The Forhan, or other, locking wrap is not necessary if you use old fashioned snake guides or any double footed guide, But is necessary for any single foot guide. Not personal preference, just common sense. It will take a bit More effort to damage a Forhan Locking Wrap protected guide than an unprotected (normal) wrap. Joe, I take good care of my equipment too, but I sell a few rods and fewer of them come back for repairs with the Forhan Locking Wrap than normally wrapped single foot guides. About seven to one by my records. This may be a 'subjective' subject if you are building for yourself but I warrant my work and the less time I spend on free repairs the better I like it.