You're right, Geo. The warranty would definitely drive me away from purchasing one of these. I made a decision a long time ago to only buy Shimano, mostly for the lifetime warranty. Basically, buying a rod without a good warranty was like burning money for me. Seemed like the rods I would always break would barely be outside their warranty grace period. Then I would have to buy another, and maybe another, and another -- you get the picture. Buying anything without a lifetime warranty is like giving away money.

For those of you who think the more expensive rods with lifetime warranty aren't worth the money, imagine the money you will save in the long run. Why risk buying rods over and over again instead of spending another $50 or $100 dollars to purchase one that will pay for itself down the road??? I plan on fishing for the rest of my life. If I break one, oh well -- I might have to pay the shipping for a new one (at the worst). I have broken some of my Shimano rods in the past couple of years and guess what?? No questions asked, replaced for free over-the-counter. The more expensive rods with the great warranties pay for themselves in the long run.

Shimano makes several models that are VERY affordable for serious fishermen. Even some of their "entry level" rods that cost around $70 carry a lifetime warranty with them. You don't have to go out and buy the most expensive model, but you can definitely find something from Shimano that will fit your budget.

In conclusion, when it comes to warranty and spending a little extra money to help yourself down the road -- do the math.