Is Guide Model best?

I have been noticing fly fishing equipment being marketed as "Guide Model". What exactly is this supose to mean? For guides only? Would a real guide be caught with anything less? I remember when I was young and taught skiing at Mt.Hodd in Oregon, we didn't have anything specifically "Instructor skis, or poles or gloves". We did have a uniform, maybe thats what a guide vest is, a uniform? When the word "Guide" is attached to fishing gear, it seems to cost quite a bit more than the other plain Jane models. Maybe we should go back to the Montgomery wards "Good, Better and Best" description. Just curious.

[This message has been edited by Jonezee (edited 13 July 2006).]

Jonezee:

The implication is that it is built stronger to hold up to the numerous days of use a guide puts their equipment to. But whether or not it is just a marketing ploy like Pro Model, Professional, etc. remains to be seen.

I can attest to the fact that some manufacturers do make a heavier duty product that they will call a Guide Model. For example my float tube was marketed as a Guide Model and it is 1000 Denier Codura versus 500 Denier Nylon for the regular version.

Ultimately I guess you have to compare the "Schlub" model to the "Guide" model and make your own decision if it's really better if they don't spell out the differences.

Then too are 'World Class' guys who use certain things which 'you' just gotta have too! What does that mean? They better than us? I don't think I would like these folks much. I do know a few really good guys at stuff, and they all have lots of class too. If you are the best in the world and can do it with class,,, is that it? Are they part of the 'few' that are in a 'class' of being the best in the world.

Jonezee, I think it's pretty much just a marketing ploy. There are some products marked "Guide" that really are well built, but in general, I think it's just a way for companies to charge more.

Jonzee
I have a 1956 Herter's boat that is marked as a guide model. That term has been used a long time to sell products to us fisher-types.
Brad

If this equip. is to be judged in the same way as a guide views his flies and the tying of them....
I'll skip buying Guide marked stuff!!

Kaboom -I suppose the term is meant for one to think they are elavated up to "Guide
rather than be considred not worty. Interesting....I think I will avoid "Guide
status, even it it is touted to be superior.
PSPaint, I concure.
J.C. I hope "World Class" will be confinded to the Michigan Fish-in, that will surely be the sounding ground for such mischief that may may be supplied by Hise and company, etc.

[This message has been edited by Jonezee (edited 13 July 2006).]