Personally, I would go without a guide. Just me, my Dad and another friend if he wanted to join us. I like the challenge of finding a "big" buck.
Like said above, the scouting, learning the unit, camping and above all being successful on a big buck by myself is way more fun, even if I happen to sacrifice 20" of antler. With hard work, some time and a little bit of luck, you just may get a buck bigger than the guide. Never know...
A smaller buck by myself is a way bigger reward than a monster buck with a guide.
Mntman
"Hunting is where you prove yourself"
Let me guess, you drive a 1 ton with oak trees for smoke stacks, 12" lift kit and 40" tires to pull a single place lawn mower trailer?