Got about 5 or 6 lamis sitting in the garage that need repairs. Have also had a rainshadow explode on me. The only rods I have spent big money on he past 4 yrs or so are Sage and Reddington. Have been fishing the Shimano Clarus and the Okuma SSTs for gear rods for several years now with no problems. Both decent rods for the price. If you have an issue with the shimano just bring it back for a replacement. I think the Okuma is a limited warranty. Fenwick also makes a great price point rod, but not sure about the warranty. Don't get me wrong, I love high end rods just as much as anyone else, but just can't justify the cost anymore between warranty issues, having to send them back etc....