These rods were once my favorite. They simply amazed me.... The casting distance and the overall compelling evidence of a perfect rod. I was in love at first sight.. fast forward a few years later.... Now if you ask me what I think about Ducketts? they're trash, better yet horrible. Simply put, Chinese made junk. i've had the tips break in multiple places, the micro guides break off or the inner ring fall out of the guide and cause it to fray my line. then you look for your warranty, and it just ran out... or Duckett wont replace it!?! I'm sorry to those of you that like them, but i respectively disagree on your rod choice. The Duckett brand is nothing more than a company selling a name instead of a good product. just as you see all these younger kids wearing designer jeans. Boyd Duckett and his crew are not making any special product. they are making a special brand to make money off the crap they sale. I myself will never even consider buying a product of theirs again. Please excuse my rant, but have any of y'all had these problems?