Why are these guides not a standard feature on most higher end rods? In 5 years I haven't managed to break a single titanium recoil guide on the 3 rods I use most.

If you knew just how cheaply most rods are built, you would scream highway robbery. Those recoils cut into profits.

I build rods where I use mostly the single foot fly rod recoils as I get toward the tip. I rarely build with any other type. They are almost bullet proof and they come out of your rod box better.

I agree 100% with squib!

I had a set installed on my trout rod last year, also have a rod in the shop now having a set installed on it as well, the guy i use charges $100.00, that's parts & labor.

Not to veer off, but honestly i think i'm done with "High End" rods, the fella that works on all of rods & reels can build me a very good custom rod for $170.00!

I agree with the others above. The recoils cut into profits. I have several of the older G Loomis GLX's and have fished with them for years and have not broken one recoil guide. I build my own rods now and I use recoils on them.

They are great, but they do cost a lot more... like a set of them cost more than the rod blank itself. If you break a rod with them you better take those guides off before you throw it in the trash.

I do not like the tip tops recoil offers, it doesn't have the double arm to keep you line from wrapping around the guide.

Good point. I just recently broke a rod by accident and I cut the recoils off and put them on my new build. I don't care for the recoil tip tops either. I use a good quality Fuji for tip tops.

This is why PowerTackle builds some of the best rods out there, recoil on there eyes and regular tip. Never once had a issue with guides on there rods. You can fold them down to the rod and go right back.

PowerTackle is unmatched in quality builds! I taught myself how to wrap guides this past winter. I've been replacing my heavy duty rod guides with recoils. Buying used ones at $30/set. And I am slowly transitioning all my rods to PowerTackle products!! I can set the hook as hard as I want without fear of breaking the rod now!!

I bought an older GLX "Lizard dragger" Carolina rig rod for 50$, junk salesman didn't know what he had, that has recoil guides on it. It makes the worst sounds when fighting fish, the guides don't appear damaged, could it be so sensitive that the rod is detecting line imperfections? Or can these guides wear out over time. I know the rod wasn't used much.

I am sick of the damn Fuji with the inserts, non stop getting them replaced at 8-15 bucks per it gets old.

They are more noisy but that's the trade off. They last forever

There are trade offs with any of them. I'll bet the manufacturers get as many returns for one as the other in the long haul.
If a person tends to be rough on their rods those recoils could be a good deal. They just don't appear to have enough substance to them under the wrap to be that much more durable.