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Rings are undoubtedly one of the last criteria, ceramics aside, in the choice of a fishing rod by the majority of anglers.
A fishing rod has very few components. It simply consists of a carbon rod to which a reel seat, grips and guides are attached. The latter are an important part of your tool and should be taken into account when making your choice.
Their roles
The role of the rings is threefold!
Firstly, they intervene during the casting and retrieving phases to guide the line and ensure that it does not swell and is perfectly guided. This optimizes the distances reached and prevents wigging (in spinning).
Secondly, their role is to transmit the information perceived by your line. In effect, they act as a link between the latter and your blank (and therefore your wrist). The greater the number of rings, the greater the number of contacts, and consequently the greater the amount of information perceived.
Finally, the last role of the rings is to allow the blank to work optimally when under pressure and to ensure that the curve of your line is similar to that of your rod.
The number of legs
The first criterion you need to take into account when choosing your rings is the number of fixing lugs. There are single-leg rings and double-leg rings (sometimes also called tripod rings). The latter are reserved for very strong fishing and spinning rods. Except for catfish, exotic fish or large marine fish (tuna, meagre, etc.), the use of single-leg guides is more than sufficient and will lighten your equipment.
Two distinct parts
The rings are made up of two distinct parts: the frame (i.e. the lugs) and the ceramic.
- The frame is made mainly of two different materials: stainless steel and titanium. The advantage of the latter is obviously its lightness and strength. Some brands also offer rings with a carbon frame, but these are in limited distribution.
For fittings, there are a number of different finishes, all of which have a purely aesthetic purpose.
- Ceramic, on the other hand, is the actual "ring" in which the wire circulates. The differences between the different materials are abrasion resistance, glide and internal diameter (which is linked to the quantity of material required). Thus, there are rings whose ceramic can be made of alconite, others of sic (silica carbide) and finally torzite, which constitutes the top of the range.
