Hi Guys

I've just picked up a new old stock Shakespeare Valor match rod, and all looks good apart from a somewhat crooked/kinked tip section half way down.

Is this going to be usable or likely to pose as being a weak spot liable to breaking, please?

I can't find any way of posting images to show the problem, so please accept my apologies for this.

Many thanks in advance for any input on this.

Edit; here are some images uploaded to an image host site - [ibb.co]
[ibb.co]
[ibb.co]



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 09/13/2019 03:45PM by Albert Harrison.

Not much of a bend/kink, fish it, no problem with durability.

It appears that the section was exposed to high heat at some time, the way it bends should not causes a problem fishing.

A fish pole is a lot like a rifle. If it keeps shooting in the same place it is functioning perfectly. It is the responsibility of the user to adjust that location.

Albert,
That is a pronounced distortion! And I thought some of my vintage FG Conolons were tweaked! You have received three previous replies from reputable builders unanimously agreeing to use it, build it, and fish it. All three might also agree on building on the straightest axis, and I would concur.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

Thank you all for your educated replies - I'm very grateful.

I did ask this same question on an Angling forum, but the general consensus was to return it for a refund.

I'm more inclined to go along with the recommendations on here, though, as you'll know more about the physics of these things more than the average Joe angler.

So, in a nutshell - just use it?

Also, by looking at the images prior to dispatch, the tip on this looks straight - so would this probably suggest the courier has perhaps left the rod upside down in a depot near a radiator or other source of heat? IE - the tip with all the weight of the section subjected to it.

It was sent in a thin makers rod bag inside a tube for what it's worth.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 09/14/2019 04:44AM by Albert Harrison.

Exactly how old are we talking here? When were these rods originally sold? Where can I view these rods?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/14/2019 09:15PM by Lynn Behler.

Hi Lynn,

I've tried to post a link to the well known selling site were I purchased it from, but the forum doesn't allow it.

The rod is a Shakespeare Valor with a manufacturer's code of 1823 390. It's a 13ft Match Rod for light use.

After a bit of research & digging around, though, I've found these were available & in production around 2004 to 2005 - not the 1990s as the seller states in his description.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 09/15/2019 05:28AM by Albert Harrison.

I'm working under an assumption here, and we all know the old saying about making assumptions .......... My assumption is that your description of this rod being "new old stock" has lead the members of this site to believe that there is no warranty either from the manufacturer or the seller, on this rod.

I only assume this because I find it hard to believe that any of them would find this rod acceptable. I certainly wouldn't. Whether or not the extreme deformation (and it is extreme) of the tip affected the rod's performance is a moot point. That simply is not right.

As to what would cause that to happen, I would be of the opinion that the builder built on the blank with it already in that condition. If it in fact did happen after it was built, whatever it went through to get in that condition would have be questioning its physical integrity.

I'd see if I could send it back ......... if not I'd be trimming the tip and rebuilding the rod. Either way, wouldn't use it the way it is.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/15/2019 01:09PM by David Baylor.

I have seen Berkley lightning rods from the factory with tips just like this. Early eighties.