Santiam Fishing RodsTravel Rod 4 Piece 10' 12-25lb Surf Rod

4 stars for the rod and 5 stars for warranty service.Caught a nice 8+ pound striped bass on the rod. The rod allows for a far, smooth cast and held up quite well while jetty fishing. The rod base was nice and stiff. The upper half was slow to medium action where the rod bends a good bit. For the rod, two areas of improvment are:1. We hope that the rod guides in future iterations will be fastened more securely. Without any abuse - after the first bite, the ring on the top rod guide fell off.2. Not a big deal, but the cork has a slightly sticky feel to it, which allows it to peel a little bit. If there is any way to make it, less sticky it would have an even nicer feel.4 stars for the rod...When i contacted the company about the guide issue, the company representative was very willing to honor the warranty with no questions asked and replace the rod tip at no charge. This customer service was the difference maker for me and convinced me to continue purchasing Santiam products.

I've not used this surf rod yet but I've used several different travel spinning rods from 4 different manufacturers and this surf rod is built very well. Aluminum reel seat with back up nuts, big enough for a 6000 size spinning reel if you want one that size and the rod quality seems very good. I bought the MH and I'd say it's very accurately sized. The handle is a great surf rod handle. Assuming it holds up as I anticipate it to, it's a great purchase.

Would have been 5 star but first cast and tip section broke. Felt it was likely a manufacturing defect could either send $18.00 to send it back for them to decide or send them $18.00 for a new tip section. Bought 2 rods the second had no problems.

Wanted a 4 piece to carry on plane for Kenai Alaska Salmon trip. Am on my second trip with it and it has performed flawlessly. It is actually too much pole for Sockeye and Silvers. They don't have a chance :-)

Cork handle no good at all. It is a wrap and is junk first use. Wrapped with nylon rope otherwise like it for what it is.

I haven't had the opportunity to use it yet, I really liked it compast size. Hoped to use it at the beach this summer

Don't know how it could be any better. The price was right, and the quality was great. Very happy with action.