Catch 365

"How Hard Is Your Ring"

When looking at rods take a good look at the guides.  A good quality guide is essential to proper rod performance.  A good rod should have high quality guides on it.  Guides contain a lot of different ceramic inserts these days.  The following are the most commonly available inserts (They may have slightly different names depending on the manufacturer)

• Aluminum Oxide- Most economical guides available.  Brownish colored ring, Good quality, strong enough to handle braid.
• Hardloy- Middle level price wise.  Grey in color, high quality, lighter material, handles braid.
• Alconite- Middle level price.  Black colored ring, higher quality, handles braid very well.
• Silicone Carbide- Highest price, hardest ring.  Shiny grey color, super hard material, can handle any kind of line on the market. 

                                  
"Get a (new) Grip"

If the grips on your older rods are starting to look a little rough, "heat shrinks" are a affordable option to bring some life back to your rods.  Typically these grips can be slid over existing parts (no stripping/cutting of parts) and shrunk down on to the old handle.  The end result is a nice feeling (and looking) handle.