It's interesting to see that you've had the same problems with the sight rings... What amazes me is that problems like this aren't picked up during the design phase of a rod?. I remember you commented that Merv Wilkinson had some input on the rod design, well if he did he cant have used the quiver section for long!. Like you I've also seen other manufacturers use the same design/ring position so I assume people just don't complain. I'll try fitting the plain length of silicon before re-whipping it to see if this helps, as I don't really want to have to start 'modifying' a new rod - I.M.O. you shouldn't have to when you've forked out ?130!. I'll also email, or phone, Daiwa (info@daiwasports.co.uk / 01698 357512) and see if they have any comments to make... -Artful-