Just noticed my guide popped out of my brand new rod. No Idea how it happened but now I am down a combo. Last time it happened on my st. croix I sent it in and got it fixed ( my fault on that one) but still it was covered. In a pinch could I still fish with this rod or will it cut my line? Its a  close to $500 combo that I use for jigs so I need to send it in. I know some companies will send you replacement guides, can I change those myself? WIll I have to send this rod in to get it done correctly? I want to send it in but I dont want to be stuck without that rod for a month I have tournaments coming up so I would much rather do a quick fix then send it in down the road. 

I had the same thing earlier this year. The guide insert on an old rod popped out at some point. I toyed with the idea of fixing it myself, but I found a local guy that replaced it for me.  If you have a rod builder local or even a tackle shop you can see if they'll service it for you. I'd much rather someone who's experienced handle that stuff.  

I had the same thing earlier this year. The guide insert on an old rod popped out at some point. I toyed with the idea of fixing it myself, but I found a local guy that replaced it for me.  If you have a rod builder local or even a tackle shop you can see if they'll service it for you. I'd much rather someone who's experienced handle that stuff.  

I worked at a tackle shop and would replace rod tips all the time. It really is different than the guides though. I might as well send it in and bite the $20 shipping bullet. 

See if you can find a local rod builder & have him replace the guide for you. If its a st croix go to there web site & print out a fed ex label for shipping back to st croix for $10. Its under the warranty info.

See if you can find a local rod builder & have him replace the guide for you. If its a st croix go to there web site & print out a fed ex label for shipping back to st croix for $10. Its under the warranty info.

dobyns not st croix I get my st croixs sent in for free most of the time. 

Find a local repair shop, a guide will cost between 8-$12 for the size needed, depending on the shop the repair time should only be a few days.  Free shipping and free repair doesn't pay to send it back to the manufacture, not only do you have deal with a much longer turn around time, but always a risk in shipping a rod.