I hear high praise for rods configured with micro guides. However, I cannot find an objective review & comparison between rods using standard line guides & micro line guides.

I have no experience with micro guide rods but several pros & cons seem to be out there. Are Micro guide rods a fad?

Cons �
[*]Threading line is more difficult due to smaller & more numerous guides
[*]Ice, Algae & Cottonwood blooms big factors in performance loss
[*]Guides more fragile, bent guides not forgiving
[*]Guide alignment more crucial to performance
[*]More numerous line guides equals more expense

Pros �
[*]Less overall rod weight (up to � oz, Kistler)
[*]Smoother & Longer Casts (Duckett)
[*]Sensitivity improved
[*]Better balance (Duckett)
[*]Improved reel efficiency (Kistler)
[*]Less rod tangles

http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/bassmaster/news/story?page=b_fea_micro-guides

Sounds like a job for myth busters. Has anyone come across a comparative review between these two styles of rods?

I would like to purchase 2 rods for evaluation. I want the rods to be identical in every way except for the line guides. Rod #1 should be configured with standard line guides. Rod #2 should be configured with micro guides. Are there two comparable models out there that fit this criteria?
1) Same Blank, 2) Same Handle, 3) Same Reel Seat, 4) Crankbait Rod, 5) 6-1/2 to 7' long

Yes BPS Carbonlite rods come with either guide type.

Just got a Carbonlite micro and like the feel and the casting ( definitely more distance) however a CON and its a biggie...a tied knot won't pass through the micros very well (as in a fluoro leader tied to braid)

I use a blood knot, and that passes through pretty well. Wont go through on a duckett though.

Cons �
[*]Threading line is more difficult due to smaller & more numerous guides
Not really

[*]Ice, Algae & Cottonwood blooms big factors in performance loss
It does the same with standard guides too..Use a q-tip and some KVD cleans them right up after a trip.

[*]Guides more fragile, bent guides not forgiving
Taking care of your equipment and watching your step eliminates this

[*]Guide alignment more crucial to performance
Check alignment before you buy..You should do this with any rod you buy

[*]More numerous line guides equals more expense
The amount on cost is insufficient,since micros are usually less than standard guides...I usually save money when I build with them. .

I dont find micros to be a fad one bit...I will say that they are not for every application though.

Buy one and I think you will be greatly impressed

- Hey Wafflejaw, thanks.

Regarding application. In the reading I did, most of the favorable comments centered around large crank baits and casting distance gained. Does line stretch become an issue with the extra distance.

What are the other applications?

Expense - Is the cost of the extra wraps/guides factored into the cost of a commercial rods?

I have just started building with micros and I love them. Rod weight is reduced, line cast farther, sensitivity is very much improved, and they are not fragile at all. They are very sturdy and hard to bend. I especially like them spiral wrapped. As far as the not passing through the guides I always use a swivel so it doesn't matter to me.
Pat

Power Pro has a new hollow line that you run the leader up inside and it works like one of those things you stick your fingers in and can't pull them out. I saw a demo at the Classic and it looks like a great idea it would end the knot problem with micros.

Well anytime you put out more line,your gonna have more stretch between you and the lure..But even with micros...Ive never had any sort of line issues of any kind in my experience.

There are certain apps that I feel micros arent the right call..This is my opinion only,and also subjective....But I wouldnt use micros for any type of heavy fishing..Like flipping heavy cover,Big swimbait rods,,etc...Anytime where I feel the rod well receive alot of heavy pressure,I feel slightly larger guides with more material is a better call..
I hear of alot of micro tips failing when used for flipping..Some guys have issues grabbing the line as well.

Im not 100% sure how commercial rods factor expense/labor..Im sure they all do it differently...I factor a small amount into my own to cover materials used...Whether I wrap 7 guides or 10 Micros the cost is the same with the difference being the guide cost.And some major companies might charge more,but I dont see how it would be enough make it a ''con'' imho ..

Micros are here to stay. I have built rods that are the exact same, one with micros and the the other with double foot regular guides. I was extremely amazed at the differnce in wieght, feel, and casting distance.

The guides I like are the fly guides as used on the new falcons,
they are easy to thread but light in weight.

Micro guides are definitely not less durable. I had a guide up on Fork use them on multiple rods for over 2 years without having to replace any guides. I wish I could say the same about his standard sized guides. His boat is on the water almost 300 days a year and when you factor in how clumsy clients are, that's pretty impressive. I've found in all my years of building rods, there is no better torture test for rods than a busy guide.

$29/100yards, only white/yellow/blue, and a $100 splice kit....no thanks. Just have to go leaderless with braid or switch to copoly/mono

I don't see how that splice kit the guy at the show was using could cost anyplace close to $100.

Just reporting what I read...
http://www.tackletour.com/reviewbigrock10lines.html