quote--
From: (Craig=A0Baugher)
their Aluminum Oxide and Hardloy guides are prime examples of what not
to buy.
Look for SiC guides and you cannot go wrong. ---quote

Hmm. So how much importance goes toward guides?

The $90 7' St. Croix Premier that I was considering has Aluminum Oxide.
The $110 7' Team All-Star has Titanium coated stainless steel.