This is direct from the Winston Website -

"Question: What is the Winston Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee?

Answer: Every new Winston, Vapor and Ascent graphite fly rod is covered by our original owner Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee against breakage or manufacturer's defects. This warranty is available only to the original owner of graphite fly rods or blanks purchased from an authorized Winston Dealer. This warranty covers, at Winston's option, the repair of the original rod or replacement of the rod with an equivalent rod only. The warranty is subject to the original owner filling in either the online WARRANTY REGISTRATION CARD, or completing and returning the warranty card within 10 days of purchase."


Seems pretty clear that the warranty is for the "original owner" and is subject to that person meeting certain conditions within 10 days of purchase from an authorized dealer.

Can't say that I blame Winston for avoiding a situation where a rod gets used and abused and shopped around by how many people for how long and then gets stuck with a warranty claim by someone who never did business with them.

If you expect to get the benefit of a warranty, it's up to you to be sure that that benefit is available to you under the terms of the original sales agreement, whether you are the first buyer or someone on down the line in ownership of the rod.

John