Couple of Questions.....

[muggs]

I broke an eye on one of my Loomis rods (don't ask!) and decided to replace 'em all. Thinking about putting RECOIL guides on. I have replaced a guide now and then, but never a whole rod. What is the differance between a "stripping" guide and "casting" guide? Also, when I have replaced guides, I just us a lighter and soften the epoxy and take the guide off. I try to clean most of the epoxy off and then re-wrap. What is a good way to clean the epoxy off the rod after taking old guides off? As you can guess, I'am not an expert but I would like to take a stab at it.

[Goags]

I'm no expert either, but here's my thoughts. Stripping guide refers to the guide closest to the reel on a fly rod. I don't know if there is any structural difference b/w it and a casting guide. I have used single foot fly guides as the smallest 5 or so on trout rods. I know nothing of the Recoil guides, other than they are referred to in flyrod applications. Mudhole.com has new Titan guides by AmTak on their site. You may look at them. Be careful w/ the lighter near the rod...some use a hairdryer to soften the epoxy, cut as much off as possible, and then use a plastic knife to scrape off the softened epoxy. It takes time, and Loomis is one of the best, so I'd be careful w/ excesss heat and anything sharp on the rod. Acetone isn't good, but denatured alcohol is good for final cleanup. Good luck and keep us posted on progress. jerry

[muggs]

Thanks, jerry. Good information. The RECOILs are made of nickel titanium and are flexible. Supposed to be lighter (70%) also. The rod I am "re-guiding" is one of my older rods, CRB903 7'-6", used in salt water for top waters (great rod for that application,IMO). Don't know what guide was used, but they were corroded some which I'am sure helped snap a guide when I caught it on a back cast (yep, in the rod holder). Think I will try the RECOIL. I sure not going into the rod business, but will be interesting to try something new on this rod. Thanks again.