Fly guides VS Recoils on ice rods

[fisherman-andy]

As the title says; what do you guys prefer on your ice rods? And what are the advantages and cons of both guides types per your experience? Would it be worth to stick with fly guides or go the more expensive recoils? Thanks!

[bltbowhunter]

Last year, I built an ice rod using 3 #6 single foot wire fly guides for the to top 3 guides and a # 12 and a #10 flexilite for the other 2 guides. I also built a rod using the same size guides but in the recoils. I can't tell the difference between the 2. They fish the same. I think that recoils are kind of a gimmick.

[A.W.Wolfram]

Like bltbowhunter stated, On an ice rod you will not notice any difference. Yes - recoils are lighter, but on a 28" ice rod with 4 or 5 running guides, you can not tell the difference.

"I think that recoils are kind of a gimmick." Gimmick - on ice rods I would agree. They do have a time and place for other applications, just not ice rods.

Recoils ice up at the same rate as SS wire guides..so no benefit there.

Yes - recoils will pop back in place if bent....if you put the amount of stress on the rod to get a recoil to bend....you probably broke the blank

IMHO save your money and use the SS wire guides

[18 inch Crappie]

On my ice rods I use a #12 recoil then 4 light weight Fly guides $8 cost for guides.

[harvey lee]

On ice rods, I see no advantage other than spending more money. Yes, if I step on a recoil guide, it will pop back but if I step on it, the blank is more than likely junk.