Have it repaired. The cracking is due to the epoxy not melting into a prior layer properly. Eventually, this cracking will hold the moisture, creating a milky looking wrap, and after a while the guide will loosen, and possibly just fall off during a trip while you have a fish.
While this is more than likely not going to break the rod, it will cause extra stress on the other guides, possibly losing the fish when it happens.
This happens when multiple layers of finish are used to coat the rod. Sometimes the layers do not bond properly, creating a void, that allows moisture in.
It happens to all builders, and it can be caused by something so minor as a 1 degree temperature change while the finish is cured. Its not really a sign of a bad builder. Like I said...... its happened to every builder at one time or another.
Its an EZ fix. To give you an idea, we get like $12-$15 for a guide replacement, as far as repair goes. Who knows, maybe the original builder will warranty the rod and fix it for free too.... contact them first, before you pay to have it repaired. Its a quick fix. Takes a day.
