This is my third rod I have order from Ugly Stik. The first one came in a hard cardboard tube Took the rod out and was in pristine shape. It is an awesome catfish rod. Now this is where everything goes downhill. The second rod I order was very poorly package and a few of the line guides were bent. I was able to repair them myself but should not have to do repairs on new rod. I thought this could have just been bad day. I decided to order rod number 3 and t was not package the best but a whole lot better than the second rod. This is the second rod I have received new and well have to repair the rod. The line guide is nearly bent flat. Now if I paid $10 dollars for the rod I would not feel so bad but when you start to exceed $50 it hurts to know you have to repair it. I don’t like to send items back. I have to take off work and drive 40 miles to drop it off. I am at the point where I want order another rod from Ugly Stik. With all that said I have fish with Ugly Stik since the 1970s. The 2 stars is for having to repair my new rods when I get them in.