Guiderod Weights:

Ti is worthless for guiderods, you want heavier not lighter.  Steel is only slightly heavier but if you are really in tune with your gun you can feel a subtle difference in the handling.  Tungsten is much heavier than steel and makes a significant difference.

Below are some guiderod weights.  Aftermarket rods are all THE brand.  Weights do not include the recoil spring.

Stock 17  2.04 grams = 0.071 ounce
Captured Stainless 17  18.3 gr = 0.645 oz
Cap Tungsten 17  34.18 gr = 1.206 oz
Non-cap Tungsten 34  44.56 gr = 1.572 oz

When compared to stock the tungsten is significantly heavier.  When compared to stainless the tungsten is almost double the weight.

Here is where it gets real interesting.  An empty G17 weighs 625 grams.  Adding a captured tungsten rod increases the total weight of the gun by more than 5% and in a key location.  An empty g34 weighs in at 650 grams.  With a THE extended tungsten rod you are increasing the total weight by almost 7%.

Something that weighs less than 2 ounces may not seems like much but it does make a significant difference in the numbers and when shooting.
 

Captured Vs Non-Captured:
I personally use non captured rods most of the time.  It is easier to swap out springs and with a litle practice it is not any harder to assemble your pistol.  There is no mechanical advantage or disadvantage to either, its just personal prefernce.  With THE rods a captured rod can really be either.  To use as a captured rod install the screwcap (use a drop of blue loctite).  To use as a non-captured rod just leave the screwcap off.
 

Guiderods and Accuracy:
In the Glock guiderods have absolutley no affect on the accuracy of your pistol.  Anyone who tells you that Brand X guiderod will make your gun more accurate is either ignorant or lying.
 

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