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ProAngler
Rod Guide
How
the ProAngler Rods improves fishing performance
Guides
are integral components in the performance of a quality fishing rod, and
ProAngler’s Titanium Guides represent the leading edge of guide technology and
application.
History
Originally
designed as a simple wire curly-cue, early fishing rod guides had but one
purpose: to hold the line close to the rod in order to distribute tension evenly
along the length of the blank while fighting fish. Manufacturers discovered
guides improved the shock-absorbing characteristics of the rod, reducing both
line and rod breakage. Another plus was that they improved casting distance by
more efficiently “feeding” the line to the rod tip.
Guides were good.
But
there were problems. Fishing is
wet. Wet corrodes wire. Corrosion
chews line. Fish break chewed line. Braided line wears out guides. Not to
mention the curly-cue design caused excessive line “flap” on the cast, and
corrosion increased friction. There was definitely room for improvement.
The
first order of business was to come up with a better design. The wire curly-cue
was replaced by the familiar footed ring design, similar to those found on
today’s rods. Wire was replaced by stamped steel. The new guides were more
durable and efficient, but the sharp edges caused even more line abrasion and
friction than corroded wire.
Ceramics.
Smooth, non-corrosive and hard. Ceramic guide inserts were a definite
improvement over stamped steel, and back patting ensued throughout the industry
as most rod makers flocked to this new technology. But there were still
problems. Ceramic inserts were heavy, which compromised rod balance and
sensitivity. They were brittle, and would often break and fall out of the guide
frame. Plus, they were more expensive.
Next
the Plated stainless-steel inserts seemed to be the answer. Guide inserts were
designed with various alloys to promote smoothness and durability. There was
chrome. And there was the ultimate. Titanium. As good as it gets.
A
New Concept
In
today’s technology, titanium is the ultimate fishing guide alloy.
It’s lighter, harder, smoother and more durable than anything out there. Guide
frames with stainless steel inserts coated with titanium deliver better
performance in all aspects of casting, retrieving and fish-fighting guide
dynamics.
But
there’s more to optimum guide performance than smoother and more durable. Lots
more. ProAngler Tackle employs the complex formula of guide size, number,
placement and design to enhance specific rod actions and applications.
In short, the appropriate System vastly improves rod performance, whether
you’re bobbing for panfish, worming for bass or jigging for Crappie.
On
first glance, you’ll notice the guides are generally smaller in diameter and
lower in height. There are more of them, and they’re not necessarily spaced
evenly. And if you compare ProAngler rods of different lengths and actions,
you’ll notice the guide patterns and numbers are different. Optimum guide
application for each and every rod action.
The guides are spaced apart based of a Sine Wave calculation that
optimizes the carrying of the
vibration to the handle. Other rods actually dampen the vibration.
How
it Works
Guides affect virtually every aspect of fishing rod
performance. And since different rods are designed to perform differently
according to fish species and presentation technique, it follows that the guide
patterns would be different in order to enhance that performance.
•
Sensitivity
Rod
sensitivity is affected by the weight of the rod tip and number of guides. The
lighter and faster action of the tip, the higher the sensitivity.
Just look at the first 6 inches of a ProAngler rod.
And the more guides, the faster the vibration is transferred through the
blank. The
guides are spaced based on a Sine Wave calculation that carries the vibration to
the handle. Other rods actually dampen the vibration.
With the Pro Angler Rods there is more overlap at the connection of the
front piece and the second increasing sensitivity. Also the back rod goes
totally through the handle to the end, increasing the feel in the handle.
With the ProAngler Rod you will feel a minnow swimming at the end of the line. You feel more bites, more quickly.
•
Casting Distance
Casting
distance is affected by the number, size, height and position of the guides
along the rod blank. In essence, the straighter and more efficiently the line is
fed through the guides, combined with the least amount of friction, the longer
the cast.
•
Accuracy
The
lower the frame and smaller the diameter of the tip section of guides, the
greater the accuracy of the cast. Similar to an on-target follow-through in the
throwing of an object, this feature ensures a more accurate delivery of the
cast.
•
Balance
The
balance of the rod is affected by the weight of the guides. Lighter guide
weight, especially at the tip, results in greater comfort while fishing, as well
as greater sensitivity in detecting strikes, simply because the rod’s balance
is not tip-heavy.
•
Line Twist
In
spinning rods, the greater the number of guides, the less line twist will occur.
Since line comes off a spinning reel in a spiral motion, line twist in inherent
in spinning gear. Guides remove most of that line twist on the retrieve,
especially under fighting tension. Thus, the more guides, the more twist is
eliminated.
•
Hooking Power
The
hooking power of any rod is directly related to the number of guides. Because
more guides keep the line closer to the body of the blank, less energy is lost
on the hookset— that is, more of the strength and action of the rod is brought
into play.
•
Fighting Power
More guides, placed at more strategic locations along the rod blank, increase the fish-fighting power of the rod, whatever the action. Since more guides distribute more direct energy to the rod through line tension, “weak” spots are eliminated and more rod power is applied.
