I think one factor that doesn't get mentioned much is what happens to the rods between the factory and your boat. The carbon fiber blanks will bruise and no one can visually see it. These bruises most times cause the rod to fail later. It amazes me how shoppers unintentionally will mishandle a rod and then put it back on the rack and then walk away.

I have. Broke a Falcon Bucoo Micro Heavy about 4" above the seat.
It was on a 8lb in the slop with 50lb braid. Took it back and swapped it
with no questions asked. Landed the fish too. No bruises.

Don't get me started about the guides popping inserts though. The
two Falcons I have left are gonna be my last. My "new" Bucoo
and my Amistad. Have since started buying StCroixs and want
to try some super highend stuff. Maybe I'll try a Megabass next.
Fishing gear to me is like my pool cues. Can't play pool for [censored],
but I shire like to try. And enjoy looking at the gear. Same for fishing.

I wanted to really like Falcons. Just can't. The sticks are dull, lifeless
POS rods.

Most academy's quit carrying Falcon rods last year. I don't know why you got charged $40 something dollars to ship it back. I have sent rods for warranty and sell and never been over $25 most of the time it's less than $20. I use US Postal service or Fed Ex.

That's shipping all across state and out to California also.

That section of the rod is the strongest part of the rod ,in my opinion. Who knows how it broke and what caused it for sure.

Academy will take anything back and exchange it with or without a receipt. Cash back might need a receipt. I can't believe some of the things I have taken back and they have exchanged without question.

Stan

Did anyone notice he said he tried returning it to Academy already but they refused to take it back? Its on one of his posts. You guys keep telling him to take it back are missing that he tried.

Apologies: Not trying to 'Hi-jack' the thread: Question: What about a 'Powell' rod? Ya'll have pretty much covered Falcon....on recent trip to All Pro Tackle, told $30 no questions asked on replacement, ever.
Have never used one....sure sounds good.... I'm still not in the class of buying the higher end ones yet. Heck, I don't think at this point I would be able to tell the difference other than 'broken'.
Thanks....

guys thanks for all the responses.

i could probably get a better shipping quote but ups was the closest and fit into my schedule better.

i did a LOT of googling and the negative with falcon outweighed the positive. there were multiple people who complained about the exact break but falcon did nothing to make it correct other than say they could purchase a replacement at a discounted rate. needless to say i have marked falcon off my list and if you ever plan on getting in touch with him call. i dont think that their email is set up.

i got online and looked up academys return policy and needless to say it took multiple tries but i did get the rod returned. THANK GOD!!!

it looks like i am leaning in the direction of tfo rods.

this whole situation was much more of a pain than i ever thought! hope you guys are having a good day!