Turds said:one of my concerns with micro's is the thick surface algae goo we get alot of here, then the flimentous algae and all the nasty crap like that which most of my lakes around have. i could see micro's gettin gooped up bad...besides when cotton woods do their thing which irritates me to no end...the normal guides get pretty gunked up as is let alone micro's...so its definitely something i have to consider is the micro guide size differences if i go that route?
but i do think i'll get one to try out for a crankin stick for early & late in the season when the waters clear of goo first...
Where icing and/or fouling is a concern size 6 guides may be necessay. In those cases I often use one of the ringless guides like Minimas or Recoils. They save weight, and I haven't had any groving problems with modern lines.
On 10/27/2012 at 9:27 AM, gramps50 said:The nearest Academy is 200 miles away.
well, its closer than my "local" Academy.... mine is 250 miles away, into the US (i live in Mexico)...
On 10/25/2012 at 9:14 AM, LgMouthGambler said:Lighter weight I guess, other than that I dont see an advantage.
This is my guess too. I bought one thinking it would give me better sensitivity, but when using braid, it seems to hinder the castability. Also when using braid and a leader, it kind blows.
I suppose if your using straight mono or fluoro it would be better. I will probably never get another one
On 10/28/2012 at 1:32 PM, rockchalk06 said:This is my guess too. I bought one thinking it would give me better sensitivity, but when using braid, it seems to hinder the castability. Also when using braid and a leader, it kind blows.
I suppose if your using straight mono or fluoro it would be better. I will probably never get another one
I use braid with a mono leader on all three of mine and have zero issues with castability. With a properly tied Alberto Knot the line flows through the guides with ease.