longevity of a graphite rod?

[fishwater]

If a graphite rod is taken care of and not abused do they degrade over time? I've got a bunch of T.B. ice rods that were my fathers, I'm thinking of packing them away for my kids to use when they are older. I'm guessing they'll be on the shelf for 12+ years; the rods are probably already 5-6 years old?

I do have two high end graphite rods that I bought new in 94, they've been used a ton and still seem to have the same action from the best I can tell. Do they degrade with use, each time they bend? How about just sitting on a shelf?

[rushing]

I would assume all rods fatigue to some degree with repeated use over time but if the rods are well cared for, there is no reason they shouldn't last a lifetime.

[bobbymalone]

Like any material subjected to stress and strain there will be fatigue which will eventually lead to a catastrophic failure.

But I'm with Rushing, if you don't abuse them, a good quality rod can last a lifetime. I know my gramps still uses some 30-40 year old rods.

[CAMAN]

Care for them properly and they will last pretty much forever. If you're going to store them keep them clean and dry and in a cool, dark, and dry place. Take them out once in a while to wipe them down and inspect to make sure they aren't getting mildewey or dryrotting. Do not store them in a plastic bag, but rather store in a cloth sleeve that will breathe and try to keep them separate as much as possible. Storing them verticle with no load on them is also better than leaning against a wall or laying on a shelf.

My question though is...why not use them until your kids get old enough?

[upnorth]

I have an old Fenwick HMG that I built back in 1982 for Steelhead and Salmon fishing. Still holding up just fine and believe me that rod has seen some stress and strain

[Northlander]

I still have a St. Croix Legend from when I was in high school. I think I got it my soph year wich would have been 1982. Anyways it has been used since then and is working just as good now as it did then. It has been used not abused but not babied. cork is a bit dirty looking but not chunked up. All the threading is good and eyes are great and blank still is real nice. So as long as you dont abuse a rod they can last a long long time.

Heck I have a ton of rods and no kids so some lucky sons of a guns will some day score my rods for a fraction of what they are worth when my wife gets set to put me in the old farts home or to help pay for my playboy live in home health care nurse.

[Dylan33]

Interesting topic. I broke my first rod ever this summer. It was on a hook set, and it just snapped in half. I have been wondering since then if wide temperture changes might have weakened the graphite. That is the rod that I use when fishing the river in the winter, and I was out at the river several times when the temperture was well below zero. Also used the rod several times this summer when it was well into the 90's. Does anyone think that this use in a wide range of tempertures could have effected this rod? or was it the fact that it was a $40 shakespear rod/reel combo that was over 10 years old?

[rushing]

Price really little to do with durability of the blank. Most likely one of your guides was wrapped too tight or there was a nick in the rod. Graphite rods can be very fragile especially the light and ultra light rods.

[Dylan33]

It definitey had some nicks and scratches and what not in it....lots of narrow trails through thick trees and falling on rocks in the winter

[upnorth]

The most common cause of breakage on something like a hookset is a prior ding in the graphite. Getting dropping and smacking the side of the boat or something like that can create a weak spot.

[Ufatz]

The last sentence of your post answers your question. Temperature not a factor. Graphite rods that I made for customers in the late 70's are still catching fish. And graphite was a "new" material at that time.

Sharp bang on edge of boat or dock WILL take a toll over time.

[fishwater]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Any sort of application that might be applied to help preserve the cork quality?

I'll probably use a couple, but honestly I'm pretty set. I thought about selling some of my current rods, but they're all in color schemed sets with my name on them. My dad's love of high quality short rods was one of the few things I was able to pass his way.

[CAMAN]

Any sort of application that might be applied to help preserve the cork quality?

Thorne Bros. may sell it otherwise you can order through places like Mudhole, but U40 cork seal will help preserve the cork and keep it looking good. Before applying the U40 take some medium sandpaper to the cork to clean the dirt off, wipe it off with a damp rag and let dry. Then apply apply U40 according to the directions.

[bobbymalone]

does it change the way it looks?

[CAMAN]

does it change the way it looks?

Hardly, its a clear sealant that soaks into the cork, prevents staining and keeps it looking good. It will sometimes make the surface a little shiny after it dries, but that will wear off after a couple uses, or just give it a light sanding.