Guide inserts failing.

[Woody B]

I had 2 guide insert failures today.  Both were the tips.  The insert fell out of one, the other has a section missing.   I had 2 guide failures last year (not tips).  I blamed them on the brand of rod, and braided line.  (Both were BPS rods, both failed while using Braid) 

 One of the ones that failed today is a Lews TP1 Black.  I bought it last September.  It's not an expensive rod by most people standards but a $100+ rod for me is expensive.  I had a bladed jig on it.  I noticed it "felt" funny.  I looked and a section of the tip insert was missing.  

The other one is a Dobyn's Colt.  That's their "economy" line.  I bought it last December.  The insert fell out of the tip on it.  

 

Do I replace the guides or just put new inserts in them?  I've got a friend who builds rods for Carp fishermen.  He fixed a rod for me last year, but wouldn't charge me anything.  I used to take him fishing when he was a kid.  He's really busy building rods.  I may take them to him, but I feel like I'm "using" him if he won't charge me anything.  

[Diggy]

A local shop will replace the tip guide which comes with the insert it's usually fairly inexpensive. 

I think it cost me about 10 dollars to replace a tip or guide including the correct part and rewrapping/epoxy.

Buy your friend lunch, it will take him like less than 5 mins to replace a tip.

If you want the exact match and it's not available from your local store or friend, you can email each company and get the appropriate tip shipped to you.

[dodgeguy]

Stop reelng your lure up until it smacks the insert

[throttleplate]

I buy the cheapest rods for wife and i to fish with such as my favorite berkley cherrywood and uglystick carbon lite and have yet to lose an insert or visually see any wear on the inserts.

I wouldnt waste my money on the supposedly best rods when i read stories like this.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The cause of missing inserts is at least partially due to handling. Reeling weights into the tip, poking snags free, rod lockers, bumps, bangs, crushes etc. ? nothing to do with braid. Yes some higher quality guides take more abuse before showing signs but none are immune. The only fix is replacement of the guide. Tips are easier, both can be diy if you’re handy and not overly concerned with cosmetics. A professional repair won’t break the bank either. 

[Woody B]

Thanks for all the replies.  I assumed the tip guides were wrapped like the others.  I got a kit at Academy and replace them.   

The guide failures I had last year were probably rod locker induced.   I was keeping 2 per tube and bending the guides putting them in, and removing them.  One came loose from the rod, the insert fell out of the other.  Both broke during hooksets while using braid.  

 

I don't use the rod tip to poke snags.  I broke a rod once doing that.   I rarely reel the lure all the way to the tip.  Occasionally while night fishing is the only time it happens.   

 

What amazes me is, whatever I'm doing wrong the $89 Lews rod is the oldest one I use, and also the one I use the most.   All the guides will probably fail on it since I'm typing this.   LOL

 

 

Thanks again or all the help.  

[Hytekrednek]

I too have some very old, 20 plus years old, rods that I have used hard and abused occasionally. They keep on fishing and taking the wear like a champ without breaking or losing an eye or insert. The only insert problems I have had are from newer rods, usually high end. All I can figure is the epoxy or glue back then was much better. Maybe the EPA forced a change in the ingredients? No idea. My oldest I still fish is an old Berkley lightning rod. around 25 years old or so, never an issue, but I do hate the eva foam handle.