I too had problems with my 1143 gl3 .bought mine in early 2000. Broke twice in 3 years ,returned for exchange at auburn sports, third time they said no more it will cost 50 bucks. I said u keep it.
Don't get me wrong , I really liked that rod.
I am not hard on my equipment at all . So I switched to a 9/6 6-15 cert-pro never looked back.
For some of us it boils down to budget,that's a lot to spend. It doesn't help you catch more fish, but you sure look....kinda big timin it.
They do sound pretty sweet ..........Os
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[/b]The less I give a [Bleeeeep!] the happier I am[/b]