my carrot stix also broke in between the first guide and the handle. I ordered the rod online because I dont live near any shop that sells them. I contacted Sean @ E21 and he said to take pictures and email him and he would send a new rod without any issues. However, after over a month of making phone calls and sending emails and trying to get ahold of E21, nothing ever happened. Speaking to anybody other than an answering machine was near impossible! After over a month of getting frustrated, I asked the secretary to speak to a manager. She said he'd call me back, but of course I never heard from them. After giving up on ever getting a new rod from E21, I drove 3 hours to Bass pro where they couldnt return or exchange the rod because they didnt have a 6'6 M. However, there is a happy ending- a st. croix avid once Bass pro online said they would send me shipping labels to return the piece of crap that is a carrot stix.