I am about to put in my first online order of fishing tackle.. possibly including a rod.. I was just wondering.. when it comes to rods, do you guys worry about getting a rod with a flaw on it, for instance a crack in cork, bent guide, etc when ordering online... just wondering if it is worth the 10-15 dollars in savings... if I shouldnt worry about it thats great but just wondering

I never worry about ordering anything online and I've never had any trouble that wasn't immediately rectified by the online retailer.   If you get the rod and something is wrong with it, send it back and they will make it right, assuming you're buying from a reputable dealer.

^^ What he said. No worries... 90% of my tackle has been purchased online. I haven't had an issue with rods being damaged while shipping or with any glaring issues in their craftsmanship. There is usually a 30 day period for returns at most places. As long as it is a reputable place you should be just fine.

I avoid ordering a rod on line, I much prefer to buy it in person.  I have ordered 3 rods on line, 1 came broke in 3 pieces, another was just not the right rod for my needs.  Not that it was a huge hassle but having to contact the shippers, repack and send the rods back is more than I care to deal with, the savings isn't worth it to me.

Agree with all of the above -- you should know before you buy that that rod is for you, and will arrive fine or will be replaced by a reputable online source.  Have fun w/ it!

I am about to put in my first online order of fishing tackle.. possibly including a rod.. I was just wondering.. when it comes to rods, do you guys worry about getting a rod with a flaw on it, for instance a crack in cork, bent guide, etc when ordering online... just wondering if it is worth the 10-15 dollars in savings... if I shouldnt worry about it thats great but just wondering

 

For that little savings I would buy local if product available, if it isnt I buy online. Last 3 rods were online purchased no issues but at 50%+ off. I havent had same luck with reels 3 of last 4 reels returned do to issues. One "new" reel I received I think was actually used/returned cause the inside plastic packaging was torn plus the reel had issues with sticking.

I avoid ordering a rod on line, I much prefer to buy it in person.  I have ordered 3 rods on line, 1 came broke in 3 pieces, another was just not the right rod for my needs.  Not that it was a huge hassle but having to contact the shippers, repack and send the rods back is more than I care to deal with, the savings isn't worth it to me.

I seldom buy a rod without first playing with it and inspecting it.