The rods are made in one of our three shops in China. We have worked with these shops over the last 20 years. They are expert builders and build to our specs and quality standards.

Our rods are hand-split and hand-planed of genuine Tonkin bamboo. Our makers build in batches and have different employees specialize in different processes rather than a single maker building from start to finish.

First, our mission is to get more anglers fishing bamboo. But as you know, bamboo rods are typically expensive. Not at Headwaters Bamboo. We have developed processes to bring down the cost and we pass these savings on to you.

We build in China. We sell direct to you the consumer. We build in batches and use modern mfg techniques. We use good quality hardware but don’t go overboard. 

As we say, wiggle, cast it, fish it. If you are not pleased with the rod within 30 days just contact us and we'll take it back and refund your money or provide you with a different rod.

The lifetime warranty is for the first owner and covers any workmanship issues.

Flex action is the general rod flex. Most of our rods are medium action. This means that about two-thirds of the rod flexes when casting the rod.

We have a few medium fast action tapers as well. These have a flex action where about one-third of the rod flexes while casting. These tapers are closer to the standard graphite rod that is stiffer still.

Taper is the basic shape of the rod itself and is makes up the length, line weight, and flex action.

We build our rods based on historical tapers of master bamboo rod builders in the 20th century.

Because

We offer most of our rods with two tips because 

You heard wrong. A bamboo rod is solid whereas a graphite or fiberglass for is hollow.

Pretty simple. Press the ferrules together straight and pull apart straight. Keep ferrule clean and dry and do not wax.

Never store the rod wet. Store in cool, dry place. Avoid excessive heat.

Avoid leaning an assembled rod against wall or display horizontally.

Do not use the rod as a lever if snagged. Point the rod at the fly and step back.