They went with SS for the weight savings and durability factors. Fuji guides are overrated. I think the guides are awesome, probably one of the best selling points of the rod, besides the great arc that they have on the blanks. Much better than any of the HT Polar junk or Frabill garbage on the market. I've quit making rods now, because you can't duplicate the action of the more premium solid carbon rods - the St. Croixs, Genzs, etc. for the money. I'm itching to try those Yad rods, but for some reason the Gander near me doesn't have them. The Avid and Premier use identical blanks and guides, only the handles are different. I have noticed the assembly quality on the premiers is a bit suspect- they are having them assembled overseas, a first for St. Croix, all their rods are assembled in northern Wisconsin, 1/2 hour from my house. I'll have to talk to Dan about that one. I've noticed some issues with the spines being off on the premiers - about every third one you pick up.