I've had my Penn 600's for 2 years now and have not had a single problem. They've been modified to 48" booms (the original 24" boom put the wire too close to the kicker) and swivel mounts (allows me to swing them inboard for travelling and when at the dock). I got the extra booms at John's Sporting Goods in Everett and the mounts at Outdoor Emporium in Seattle. Hope this helps.
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Beware of the man with only 1 fishing rod, he probably knows how to use it.