They have one of the best warrantee's. Over the counter /swap it out for another if they have it, just as the Shimano Cumara (which is also a great rod to look at). I hesitated getting one of the carrot stix for a while, but I finally did, and it is now one of my favorites. Be sure to get it heavy enough. A medium e-21 is about the same as a typical medium/lite. They are good rods.