Can rods soften?

[subs93]

Gday folks

Just out of curiosity, can a graphite rod 'soften'? As in become more flexible than it already was? Over time that is.

In terms of my style I prefer a stiffer rod, or something with more of a backbone. But one of my 4-8lb rods after using it quite a bit throughout the year feels like it may have slightly become more flexible...

[kakaryan]

Yes, it is.

[boris]

yes as with any material it will change it's characteristics over time, the resins may be starting to break down (not break just loosen in their bond on each other) and therefore the rod will start to develop a slower taper it's just part of fishing with different materials.

Think of a cricket bat handle slowly becoming more spongy/whippy or a piece of wire getting brittle as it's bend repeatedly.

all materials will slowly do it just gives you another reason to buy a new fishing rod...