Page 194 - Batson Master Catalog Updated 01-17-2023

VICKERS HARDNESS RING MATERIALS AND PLATING 193

The Vickers hardness testing Units Vickers Hardness Chart Blue TiO - TiN Gold - Bronze -
method was developed in 1920 to 2500 Guide Rings
test material hardness. A diamond Chameleon - Zirconium - PVD TiCH
pyramid is pressed into an object 2250 Over Zirconium
until it makes an impression. The 2000 Zirconium rings offer similar performance to SiC but are not “L” Ring
(code L)
force required to do so is the as brittle. Rings made from high-end zirconium ceramic offer
hardness rating. How does this 1750 superb hardness, thermal dissipation and a low coefficient of
apply to fishing? It is a way to 1500 friction. It also provides the perfect surface for PVD (Physical
compare the hardness of different Vapor Deposition) coatings.
ring materials commonly used in 1250 Zirconium
guides today. The harder the ring, 1000 (code Z)
the less chance there is for wear “L” Rings
to develop. 750 Short for hard aluminum oxide, this is the highest grade of
aluminum oxide available and the ring of choice for many
500
major rod manufacturers. This highly polished ring offers
250 excellent hardness, wear and a very low coefficient of friction. Chameleon
It is hard enough to stand up to all super-braided lines and (code A)
0 offers unsurpassed value.
Blue Zirconium TiN Gold Zirconium TiCh Zirconium Zirconium “H” (hard aluminum oxide) ALPS Carbide The PVD (PHYSICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION) Process TiN Gold
SiC SS

PVD is a sophisticated process of vaporizing a solid material
within a vacuum chamber. The vaporized material condenses
(code N)
onto a substrate and forms a complete and perfect coating.
In general, most coatings produced by the PVD process
are very hard and offer superb density. PVD coatings also
improve hardness, corrosion resistance and the coefficient of
friction. PVD is done at a low enough temperature to protect Blue TiO
the integrity of the substrate material.
(code U)
WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU We offer PVD processed components in three different

There are a lot of variables while fishing: colors: TiN Gold (titanium nitrate), PVD TiCh (titanium
hydrogenation) and PVD TiO (blue titanium oxide). All three
What body of water? of these coatings are harder than the substrate they cover. PVD TiCh
Is it clear or is it murky? They dramatically improve the smoothness, hardness and (code C)
Are there sediments in the water? the coefficient of friction. When PVD is used on a guide frame
What type of line will you be using, mono or braid? or ring it improves the durability and resistance to corrosion.

All these questions play into what type of guide ring you will need on your rod. If there
is too much sediment in the water it will build up on your line, making it abrasive.
Grooving will develop in a guide ring that is too soft for these conditions. It’s always
best to select the hardest ring available for your conditions. A zirconium ring is a
good choice to prevent any grooving from taking place.

Ring Guide: A,C,U,N= Zirconium(PVD Plated) • Z=Zirconium • L=Hard Aluminum Oxide • B=Carbide / Color Guide: A=Chameleon • B=Black • U=Blue • CG=Charcoal Gray • HC= Chrome • LTC=Light Titanium Chrome • N=Gold • S=Silver • SG=Shiny Gun Smoke • Ti=Titanium • TC=Titanium Chrome