the old Berkely Lighning rods used to have a lifetime Guarantee on them. im talkin about 10-15 years ago(the eyes had yellow and orange thread around them and a big yellow lightning Rod logo, when IM-6 first came out)...you could just take the broke one back to Walmart and they'd give you a new one no Questions asked...nothin better than buying a pole for 23$ and beatin the hell out of it all summer and then taking it back in the winter for a new one....they dont do that anymore...but they are still the best bang for your buck "all purpose" pole...

dont get me wrong fenwick, G-loom and ST. Croix areVERY nice poles with great Balance and construction but the average guy doesn't want to spend 100-300$ for a single pole....

i do have one Fenwick 6.5 footer and i have it matched up with my Bullet proof10 year old million cast Shimano Calcutta...model 100(i think) and its my favorite...the Calcutta is worth ever bit of 165$$ id pay 250$ for one if they made me...ive abused that thing...and it doesnt break...still is smooth....they just dont have anything on them to break...clean them up once a year and fish all season...no worries.