I replaced the entire tip-top guide with an extra guide I had sitting around. I called St Croix again yesterday and got a completely different answer from a different employee. He explained that if the rod is defective (not damaged) you still have to ship it to them on your dime. That is why they have the discounted fed ex shipping label on their website. If they get the rod and it is a defect (not damage) they will repair or replace the rod no cost. The majority of the rods that they get are damaged or broken. That is where the extra charge comes in and the upgrade options are available. He told me that you can buy the guides and even whole sections for 2 piece rods on their website but I couldn’t find them.  

 

 

   Sounds better. Good luck. jj

I guess I've been lucky with St Croix's warranty dept. Nothing but GREAT service!Been using St Croix rods when they weren't even know to bass fisherman. Back in the early 80's.

45 minutes ago, JLBBass said:

I guess I've been lucky with St Croix's warranty dept. Nothing but GREAT service!Been using St Croix rods when they weren't even know to bass fisherman. Back in the early 80's.

Me Too.

 

A-Jay

I typically call them and ask for a tip kit for my specific rod.  I think they're under $10.  I've damaged a few in my days.

to me, a guide insert popping out is a warranty claim under manufacturing issue.

 

I have been fishing for 25 years and I have yet to have this happen. The adhesive they used let go.

 

it wasn't your fault unless it was caused from obvious impact with something, got stepped on etc.

There's literally dozens of threads where someone knocked the tip top insert out.  Pretty easy to do.  Just drop the rod, or bang it on something.

I have lost tip inserts from reeling all the way down on a lure and freeing stuck lures.