I just got my new Powell Endurance 723 today and I noticed that on the guides that have feet going both forward and back have small cracks or separations on the epoxy wrapping the guides. Is this anything to worry about? It is not as much a crack as a small separation from the blank.

I can also see now in that picture there is a scratch on the blank.

Send it back. Brian.

Possibly a small air bubble. Hard to tell from the pic, but I don't see it as a big issue.

That is really bad.  

It isn't a big deal but the scratch on the blank could be an issue but it is hard to tell if it is just a surface scar or a nick. If it was me I'd let them know as see what they say, if it has anything less than a 5 year warranty then send it back now.

I aint no rod wrap expert but a crack lets moisture get in send it back the more it flexes the more it opens

I sent an email to the company I bought the rod from and have a return label coming my way to exchange the rod.  Thanks for the input!

Got the replacement rod today's and even though the shop checked it before it left it had the same issues as the first. I emailed them to let them know and the owner called me and let me know that he would take the rod back and provide me a refund, let me deal with FedEx as it left their shop in good condition and arrived damaged to me (which I am pretty sure would get me nowhere) or fish with it and if I have an issue deal with Powell which would be $100 warranty after shipping.

I have another Powell endurance from purchased from another retailer that I have had no issues with and that I really like. I am wary of keeping the rod since I do not know enough about rods and the wraps to know if this will be an issue and I really don't feel like paying $100 to replace a $150 rod since they are no longer being made. What are everyone's thoughts?

Also, should I choose to replace it I am thinking about a Dobyns Savvy 703, Duckett, maybe talking to Mike from DVT about a custom (if it can be done in the sub $200 range), pinnacle perfecta 7' mh, Or any other suggestions I the $200 and below price range. The rod will be used for up to 3/4-1oz plastics, lighter jigs, paddle tail swim baits (basically an almost all around rod except for cranking). Thanks for the input!

Give the Lews rods a look. They don't spend a ton advertising them so they can build a great Rod and keep the price down. You won't be disappointed..