So I have a 7’1 MH/F st croix bass x the new model with the “hybrid” guides first couple guides at the bottom have inserts and the rest are stainless steel without guides I’ve been using it with fluorocarbon line since I bought it but am looking to change it up 

 

I want to use it for some light frogging and worm fishing so I plan on using some Seaguar smackdown 50lb braid and am wondering what people’s thoughts are on this and if they think it’ll groove the guides at all

 

I feel like it should be just fine it’s a modern rod with a modern 8 strand smooth braid so I’d like to think it would be totally fine but just wanted to hear peoples opinions on the matter 

 

thanks 

I won't use guides without ceramic inserts so I have no personal experience, but my understanding is that the braid itself doesn't cause the grooving, it's debris that the braid picks up. I've seen Recoil guides groove from braid use. But I know a lot of people use guides without inserts and don't have issue. Just check them every now and then and I'm sure it will be fine.

I want the tip guide to have a ceramic insert even if other guides don't...

 

oe

Modern braid and quality SS guides should be fine together