I just ordered another abu garcia veritas from TW...the rod came w/ one of the alconite inserts missing and just had the outter metal ring of the guide... a couple questions:

1. Since it came this way right outta the rod tube do you think they'll tell me "deal with it thru Abu?"...I am a BEYOND avid customer of TW...i have ordered at least 50 times from them practically 100$ a week avg. I think they're pretty cool about returns.

2. If I choose to keep it and fish it that way...is that 1 little missing insert going to detrimentally effect my line? will 1 missing insert (it's 4th down from the tip) gonna really hurt performance that much? Is there ne quick fix other than putting a new guide on?

Call TW and I'm sure they will take care of you, or at least tell you the proper procedure for returning. DO NOT use it with the missing insert. You'll end up cutting your line.

Heed BB's advise!! a missing guide ring will make short order of any line..,braid or mono...its a defect,call TW and get a new stick.

figured this much...just hate going thru the return process...had it sent overnight and now gotta wait for this mess. im sure they'll handle it quick tho, thanks for the help.

They will probably overnight you another one and send you a return shipping label... no fees for you

I would not accept a new rod with a missing guide insert.

Mike