[catfishonthelake]

I would not use Power Pro, or any line really, with a missing guide insert. It will wear your line down quickly and chances are you'll lose fish or lures.

Guides aren't overly expensive to get replaced if it's just one, especially the tip. You can actually buy tip kits at some tackle shops and then there's nothing that a lighter (to soften epoxy) and a YouTube know-how video can't show you.

I'm incredibly particular about my tackle, so if there's a guide that I want replaced, I have a reputable person do it. I'd rather pay $20 to get a guide replaced than $12 if it means it's going to get done right. I had Meltzer's put a tip on a Loomis several years ago and when I picked it up the tip was 4x bigger than the rest of the guides. I had Mike Garone (Garone Custom Rods board sponsor) do a guide on another Loomis for me and it was absolutely flawless.

If you're not 1000% percent sure the shop or person will pick the right guide, you can call Shimano, give them the model # and they should be able to provide you with the brand and size of the guide. Then you can order directly from the manufacturer and not have to worry.

All that being said, it comes down to how much the rod is worth and how much you love it. Spending $12 to get a guide replaced on a $30 rod might not be justifiable, unless it has some sentimental value.

Hope that helps.