has anyone used the new micro guide rods and are they really what they claim?

Micro guides have their place and used properly, have a positive effect on performance. Lightening the tip section improves sensitivity. Casting accuracy and distance can be improved by shooting the line on a straighter path (I use the analogy of a gun barrel).

I really like the new micro guides. I got a couple of the new Kistler z bones with the new micro guides and these rods are great. With the micro guides I have no more line slapping when I make long casts and with the line sitting on the rod, you can feel more bites/structure. Plus, no more line tangling when you got several rods laying on the deck. Just my opinion, but I think all my Kistler rods will have micro guides on them from now on.

I just built two rods on identical Rainshadow blanks.  One with your usual Fuji Concept Alconite guides and one with Fuji Alconite Micros.  With identical reels the rod with the micros does balance better and feels stiffer which does enhance the sensitivity imo.  The rod with the concept guides balance point is a bit further up the blank, and compared to the micro rod really does feel a bit more tip heavy.  Haven't really seen a significant increase in casting distance. 

Also when you get used to the look of the micros, the rod with the regular guides starts to look like a spinning rod.

I like micro guided rods.  Don't think I'll be using them in the winter though.