Couldn't agree with you more, Neil, but they shouldn't break when they are looked after. I purchased rod cases with the rods (from Hamills of Hastings) and they are kept in a condition that after one year of use, most anglers would consider them 'as new'.

With regard to your last question: I must raise my hand and say I have never experienced such a happening. Well not since the days of agate inner rings, and that was forty-five ... fifty years ago. Ouch!!!

This thread was started with a simple question of which rod? The topic invited feedback as to personal experience, this has been given. In as much as there are comments regarding issues with the Veritas rod, apart from Phill's feedback regarding the rod's casting ability, there have been few positive comments. That is what ABU man asked for, and that is exactly what he has got, therefore I contend the thread has been a success.

Should I break one of my rods, or worse still have them stolen, would I be happy to replace them with the same make? The answer to that question would be the signature as to the rod's worth, especially with a year's experience to draw on. The same question could be asked about all our fishing equipment. We then have the ability to compare sales jargon with experience, in many cases the two don't necessarily go together.