PythonDad

I would think so, but I think the functionality issues I was having were due to both misalignment and the fact that they're micro guides. I could not get line to lay evenly and the problem would compound the longer I fished. With the same reel but on the same rod with better aligned guides, the problem went away. I agree.

Thought I would update that they finally got back to me about two weeks ago. I bought another of these since I needed this model in my lineup and was tired of waiting. They offered to send a different model as a replacement if I wanted, so they are sending me a 7'4" heavy instead. Should be here soon. No issues with the other MH I bought.

Got it from a seller on Amazon who hasn't responded. Here is a picture of the line guides nearest the reel seat. You can see how they are off to the right somewhat. Here is the other, where they apparently turn back to where they ought to be, suddenly back to the left. The good news is I spoke with someone at St. Croix and they asked me to send it in. I would have just done this, but I didn't know if the rod should have been broken or sent in intact for an attempt at repair. The agent clarified to send it in intact.

I'm hoping that the only reason is that they are indeed swamped with how many people are fishing. They have updated their estimated response time to phone messages to ten days. But it's been longer than that since I last called them. ?

Thanks, I'll keep trying. I have several other of their rods and they have all worked flawlessly, so I've never had the need to contact them until now, and I'd also heard that what you said is true. You're probably right.?

Hi, I recently purchased a St. Croix Avid X, the 7'4" MHF casting model. I'm not seeking any answer to the issue I'm having. The line guides are "twisted," so to speak, such that they are not aligned with the reel seat and this is causing persistent uneven line lay on my reel (a Curado K). I'm very much open to the possibility that it has been difficult to get in contact with someone at St. Croix about this because of COVID-19, but is anyone able to comment on this? Their website says they are operating at full capacity currently. I sent an email to them on July 23 with pictures of the problem and asking how I should proceed. When the email was submitted the automatic reply said I would receive a response in four days. Didn't happen. I gave it seven business days and called the customer center. I was given the option to leave a message, with the automated message saying I would receive a response in 24 hours. Also didn't happen. So here I am now just wondering if anyone else can report that they are just swamped currently. Because if it's just because of stress from COVID-19 I have no intention of being worked up over it.

Maybe in some bodies of water, lol. I catch big ones out of warm shallow sluggish creeks all the way through the summer.