So I bought up a new AS69XF (I think that's right) from Reeds and it looks and feels fantastic. However, the bottom guide is slightly bent. I would rather not have to send it back for a new rod, so my question is how important is it that the guide be exactly level. Will this effect my fishing?

Any suggestions?

From a functional standpoint,

probably not too important,

but it will ALWAYS bug you!

Send it back and get a new rod.

Bummer.....

Don't try to bend or fix it yourself....

I agree with RW.

I wouldn't accept it.

IMPO you shouldn't either.....

Good Luck & Tight Lines!!!!  

From a functional standpoint,

probably not too important,

but it will ALWAYS bug you!

Send it back and get a new rod.

You're probably right. It already haunts my dreams.

Is it actually bent or installed off center?  The first guide on my Premier (above the reel) is installed just slightly off center.  I was going to take it back but it just really doesn't bother me, so the heck with it.  You have to really look close to catch it, which I obviously didn't when I bought it.

I noticed a bent guide on one of my newer rods and I don't know whether it came that way and I just missed it or if I accidently bent it. I carefully straightened it and now 2 months later, I can neither remember which guide or which rod.  If it isn't too bad, I'd probably just straighten it.  I hate to go through the hassle of sending something back if its very minor and I can fix it.