FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

$600+ rod....and it doesn't come with a protective tube ? That's just lame. Even a $100 fly rod comes with a durable tube.
I have used an $800 Sage rod and simply can't tell the difference between it and a same weight (6) TFO I have, bought at a pawn shop for $60, buddy and I had traded for a morning. Much to his chagrin.... neither could he !!
Funny part is that we were on a Labor Day trip together and he showed up with a brand-new Yeti cooler the same size as my $40 Walmart Ozark Trails "looks like a Yeti" cooler. We packed the ice in at the same time and two days later I said "Tony, I need more ice sometime today".......he replied "As do I".
My habit of buying my clothes at Goodwill is the ultimate $$saver. I easily have 15 "Angler shirts", you know... the $60-$80+ ones with cool pockets, quick-dry fabric, vented back or zip-pits... have yet to give more than $11 for one, most were $6.99 or $7.99....minus my senior discount, of course, & all came home looking like new, as did the Helly Hansen jacket ($8) the North Face jacket($14), the Grunden polarfleece jacket ($18...it still had the tags !). I only spend big money to make big money... like shop tools.
I feel bad for ya' Ben, but I can't imagine spending that much on a rod in the first place, so I have a hard time feeling sorry for buying what I would call "an incomplete tool". Bought the "top of the line" biscuit joiner... came with a bullet-proof case. Bought a super cheap brad nailgun at Harbor Freight.... came with a bullet-proof case.

Or possibly you are much like my pledge father at the fraternity back at college. A true "born with a silver spoon in his mouth" guy. Whilst the rest of us scrambled to have gas money for a date.....Jim complained about how much of his allowance from his parents he "had to spend" for the tune-up on his Porsche !!...... relativity is a bitch, I suppose.
Sure hope it gets made right for you..... wouldn't want you wishing you bought a rod that didn't break so very easily..... like maybe the 'best' UglyStik they make ? LOL.

Fish Dancer Loc: Guntersville, Alabama

Lynny and I love goodwill and thrift stores but like you she won’t have cheap tools. She was building houses for 20 years before we met and told me that when it comes to tools you get what you pay for.

TerryO Loc: Midland, Texas

I’ve got to put in a word for Midway USA. I’ve dealt with them many times over the years including shipments that were damaged and they are terrific. Now USPS on the other hand are hit and miss. Some postal workers now are, shall we say, not the sharpest tacks in the box. The rod was probably to long for his/her little truck so it got folded. Kind of like the envelope that gets folded to fit in your mail box that has “DO NOT FOLD” stamped all over it.

Iowa Farmer Loc: Iowa City Iowa

Yes, there are quite a few morons in the Postal Service. Also many dedicated conscientious employees, too. One bad sub can make every regular employee look bad. The most helpful thing to do is when you have a poor delivery call the Post Office, let them know what happened (photos are helpful) and what day it happened. That way we know what carrier to coach or discipline. There will be a sub on every route at least once a week, so it is very important to know the date the problem happened. Most of the damage to mail happens before it gets to the delivery unit, usually at the automated plant. We are required to deliver everything, including empty boxes or letters torn in half, so that the customer can contact the sender to either initiate the claims process (for insured items) or possible replacement. I'm not trying to defend the Postal Service, with all it's flaws, just giving you a glimpse of my side of the business.

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

I agree with you, Dave, I wonder if it was insured, probably not. I think, that if you go through the shipping company you are going to have additional hassle, and time lost. Tough break, Ben. No pun intended.

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

Welcome to the Forum, Terry. Thank you for your input.

NoCal Steve Loc: Dunnigan, CA

Ben.... if fishing is your thing (I already know the answer) and you have the means to buy a $600 rod good for you. I get why it's a jaw hanger to others but that has nothing to do with the wisdom of your purchase. Everything is a matter of perspective. If you divide the cost of a top of the line rod by the number of years you use it the answer is a very reasonable amount to use that top of the line rod per year. How do you even measure the value if mentally you catch more fish with it. And finally how darn smart is your purchase compared to buying an 18 pack every three days or a pack of cigs everyday?

Iowa Farmer Loc: Iowa City Iowa

Admin slapped my hand for using the M word, must be an automatic thing, since I wasn't referencing anyone on the stage.
Oh well, I'll live. I've supervised enough Postal employees to stand by my statement.

NoCal Steve Loc: Dunnigan, CA

Welcome to the attic IF!!

woodguru Loc: El Dorado Ca

The high end Fenwick or St Croix rods I've gotten came with really nice hard rod cases that would be upwards of a hundred dollars if you were to buy them separate.

woodguru Loc: El Dorado Ca

There's times when no other word will do

woodguru Loc: El Dorado Ca

Any company like Midway stands behind their shipping, period. It is not up to the end customer to have to deal with the carrier, it is on Midway.

Kerry Hansen Loc: Bremerton, WA

flimsy looking shipping tube!

GSMJr Loc: SoCal> Pflugerville (Austin), TX

Never underestimate the USPS, they always blame anyone else for their stupidity and clumsiness.
File a complaint with the USPS, then the seller.

Good luck getting a speedy replacement.

Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio

Yea ... your reference about the silver spoon made me smile a little
Nope grew up dirt poor . Worked and scraped by just like everyone else.
Still work, although not back breaking anymore thanks to education , training and a few lucky breaks. Lots of long days and long stretches away from home.
I just really enjoy high end tackle. It makes a difference to me.