I have 3 okuma rods and I have never had any trouble with them that I could not foresee having with another rod. Two of the three are telescopic and I have never had trouble with that part of the deal either. I have broken one of them twice, one time while getting a fish out of the net (I kneeled on it), and the second time after whacking the tip pretty hard on a corner (and then casting an 8 oz bait) and had it replaced both times by Okuma, ZERO questions asked ($14.95 for shipping). It's a rather simple process as well. As for the specs, the rod is exactly what I want, long (for deep fig 8's) stiff (for throwing heavy stuff) and plenty feel (to feel that 'tick' when the fish eats it). As for the price, with a guarantee like that, I have found no need to look at any other rods.