I have an older Ugly Stick fly rod and although I don't really use it very much anymore, that rod is tougher than nails. About three years ago I accidently left it in the back of my pickup after a fishing trip. Failing to notice it, my brother and I loaded a sizable stack of firewood on top of the rod. As we unloaded the wood I noticed the rod tip sticking out from under the pile. To our surprise there was no damage to the rod or guides. It may not be the best casting rod I own but it seems to resistant to mortal danger.