Testing the Guideline Elevation 10' #6 and 10' #7
It is time to turn our attention once again to reservoir fly fishing tackle. Few rod series have enjoyed the same level of success on the national and international competition circuit as the Guideline Elevation. In this review, we take a closer look at the 10' #6 and 10' #7 models.
CONTENTS:
1. MEASUREMENT ANALYSIS
The Common Cents System protocol was used to characterise the power and action of these two rods.
1.1. POWER
In terms of power, 47 and 55 cents respectively were required to bend these two 10' rods through one third of their length. After conversion, this gives ERN values of 5.94 and 7.03. The stated ratings of both rods are therefore overstated by half a line weight. The 10' #6 is in reality a #5/6, while the 10' #7 is a #6/7.
1.2. ACTION
With an AA of 60°, both rods feature a slow action (AA below 63°).
1.3. BUILD
In terms of build, these rods include all the classic elements expected of modern reservoir rods: a full-wells cork grip, two stripping guides, a fighting butt, and so on.
Like the other Elevation models, these reservoir rods benefit from a more sustainable design approach: an unpainted matte blank, a cork grip without rubber reinforcement and containing little resin, a lightly anodised reel seat, and a rod tube and cloth bag made from recycled material.
Both rods feature a hook keeper and alignment dots on the sections.
1.4. FISHING COMFORT
The fishing comfort of these two models is good considering their price. As a comparison with a benchmark rod of similar length and power, the PTE of the 10' #7 is identical to that of the Vision ONKII 10' #7.
An empty reel weighing approximately 180 to 190 grams will be required to balance both rods properly.
2. LIONEL FOURNIER'S VERDICT
"I use the Guideline Elevation 10' #6 for delicate dry fly fishing, washing-line methods and even indicator fishing. It is, for example, the perfect rod for presenting chironomids in the surface film on a 0,10 mm tippet. The blank forms a superb, very reassuring curve during the fight. I pair it with a floating #6 line — a true #6 line, I should add — or with strong #5 lines such as those from Scientific Anglers.
In the same vein, the 10' #7 has that same progressive curve, making these rods virtually 'zero lost fish' tools. It is also quite remarkable how far you can reduce tippet diameter with this 10' #7. Its applications are close to those of its smaller sister; personally, I prefer moving up to #7 when I need to cast larger flies and/or reach greater distance. I then choose a light floating #7 line, or a slow or fast intermediate in #6, depending on the depth at which the fish are feeding."
3. EDITORIAL VERDICT
Since their release nearly five years ago, we have praised the Guideline Elevation rods, particularly for their excellent value for money. We also appreciate the coherence of the range: whatever your preferred approach — nymphing, dry fly fishing or reservoir fishing — the same recognisable character runs through every model. Their common denominator is a clear inclination towards delicate techniques, largely due to a rather slow action that gives them outstanding fish-holding ability. This characteristic is especially pronounced in the tight line nymphing models.
The two reservoir models presented here are no exception: they are designed for refined reservoir approaches. With this combination of action and power, the risk of pulled hooks and break-offs is reduced as much as possible; fishing very fine tippets below 0,12 mm is entirely realistic. Heavy-handed techniques with heavy lines and large flies to be punched into the wind are clearly not their preferred terrain, unlike more subtle methods, particularly in autumn. For more detail on how each model is best used, Lionel's excellent technical comments above are well worth reading.
It is worth noting that the 10' #7 competes directly with another dedicated delicate-fishing model around the €300 mark, already featured in our reviews this year: the Vision ONKII 10' #7. With the same action/power combination and a similar level of fishing comfort, the two are difficult to separate. Perhaps we would give the edge to the Guideline, thanks to its very practical hook keeper, which is absent on its competitor.
Choose wisely!
4. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
| GUIDELINE ELEVATION | 10' #6 | 10' #7 |
| Brand | Guideline | Guideline |
| Series | Elevation | Elevation |
| Length | 10' | 10' |
| Actual length | 305 cm | 305 cm |
| Line weight | #6 | #7 |
| Sections | 4 | 4 |
| Actual weight | 96.00 g | 99.00 g |
| Blank colour | Grey | Grey |
| Finish | Spiral | Spiral |
| Guides | 2 + 10 | 2 + 10 |
| Guide type | Snake guides | Snake guides |
| First guide position | 54 cm | 55 cm |
| Wraps | Burgundy | Burgundy |
| Grip | 23 x 175 mm | 23 x 175 mm |
| Grip shape | Full Wells | Full Wells |
| Reel seat | Gunmetal aluminium | Gunmetal aluminium |
| Locking system | Uplocking | Uplocking |
| Insert | None | None |
| Fighting butt | Cork | Cork |
| Hook keeper | Yes | Yes |
| Alignment dots | Yes | Yes |
| Packaging | Cordura tube + cloth bag | Cordura tube + cloth bag |
| ERN | 5.94 | 7.03 |
| AA | 60° | 60° |
NOTE: This gear test was first published in its French original version on www.truites-et-cie.fr
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