If you were having a custom rod made, which guides would you choose and why?  Rod would be used for fresh and saltwater, so take that into consideration.

Please list your top 3 choices.

Mono or braid?

Mono or braid?

Primarily braid

IMO, Fuji Alconite provides the best bang for the buck.  SiC is overkill, unless you just want to pay more.  Although I really like the looks of some American Tackle zirconia guides.  

I have some titanium guides and the jury is still out. They are very durable and will not bend however they are a little louder...maybe. It is definitely nice to have them bend and snap in place.

IMO, Fuji Alconite provides the best bang for the buck.  SiC is overkill, unless you just want to pay more.  Although I really like the looks of some American Tackle zirconia guides.  

As a rod builder, I agree with Micro that alconites are very suitable for most rods. I don't however think that SIC guides are always overkill. On a high end, expensive blank (read GLX) that you intend to use a lot (tournament fishing), for a long time (pass it down to your kids) SIC guides are appropriate. They are expensive but have their place. I too am interested in the zirconia guides, if any of you builds a rod with them before I get to, let me know what you think.

I hope this helps.

Ronnie

IMO, Fuji Alconite provides the best bang for the buck.  SiC is overkill, unless you just want to pay more.  Although I really like the looks of some American Tackle zirconia guides.  

Sic not overkill if you're going to be using it in saltwater and if you use it often. Sic is great with braid

Go with gold ceremets