Mountain Biking - DH Chain guide choices . . . ? Help!

OK, here's what's up: I need a new chainguide. Was going to reuse my trusty Syncros but realized it's ISCG-old and the frame is ISCG 05 (oops).

Since I still want to run a 38mm chainring that narrows down my choices some. This is a single-ring, DH-only setup. Choices I've narrowed it down to (unless someone can make a compelling argument for another) are:

Blackspire DSX C4
e.Thirteen SRS+
e.Thirteen LG1+
Gamut P40
MRP System 3 Party Crasher


I'm not crazy about the e.13 LG1+, even though it's what Yeti ships complete 303Rs with, because I would rather have a crank-mounted bash take the abuse instead of my ISCG tabs. The upper slider looks a bit minimalist on the new SRS but maybe I'm just paranoid. I miss seeing the security of a taco. I'm partuclarly impressed with the design of the Blackspire (even if it is a tad heavy) - - the design seems laid out well to keep the chain captured and in check but have zero experience with Blackspire. The Gamut appears to be simple, direct and efficient; but once again I don't really know their track record. Besides the Blackspire I am impressed next-most with the the System 3 Party Crasher. It looks robust and effective and it seems no way a chain could get past the rollers once the setup is dialed.

Can anyone shed some light?

Bump. Anybody? - - before I throw myself over to the wolves on RM.

Well you know what Chris would recommend.

The Blackspire stuff I've had has all been great, though I've not had a full chain-guide from them. If the little bit of extra weight of the Blackspire gives you a bit of peace-of-mind, go for it.

No help with the rest. Hell, I'm using a Truvativ Boxguide I picked up for $38 shipped on e-bay, with a Blackspire roller on the bottom vs. the stock number. Works great, and I've had no dropped chains with it on the Devinci.

Well you know what Chris would recommend.Ya, but he's one of them DW groupies :D.


The Blackspire stuff I've had has all been great, though I've not had a full chain-guide from them. If the little bit of extra weight of the Blackspire gives you a bit of peace-of-mind, go for it.

No help with the rest. Hell, I'm using a Truvativ Boxguide I picked up for $38 shipped on e-bay, with a Blackspire roller on the bottom vs. the stock number. Works great, and I've had no dropped chains with it on the Devinci.Thanks for weighing in, scrub. I thought I remember you having some Blackspire stuff. I've been reading some issues elsewhere about upper slider plastic prone to cracking; but you never know whether stuff like that is product fault or over-torquing fasteners.

Well, I didn't go lightweight but went with track record, a design I felt would be super-secure and one that did not transfer load to the ISCG tabs. Pulled the trigger on the MRP System 3 Party Crasher. Will report back after I've installed it and it's gotten some use. It actually probably weighs as much or a tad more than the Blackspire but I have a feeling it will actually perform better than my Syncros did. Thanks.

Ah, now that I think about it...you could have had my SRS for a steal so I could get an LG1. ;)

Now you tell me :rolleyes:.

Oh well, I think I'm going to like this - - it will even give me the option of still using my ultra-bling Syncros alu bash guard if I don't like the heft of the chunky Party Crasher.