Ray,

I seems you and I have come to the same conclusion cheaper rods are more foregiving of rough handling that higher end rods. I don't know but have thought perhaps there's more resin and less fiber in lower end rods and resin is tougher, but does not have the desirable qualities, of fiber. Not being given to following the development of the technology of fishing rods, etc., I wonder if there has been much development in a stronger resin to go with the higher performance fiber and better protect them.