Send me two of them Jerrie, you know whut imma gonna do with them

Thanks for the extra bump. Hopefully it'll keep someone else from breaking a rod. Ed mentioned that PA rods along with a couple of other top brands are more rigid(?) at the top end giving them added sensitivity. The extra rigidity can make the rod tips a little less forgiving when compared to the average rod. Of course, Bill Dance has shown us that most rods can be broken if you slam them in the tailgate or stick them into the ceiling fan.

Try the Pro Angler rods. You'll love them.

I have the Cabela's 8'6" incher you speak of (blueish color) now for 3 years and feel the fish great and no problems with the eyes or rod breaking. It's two-piece, but haven't worried about getting another long rod like that until I get a boat to drive around, and even then I might just get a 9-footer or so.