spectra will eat thru metal guides like Opra in a buffet. most rods come with ceramic guides now and this will not be a problem. Unfortunatly Berkley and some other brands have gone to the new breed of ultra lite guides to save money and these are very vounerable to cutting. I have had 15lb. powerpro on my STR1263c for almost a year now for float fishing and have not had a problem. Just stay away from the crappy rods and enjoy!