I received this rod yesterday (Powell Diesel), and as i'm looking it over I notice the bottom guide looks a little funky. I called the place I bought it from, and they assured me that it was only cosmetic. I'll be upfront and say they were good about everything, but took a bit of asking to have the option to exchange it.  I know it's not an expensive rod, and shipping it cross country and back would basically negate the cost of the rod (for them) they offered free shipping for me.

 

But I wanted to get people's opinions here. They say it's cosmetic and the epoxy Powell uses would most likely have this issue pop up again. I know some people here have this rod....have you seen anything like this?  They said if anything happened, they'd take care of it for me, but really, this thing has no warranty, I just want it to be decent out of the box.  I've attached 2 images, one of a normal guide, and the other with the guide in question.

 

Would you exhange it, or keep it?

 

Normal Guide:

 

 

Guide in question: You can see where it's white and slightly cracked.

I have a *** that's just like that. Used it all season with no problems. Usually what that is, is the guide gets bent a little and where it flexes, it cracks the clear coat of paint they put on the rods around the guides. I think you'll be fine, but it's your rod.

Wouldn't give it a second thought.

Hootie

I do not have any Powell rods but don't believe that matters here.

 

How can anyone accurately discern over the phone, if a visible defect is cosmetic or not ? 

 

There is no way of telling what, if any, trauma the blank has incurred.

 

The BR membership includes several very reputable custom rod builders, which I am not.

 

Perhaps you will get the benefit of a professional here.

 

I'd return it and start fresh.

 

A-Jay

 

Good to know, just making sure it's no big deal......Figured i'd ask since I don't have a lot of experience with this stuff.

That is just excess epoxy, had it been cracked on the thread side well then you return it because there is no warranty on that rod.

Had that happen on one of my st croixs back in 07...that rod is still in my rotation without issue

Sorry I'm in a different camp here. Maybe it's only a cosmetic issue, but it's a brand new rod and shouldn't have any flaws cosmetic or otherwise. I say exchange it for a rod that is perfect as it should be brand new. Settling for flawed brand new products only encourages manufacturers to produce less then perfect products.

I recently went through this with another manufacturer with two different samples of the same rod from their top tier lineup. The shop I was dealing with was just as disappointed as me and agreed the issues on a brand new product weren't acceptable. They let me exchange for another rod from a different manufacturer, that rod was absolutely perfect and flawless and performs just as well.

Regardless of price point you deserve a product that is flawless brand new, less expensive may mean its built with less expense components and matierals; it shouldn't mean its built with less quality and care.

I've noticed this a lot looking at rods at several different stores (all big box stores), of varying degrees. I've seen it quite a bit on spinning rods. You might be surprised how often you see it if you look. I bought one like that because it was on clearance and it was all they had. I just toothpicked some new epoxy in there.

I wouldn't worry about it enough to go through all the trouble it seems that you will have to to exchange it.

I've got several of those rods and I haven't paid much attention to them. I wouldn't worry about it

The problem is that if it chips, and exposes the thread wrap on the guide, the thread can decay, and you'll have to get it rewrapped and epoxied. I have a rod at the shop now for just that issue. It took five years, but the rod's twin sister doesn't have this issue.

Send it back.

There, have we helped you make your decision? Send it back and keep it.

Hootie

The problem is that if it chips, and exposes the thread wrap on the guide, the thread can decay, and you'll have to get it rewrapped and epoxied. I have a rod at the shop now for just that issue. It took five years, but the rod's twin sister doesn't have this issue.

JF's right. It's not critical right now but may be an issue later on. 

I'm sending it back.  I know some people wouldn't care, but like someone else said, if it's new, it should be in NEW condition.  Given the no warranty, (not like you'd use warranty for a guide)  and potential for something happening later on, if something DOES happen i'd rather it be my fault than something I was eyeballing on day 1.  

 

 

Thanks for all the opinions. 

It's a brand new rod, it should come to you in brand new condition.  I would expect a replacement.

If you speak with Powell, and they stand behind their product, they should probably offer to make it right. I had a *** with epoxy all over the blank and all over one of the guides. EMailed Matt over there (think he's one of the owners) and he said he'd send a brand new one and a return label to send back the other rod. Ended up getting a new rod and he threw a 13 hat in the tube with it. Never had any experience with Powell, but I've heard they have good customer service.

I did call Powell directly too.  The gentleman I spoke with said it wouldn't be a problem, and made no offer to fix it. Either way, it's going back and it'll be fine in the end .