Auggie, I own a Cabelas xml and walleye series, Fenwick elite tech walleye, St Croix avid which are all high modules rod blanks. I have had Xml rods for a long time now and I do believe the quality of the craftsmanship on these rods has hit the crapper. Of the four rods the I have the Fenwick guides are in fact placed on the spine of the rod. I can't wait to take the class next year to build my own custom rods.