I saw in the latest Bassmasters Mag. an idea of using a PVC pipe for storing your rods horizontal (Below I recreated a drawing of what the article was referencing). This seems like a good idea since I have several rods over 7' long that I can't store vertically in my garage. Can storing rods horizontal using this system be detrimental to the rod (i.e., can the weight of the tip cause any permanent bend in the rod)? Thanks in advance.

Looks like a pretty good idea.  I would add a piece of felt or something soft inside the PVC too.  Or put a sleeve on the rod.

My rods don't leave the rod locker.  The rod handles are supported on one end and the tips on the other end.  They have been there for years and I have not noticed any crooked rods.  If you are worried about that issue, store them with the reels dismounted.

All you need to do is ensure that your rod holder supports the rod throughout its length. For example, a longer rod's tip would be susceptible to gravity pulling down on it so make sure it gets supported close to the tip, somewhere in the middle and close to the butt.

I just use regular hooks drilled close to my garage's ceiling. This is an old picture, as I no longer keep the reels on the rods, and there are 2 levels, each with 3 sets of hooks to support my rods. You will not mere a bend anywhere along the rod's length, which was a good conern you had. Without reels, 5-7 rods can be easily stored per level. What I like is that they are out of the way, out of sight of the Mrs., and they cannot be seen from the outside in by would be thieves.

According to Tom Kirkman, of RodBuilder magazine fame, a graphite rod will not take a "set" from prolonged stress.

He claims this is a holdover idea from the fiberglass rod era. The old fiberglass rods would develop a permanent bend if left stored, in a bent condition, for extended periods.

Graphite rods will not.

If you have one of the newer S-glass, or composite rods, you may need to ask him, or the manufacturer.

I usually stand mine in a corner of the garage and have for years and I can't see any set that any of them have taken.

I have a 7" IMX that has a slight bend from being in the corner. I hung the rod with a string from the ceiling and it straightened out. The graphite will not retain a permanent bend as per that experience.

Thanks guys for easing my concerns.  This will really help me out and my storage issue (you never really think about where you are going to store a 7'11" rod when you order it)

I just lean mine against the wall in my computer room. Hope they don't permanently bend cuz that would SUCK!!!