I tried to search the forums for this, and there are posts here and there about it, but nothing that gave me an answer I felt comfortable with. 

 

I've heard horror stories of braid cutting through or grooving stainless steel guides.  Is this still a concern or was this more of an issue when braid was still in its beginning stages.  I remember years back braid was very abrasive, but the braids of today are much more smooth.

 

To give some more information, the rod in question is a 7ft MH Daiwa Aird.  Obviously not a top quality rod, but hell, why not give it a try?

 

Should I be concerned about the braid damaging my stainless steel guides guides?

 

Thanks in advance for the input!

 

- Dale

 

I have heard of braid damaging Chrome guides (Duckett Ghost). And Stainless Steel is WAY below Chrome on the Vicker's Hardness scale.

VICKER'S HARDNESS SCALE Values
for Line Guide Ring Materials 2005

Stainless Steel (SS): 400 [b.E.]
Chrome: 800-1000 [C.M.]
Carbaloy: 1000 [b.E.]
Aluminum Oxide: 1200-1400 [b.E., C.M.]
Alconite (Fuji): 1300-1500 [Fuji]
NanoLite (Titan): 1800 [J.M.]
Zirconia: 1000-1400 [M.G.]
Zirconia PVD: 1600 [b.E.]
SiC: 2200-2400 [b.E., C.M.]

 

From what I have heard from most major line and rod companies, is that for braid, you shouldn't go below Aluminum Oxide. For the rod your talking about, I would advise going with some Fluorocarbon.

 

 

FYI: I just found the Vickers Hardness Scale online from another topic.
 

I have been throwing braid for years, and I have had 0 problems on my rods and/or guides. 

You should only worry if it's a cheap rod.

I've been throwing 10 pound Power Pro on

several brands of rods in the $99 range for

many years now. None have been damaged

by the thin braid.

 

I agree with above re: cheaper rods.

With the new technology we have today, rods have been improved to handle braided lines. I think it's safe to say that pretty much all rods can handle it.

 

Now, l would agree with the others about cheaper rods.

I wouldn't worry too much unless you're fishing a cheap rod and cheap coarse braid.  Have SS guides on an older Lighting Rod and never had a issue with Power Pro, or 832.  If you use a good braid you shouldn't have any issues.  

A guy on here claimed power pro super8slick grooved a couple of his RECOIL tip guides.

I'm throwing braid on a fenwick aetos rod, stainless frame and matching insert guides, using it for heavy duty, and have had zero ill effect with super slick 8. I have used it in the beginning on a ugly stick, plastic guides I believe. You better bet it cut through them like butter. I agree with the rest, if the rod is really cheap, and does not state that the guides are rated for super lines, then don't use braid on it!

I have an avid that has 2 groves in the stripper guide. I sent it to DVT to have it redone. Don't know how it happened though.

Many times what happens is braid picks up fine course particals you cant see,like sand it gets between the weaves and is like a.knife to the guides.even the best guides cant compete with its natural form ,guides are made of rock basically and sand. Is its purest form.

Have an uglystik thats been used with 30lb powerpro braid for 3 years, no signs of any damage.

Then again, you probably dont fish the same waters as i do so who knows?

I'm throwing braid on a fenwick aetos rod, stainless frame and matching insert guides, using it for heavy duty, and have had zero ill effect with super slick 8. I have used it in the beginning on a ugly stick, plastic guides I believe. You better bet it cut through them like butter. I agree with the rest, if the rod is really cheap, and does not state that the guides are rated for super lines, then don't use braid on it!

 

Aetos has a titanium insert guide.

You're safe. Modern braids and guides are safe together except for the very lowest quality. As mentioned above, it is the contaminants that are abrasive and not the braid itself.

I have been throwing braid for years, and I have had 0 problems on my rods and/or guides. 

Me too!

Even using disgusting outdated PP that some liken to a saw blade (or any other line for that matter) never once have I had a guide problem due to the line.  From an inexpensive Lightening rod to more expensive rods, the guide wear or lack of it is identical.

Personally there only 2 things I want a guide to do, 1 is having the line go thru them and second is not to have my saltwater ones rust out, which does happen even with the so called best of guides.

 

My suggestion, fish more and read less.

Me too!

Even using disgusting outdated PP that some liken to a saw blade (or any other line for that matter) never once have I had a guide problem due to the line.  From an inexpensive Lightening rod to more expensive rods, the guide wear or lack of it is identical.

Personally there only 2 things I want a guide to do, 1 is having the line go thru them and second is not to have my saltwater ones rust out, which does happen even with the so called best of guides.

 

My suggestion, fish more and read less.

 

I wish I could fish more and read less, but I need to do something in these winter months up north!  Florida....Lucky bass turd...

Thanks for all of the info guys.  The concern had me looking into more line types.  I've always used either mono or braid.  Never tried copolymer, flouro, hybrids or anything like that.  I may load that rod/reel up with some Yo Zuri Hybrid and test that out for my liking.

 

Thanks!