Just got this rod, my first casting rod and i really like the rod lightweight looks and feels very solid, and not that expensive, and noticed right out of the package something that looks like an adhesive or glue around the middle body of the first guide (tip) as shown on the pictures below, this is normal os this rod or is any signal of damage there? 
 

 

It looks fine to me, they're great rods for the money.

Somebody just got a little heavy handed when they epoxied the thread

That is normal and mine looks like that just maybe a little less epoxy. I have a lighting shock rod 7ft mh I bought as my 2nd baitcaster. Originally This past winter I replaced it with with st. croix 7ft4 heavy rod for punching.  Than I got into swim jigs.  So back out comes the lightning rod. The lightning rod is also my designated loaner rod. For the 45 bucks I paid for it has been a good rod. 

Doesn't look like damage but whats up with that second guide from the top

? Maybe its the camera angle??

12 hours ago, garroyo130 said:

Doesn't look like damage but whats up with that second guide from the top

? Maybe its the camera angle??

Its good it is the camera angle,

 

Feel better no really liked that rod and is not that expensive 

When my kids were little, and in daycare, and I was working a seasonal job...laid off most of the winter. I had to sell my "good" gear (St Croix's, Shimano/Daiwa, etc..) and go with more  budget oriented stuff. Berkley ligtning rods were a staple in my arsenal those years, both the regular and the "shock" model. I'm quite fond of the original Gen. 1 Lightning Rod Shocks. I won a lot of money and caught a ton of fish on them.

8 hours ago, Ravox said:

Its good it is the camera angle,

 

Feel better no really liked that rod and is not that expensive 

Yeah these are great rods. Enjoy it!

Ravox, thanks for putting this thread up!

 

 It reminded me of a Berkley Lightning Rod I haven't seen in several years. It's a 5' UL, great little perch, red ear, and crappie rod I kept in the RV in case we were someplace with a pond. I went out to the shop and dug in my "pile of rods" and found it! Also dug in my tub or reels and found the Pflueger Micro Spin I had on it. I'll put some fresh 4# hi-vis line on it and go play with the perch in the city lake 2 mi. from the house.