just a minute ago i was looking at my 5,6 rod an noticed that the guides dont line up exactly, is this a problem or does it typically happen,,, it isnt bent to either side but jus bends down slightly

RedneckRiot27,

Sounds like the rod is trying to set a bend in the tip area. Check how you store the rod, (have you been leaning the rod in a corner), should be stored vertical (in a rack) without the reel on it. Anytime the guides go out of alignment, it can cause a loss of casting ability do to friction when the line tries to pass through the guides, especially if the guides are at least half a guide width out of alignment.

Just my .02¢

Tight Lines!!!