Nymph, You are correct about the premier rods. It was my mistake. My friend recevied a imperial not a premier when he broke his pro graphite. Its a sad day when a company thats been in business as long as St Croix starts trying mislead there consumers on what they are getting for warrantys on there rods. Sorry to here you have had bad dealings with them. I own 2 St Croix rods myself. I hope I do not have the same problem you experienced with them when I need a warranty service.