I am pretty sure the newer roller guided rods have better rollers and probably won't let the thinner hi tech lines get in. All of my newer rods actually have the rollers set either really tight or inset into the plate so the line cannot get in. Be sure to look at this if you buy a roller rod. Most people don't halibut fish enough to make the rollers a consideration. Make sure to clean and oil your reel before putting it away for the season also. We will have the real halibut guy, Terry Rudnick, at our PSA meeting May 11th at the Edmonds Yacht club. He is the author or coauthor of the Secrets of catching big halibut.