They're still pretty tough albeit lighter and thinner walls than the old '50 blue collar Actionglas or the Ted Williams Sears model. I don't know if a bead head would cause a major problem. I guess if it was flying at mach I it might. They're still a lot tougher than graphite. But all in all, I don't think it would really do that much damage to it. What brand you looking at? Check out South Fork Rod Company- It's Dave Redington's new baby. http://www.southforkrodcompany.com/
His 'glass is called the Classic. http://www.southforkrodcompany.com/classic_freshwater_rods.html\ All under $300