Hey all,

 I have several Berkeley Lightning Rods from years ago that I want to pass on to my son. The rod guides have fairly heavy grooving and I'm wanting to replace them but I'm not sure what my best option is. I have found that the rods come with aluminum guides and aluminum oxide inserts. I have read that the ceramic guides are a good option. About 95% of the time use either mono or flourocarbon. Very rarely use braid. Would I have any issues with switching to ceramic guide inserts? Any other insert material recommendations? Or do I need to stick with the aluminum oxide inserts that were in the guides originally? 

 

Thanks in advance! 

Aluminum oxide is ceramic.  They are one in the same when talking about guides.  

 

You can't just change the inserts on a guide, you have to replace the guide itself.  if you want to do it yourself, google rod guide wrapping and finishing.  It isn't hard and might be a good project for you and your son.  If you want to have someone else do them, you'll need to find a local rod repairman.  That said, the price to replace all of the guides will be cost more than buying new rods.  A normal rod will have ~7 guides.  You'll pay $10 for the guides and at least $5 a guide to wrap them.  That would be $50 once you factor in a tip top.  I seem to recall lightning rods selling for less than that.

I found inserts on Amazon and ordered them. The guide inserts fit but the kit I ordered didn't have all the correct sizes for each guide (one insert was too big). They are ceramic, but I noticed they were a little thicker than the ones that I took out. The reviews stated to use industrial super glue to put the inserts in place. Yes, you're correct. I believe the new lightning rods are around $40.

I wouldn't trust 'glued in' guide inserts...too much opportunity for failure.

 

But let us know how it works out.

3 hours ago, River_Rat said:

I found inserts on Amazon and ordered them. The guide inserts fit but the kit I ordered didn't have all the correct sizes for each guide (one insert was too big). They are ceramic, but I noticed they were a little thicker than the ones that I took out. The reviews stated to use industrial super glue to put the inserts in place. Yes, you're correct. I believe the new lightning rods are around $40.

yeah, no. They are a pressed fit from the factory. I’d get your money back from Amazon.