i busted my rod recently and brought it back with no problem. if the cust service guys gives you a lecture listen to what he says. they are just trying to show people how not to break rods. i think it is great they are educating us so we can help them keep their costs down. i broke my rod on a fish cause i had it straight up in the air when the fish got close to the boat. from now on i will have my rod at an angle instead of straight up in the air. good company and new and improved customer service!