Late last year I took two surf rods put then in a schedule 40 pvc tube, padded the inside of the tube, taped test caps to the ends, and shipped them to my son. Three weeks ago he had a seriously large fish mysteriously break off - #80 spectra parted 30 yards from the rod tip. This was the first time the rod was used since it was shipped. Only after painstaking examination was the mystery explained. The ceramic ring in the #40 choker guide was fractured, not on the lower (outer) side but closest to the blank.
Persons receiving shipped rods should carefully inspect them for damage as soon as they arrive - customers in particular.

I'd also recommended reading and heading Bill's article on how to package rods in the issue before last Rodmaker. No more padding or bubble wrap for me. I'm a believer. There is a better way!

How is that Ken? I did not read the article unfortunately.thanks.

Phil,
You don't really think that the guide was damaged in shipping do you?

With the way that you had the rod packed and the fact that the tube wasn't bent - tends to make me think that the rod was damaged after receipt. Likely caused by someone stepping on the guide while in the boat.

I personally just don't see a case for a guide breaking while in a packing container - with no sign of damage on the packing container.
I suspect that you could drop your schedule 40 pvc tube off a 10 story building with no damage to the rod inside.

However, good that you found the damage and know what to repair.

Also, good advice on checking a rod carefully upon receipt. To expand further, it is also a good idea to check all of your rods that are being used - periodically to insure that you are fishing with a sound undamaged rod.

As the old saying goes. "stuff happens".
No need for an explanation or reason. When "stuff happens," one needs to deal with its effects.


Be safe