I recently built a 5'6 two piece rainshadow rx7 rod for my uncle. I took it out to fish and left it in my backseat for a couple days like a dummy. The rod ended up getting bounced around and when I took it out after a couple days the blank had broken just under the tip top. I know the break is my fault however I was wondering what some options I had were. Since the rod is for my uncle, i want to send the blank back and pay for a replacement, but if it wont affect the blank at all i'd consider putting the tip top on below the break, I only lost the amount of blank that fits in the tip top. Anyways, I've never had to send a blank back for a replacement, would I have to send the entire blank back or would the top piece be ok? I'd prefer to save the bottom piece becuase I made the grip myself and it came out pretty nice.

Thanks in advance,
Mike Marrone

Contact Batson Enterprises about a replacement. Remounting the tip top, you may need the next larger tube size, shouldn't really have any effect on the action since the break was right at the tip top. That would certainly be the quickest and least expensive thing to do.

Hi Mike! Kind of depends what "just under" the tip top means in terms of actual distance. If you have only broken an inch or two off, putting a new Tip Top on shouldn't effect things too much. You MIGHT consider taking the first running guide off as well and centering it between the tip and 2nd guide just for a neater look, but having 3" between the tip and next guide is acceptable. If you ended up losing more than just a couple inches, give Batson Enterprises a call. Generally, sending the entire rod back is preferable to ensure proper ferrule fit.

All the best,

If you lost less than 1" then I think I'd just put another top on it and I don't think you'll ever notice it. More than that then maybe I would get a replacement.