This is a ST Croix avid inshore spinning rod in MH, just got it brand new in the mail from St Croix. The first guide looks all wrong, this bend cannot be intentional right? The second guide has the metal piece from above hugging the rod until and sharp bend near the guide, unlike the bottommost one. I'm thinking I should email them and ask for a replacement, right?

Images online would suggest that is how the guide is supposed to be oriented.  

Send them the pics with a request for a replacement. 

40 minutes ago, Msl819 said:

Images online would suggest that is how the guide is supposed to be oriented.  

The guide in this photo is not the same style as in the photo posted in the original post. If the bent guide was on a rod I purchased, I would slowly bend it back to where it belongs. 

Just now, Scott F said:

The guide in this photo is not the same style as in the photo posted in the original post. If the bent guide was on a rod I purchased, I would slowly bend it back to where it belongs. 

Correct… but the bottom guide appears to be oriented towards the end of the rod and not the handle.  I would certainly inquire.  I would be curious if the guide on the MH is a double footed guide, not single.

The guide same guide on my SC Legend is oriented the same as yours.  Only single footed.

 

I would slowly bend it back into place.

Most likely it'll be okay. Most guides can take some abuse. 

Earlier this year, I accidentally bent one of the guides on my P5 Landsat and had to bend it back. About 100 bass later its still fine.

I had a 7' daiwa presso rod from Amazon come in with the first two guides looking like they got stepped on- completely bent side ways. I bent them back and still catching fish to this day on that rod.