I know just how you feel. I broke the tip on a 6wt Stowaway 7 about 6" from the tip about 4-5 years ago. It was my favorite rod. I turned it into a 8' 6" rod. About a year later, I was at Cabelas here in KC and they were getting rid of all of their rodbuilding supplies, and I bought the last 3 Stowaway 7 blanks they had (1 5wt, 2 6wt) for something like $65. Now i keep one in each car, and one at the in-laws lake house.