Rod life expectancy

[Johnny A]

How long do you think an undamaged, graphite fishing rod would last under normal, angling conditions?

[godshippy]

Oof...graphite will last for a long time, but the composite materials and resins they use will probably break down before the graphite does.

I'd give it at least 20 years though.

[jvelth74]

I think it depends on how often rod is stressed out near to maximum.

Glassfiber boats are basically same construction as carbonfiber rods. And because of glassfifer boats are made only that short period(not hundred years), it's unclear how long those will last.

But I think my old carbonfiber rods are worn out (because of stressed too much and too many times). Or maybe those just feels like that.

[TravisNY]

Until the next ICAST

[CodyNeely11]

Until the next ICAST

hahaha well played

[hoohoorjoo]

My dad still has and uses rods that are 30+ years old. I have them re-wrapped with new guides as the factory wraps go bad. I told him there are modern, inexpensive rods that outperform those blanks, but he is old school, I guess.

[slipperybob]

Some of my rods are approaching 30 yrs. Still using my old St. Croix Premiere and my old Cabela's XML rods every now and then. Some of the first better quality rods I started with and have great sentimental values with them as well.

[nfnband]

As long as the resins last and you don't damage the blank, My fathers 40 year old fiberglass rod is still fishable, The guides will fall off first.