hey was wondering where i can get shipping tubes??

Do you mean like to send a rod back to a manufacturer or to travel?  For mailing a rod, just go to a UPS store and for travel just go to any tackle shop.

shipping tubes for what? rods?

I use 2" diameter pvc well casing from Lowes. A 10' pipe is around $5.

shipping tubes for what? rods?

I use 2" diameter pvc well casing from Lowes. A 10' pipe is around $5.

That's exactly what i do as well! It is only $3 at my local store though!

I just use a tackle warehouse tube

How do you guys "close" the ends of the pvc tube???

In the same place where the tubes are at they sale the end caps to fit perfectly on the ends. They are like $55 cents at my stores. It is A LOT more durable and safer for the rod this way!

ever had one break in shipping?

and how much is shipping

I have never had one break that i shipped. But did have one shipped to me by Cabela's that was broken in 4 pieces(cardboard tube). I shipped one yesterday(7' 3") from FL to OK USPS priority for $9.87! And another to TX for $15.36(7' 6"). The size limitations for Priority allow for you to ship them with no surcharge if you don't let them tell you otherwise. Most USPS workers don't even know this and will try and argue with you but it's true!

they charge by the length of the tube, and also for an oversized item. i have paid anywhere from 10 - 20 depending on where it's going. for travel i use i use a cabelas tube, they are very nice and come with a rod purchase. for shipping i use cardboard, or pvc tubes depending on what i have. for end caps i just use tape and some cardboard if i forget to get the pvc caps.

I have never had one break that i shipped. But did have one shipped to me by Cabela's that was broken in 4 pieces(cardboard tube). I shipped one yesterday(7' 3") from FL to OK USPS priority for $9.87! And another to TX for $15.36(7' 6"). The size limitations for Priority allow for you to ship them with no surcharge if you don't let them tell you otherwise. Most USPS workers don't even know this and will try and argue with you but it's true!

X2 on the PVC w/end caps and as said, ship priority.  Usually $10-12, but if they want you to ship their regular parcel post it will be $20-25.  Sounds weird, but that's how USPS is.

2" PVC for Casting and 3" for Spinning rods. I wish home depot carried a 2.5", but they don't at the one closest to my store. You also have to buy it in 10' sections even if you have it cut to 7ft.

I do not try to ship in cardboard tubes as I have had 2 break being shipped to me and 1 break being shipped to another person. Two were FedEx and one was USPS. I have no idea what those guys do with the tubes...

It will cost you around $13-22 depending on where it is going. They sometimes charge me the oversized fee, but sometimes don't. I do not know enough about shipping rates to fight it. Oh, and I usually use cardboard and duct tape to seal the ends up nice.

I read a good tip on another forum that fits well with this thread - wrap the rod inside foam pipe insulation before putting inside the PVC tube. This protects the rod and guides from rattling around inside the PVC during shipping.

For a free/cheap padding, you can twist newspaper into ropes and then wrap the ropes around the rod(s) as you put them into the tubes.  The "ropes" untwist and hold the rods pretty securely.

Will 2" pvc also accommodate the open face reel? Thanks

1 hour ago, Mzfreebird said:

Will 2" pvc also accommodate the open face reel? Thanks

Nope 

Lowe's, Home Depot........Sch 40 PVC.  Weight is irrelevant because if the shape.  Today I shipped a 3" x 7'6" tube from PA to NY with $200 insurance for $13.50 

I just saved the one I got my SLX rod from *** fishing. For this very reason ive saved it.