Why are our guides so much more durable than our competitors? All our guides are put through a vigorous abrasion testing machine. The diagram below shows the machine system layout, also displayed are the exact conditions for the testing. Condtions Line: nylon 9 lb line fly #4-DT-F line Load:   700 g Angle of line contact:   90° Solution:   1% muddy water (mud 10g + water 1000ml) Speed of line:   60 m/min Distance:   3000 m For the following results two samples were identified: X SNG (PAC.BAY) Size 3 619AP - HC (SEYMO) Size 3 The above samples wer submitted to the laboratory for hardness determination of the chromium plating and coating thickness. Coating Thickness The coating thickness was determined in accordance with BS 5411 Part 5 (SGS Test Procedure E5TP 002.3). The measurements were made using the AMS 40-10 Image Analyser in accordance with SGS Test Procedure E5TP 002.13. Sample Local Thickness (µm) Range Average X SNG   9.8 - 12.7 12.2 619AP   18.4 - 25.8 21.3 The coating thickness of each is illustrated in Figures 1 an 2 (see below) respectively. Hardness Testing The hardness testing was determined on the prepared cross-section using the Leitz microhardness testing machine with a load of 100g. Sample HV (01.) kg Range Average X SNG   874 - 891 882 619AP   1064-1097 1081 Figure 1 Coating of sample X SNG Unetched (x400) Figure 2 Coating of sample 619AP Unetched (x400)   The photographs below show how the hardness of the chromium plating and the coating thickness effect the durability of the guide. Snake guide / Ti II wire (no treatment) Snake guide / Ti II wire (tempering)   abrasion wear: 323 µ m   abrasion wear: 439 µ m       Snake guide / plate ST wire with chromium   Snake guide / plate ST wire with chromium   abrasion wear: 86 µ m   abrasion wear: 101 µ m Condition test line: fly line #4-DT-F Back to FAQ