Not sure if this is the wrong impression or not, but for ice fishing people seem to be more cost conscious when it comes to rods/reels. Compared to open water (often the same people) - very common for them (not all of cource) to drop $200+ per combo without batting an eye.

I see guys buying ice combo's with $30+ reels and $30+ rods, but these same guys for open water are buying $150+ reels and $150+ rods.

Not sure why this seems to be, but I find myself doing this same thing. Don't mean to take this off topic, but thought it might apply to this thread.

Now that I am set for most ice fishing rod situation, I think any future replacements with be a TB rod.

I think it is also that much easier to be careless and break an ice rod as opposed to a full length rod. For hardwater one is also lugging around heater, propane tank, shelter, bucket, auger, and at anytime slipping on the ice and oops landing on a rod is all about breaking it. People don't always have such loose heavy things in the boat, except for the cooler. LOL's

Thats why you get a nice carrying case for your ice rods.When I spend 100-120$ on a rod reel combo for Ice,I keep aware of what im doing with it.Ive broke just as many open water rigs as Ice rigs,stepping on them,closing lids on them etc..

You will also find yourselves taking better care of your ice fishing rods when you start buying high end stuff Everything gets put in a rod case and you also start restraining yourself from throwing them around

Jason Mitchell is a top-notch guy and I'm sure he'll also stand behind his rods if something does happen.

Thorne Bros sells several thousand ice rods a year, and the percentage of broken rods due to defect is less than 1-percent. Many of my Thorne Bros rods are over 5-years old (some even close to 10) and have seen countless hours of use. I have yet to break a Thorne Bros rod.

But like I said, if a problem does arrive with a Thorne Bros rod, you can call me and I'll personally talk with you myself without the wait or hassle and your situation will be resolved. If I'm not there you can e-mail me and I will answer you ASAP... just put attn:Matt Johnson at the e-mail address info@thornebros.com.

Ice is here!

Sounds like Thorne Bros warranty is just like Jason Mitchells. Good to see that all of these companies are addressing the issues very easily for the fisherman.