Was told many moons ago that the company had changed hands. Like 20/25 years ago. And the new rods were not the same.
Also the new rods break it and bring it back for a new one policy was discontinued. They did bring the price down. I never
bought another one so I don't know about the quality. 6 and 6 1/2foot medium action with a fast tip were the only rods
I had in my arsenal back them. I had 5 of them and never broke but one trying to swing a too big red fish in the boat.