So long story short I ordered a Skeet Reese Finesse Tube Jig Rod. I've found that a high percentage of the rods have flaws in them and need to be returned but those that are unflawed are absolutely perfect for my style fishing. Well, I happened to get unlucky when purchasing my second Finesse Tube Jig Rod. One of the guides halfway up the rod was enameled over. Basically what this means is the "glaze" (enamel) that they put over each guide made a connection with the other side of the guide. A lot of people have made this complaint on the reviews and I was hoping I got lucky enough to get a decent rod. Anyways, the enamel bonded to itself completely covering my guide. I couldn't put mono through it, nothing. Completely covered. I used a pocket knife to very carefully poke a hole in the enameling and made a hole big enough to put my mono through. I was rigging up the rod on-site and was my only rod at the time, so I had to deal. Didn't catch any and my line didn't get cut or anything. Is it possible for me to fix it by just chipping off pieces of enamel or will that give the ceramic insert jagged edges. Q-Tip test resulted in a catch on enamel, not ceramic. Can I fix it or should I return it? I've got a fishing event on Wednesday, so should I explain that the rod sent was faulty and I need to get a new one by Wednesday? Got it off Amazon so not sure if they'd fork over expedited shipping to get it by Wednesday. I'm guessing I'll have to mail the "broken" one back?

 

Also, forgot to mention I don't want to have to replace the guide. If I bought it brand new for nearly 100$ I shouldn't need to be repairing it from day 1. 

I wouldn't want the rod as is, however an exchange with Amazon may entail some time.  I'd put a new guide on it or return and use another rod.

RETURN

Return, but I would notify W&M and see if you can replace it with them with your proof of purchase.

fishing with that rod sounds like a heartbreak waiting to happen   

So I got Amazon to upgrade my shipping for free so I can get it by Sunday night. As for the quality of the rod as I was saying when they aren't defective I love them but I tend to see a lot of defective ones. I'd recommend it if you don't mind having to return one (rather likely occurence) but otherwise it might take a bit to get a good model.