Does this guide need replaced?

[Glaucus]

I got a shipment of new Fury rods in yesterday. I quickly looked them over and everything looked fine at a glance. Today I was spooling everything up and noticed my 705CB has a bent guide. 

 

 

I've seen this many times before in stores. I always assume they were improperly stored, handled poorly during shipment, or handled poorly by employees or customers. When I order online I always order from reputable dealers (usually TW, that's the case here too) with priority overnight shipping. I figure good dealers know how to store and handle rods, and if I ship overnight it cuts down on the handling. I've never received a messed up rod until possibly now. 

 

I say possibly. Maybe this isn't the issue I've always assumed it was? I very lightly pressed down on the guide to see if it wiggled at all. It does not. The epoxy/wrap appears in good shape too.

 

Does the guide need replaced? Would you replace it? I can get it done cheap so it's no big deal but if this is not the abnormality I've always assumed it was I'd rather keep the factory settings so to speak. 

 

PS I don't pick the wall colors in this marriage. 

[hwright38]

Just bend it back. If you're going to get it replaced anyways, might as well try bending it back first to save some money and downtime with it. I'm pretty sure they use either aluminum or steel guides, so they shouldn't snap off super easy (I've bent back some guides on pretty much all of my rods at one point or another. They usually don't go back exactly as they were, and you can sometimes crack the epoxy, but I've never had an issue fishing with them afterwards).

[BoatSquirrel]

That one does not look too bad.  I would give it a good looking over with a magnifier.  Check the guide and the wrap for cracks or imperfections.  If it looks okay, bend the giude back right and give it all a second look over.  I had to send one back last time I ordered from TW and of course they were very accommodating.

[Glaucus]

I looked it over and it is cracked a little. Bent it back gently and it peeled slightly. It's not too bad. I'll use it until it's dead and then replace it. Might just replace it now anyways since fishing in the North isn't a thing right now. 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Won’t hurt a thing. No need micro scope it. If you’re worried about moisture you can seal it up with clear nail polish 

[LionHeart]

From just looking at the picture:  Dude that's nuth'n.  Just bend it back and forget about it.

[Glaucus]

I did bend it back upon advise. Looks like some epoxy peeled back with it. Slight crack. Seems very strong still. I'll just clear polish the tiny crack and fish it til I have to drop 10 bucks for a new guide. No big deal.