Taking the plunge...

[Piperspruce]

Ok, so I have decided to take a punt on the TFG classic centre pin. Any advice from the experienced users out there? Do you think I would benefit from the optional extra line guard?

 

I have to say, I'm quite excited about it. Looking forward to the challenge and the chance to improve my knot unlocking skills!

[kirisute]

Line guard would be wise...but it's way over priced.

For the price they are a really nice pin.

[Rusty]

Forget the line guard, the times that it'll be useful will be far outweighed by the times it'll be a pain. If it was free with the reel then ok you'd be able to decide for yourself but if it's extra cost then don't bother.

[Mat Hillman]

I've tried a couple of reels with line guards, and found that rather than stopping tangles they simply move them to another place

[Tigger]

I'm no lover of lineguards but they do help to stop the line going round the back of the foot in windy conditions. They're not much good if you need to wallise cast but you can still manage it if the line guard is a bickerdyke (I think the TFG guard might be ok actually).

As Chris says, if it comes included with the reel that's great but I wouldn't buy one as an extra.

[kirisute]

they are £19 quid extra from fishec!! but I think they come with a masked man holding you at gunpoint!! least ways that's the only way I can imagine they get someone to buy them!!

[Vagabond]

If there is a removable line guard, my advice is to remove it !

[gozzer]

I've never liked using a line guard, but on a couple of 'designated pin rods' I whipped another butt ring on, between the handle, and the bottom ring. This helped in a few ways, one is that I have another ring to make a casting loop with, and with my line coming from the top of the pin, it also helps prevent big loops forming around the reel seat. I now take a couple of butt rings with me, and can make a temporary fix on any rod, using a couple of elastic bands. The ring doesn't take any strain, so they only have to hold the ring in place while fishing.

 

(anyone thinking of making 'butt ring' jokes, can join Andy at the back of the class, facing the wall).

 

John.

[Piperspruce]

I've never liked using a line guard, but on a couple of 'designated pin rods' I whipped another butt ring on, between the handle, and the bottom ring. This helped in a few ways, one is that I have another ring to make a casting loop with, and with my line coming from the top of the pin, it also helps prevent big loops forming around the reel seat. I now take a couple of butt rings with me, and can make a temporary fix on any rod, using a couple of elastic bands. The ring doesn't take any strain, so they only have to hold the ring in place while fishing.

 

(anyone thinking of making 'butt ring' jokes, can join Andy at the back of the class, facing the wall).

 

John.

Hadnt even crossed my mind!

 

So is it a matter of personal choice as to whether the line comes off the top or bottom of the spool?

[kirisute]

yes; entirely based upon what your comfortable with and how you want to fish/use the pin.

best advice: try both and see how you get on