I spent some time in the Jason Mitchell booth at the St. Paul Ice Show [Minnesota] on the third of this month and wasn't real impressed with many of the rods they were selling. Guides were mis-laid on the blank and some almost seemed to have the guides on the wrong side of the spine. Some guides were completely closed with finish. As I understand it Jason Mitchell is just a name anymore as the company was bought out by a portable shleter company and all of the rods are now made in China.

The JM rod I had for a couple of seasons I gave to a friend to use to get started with ice fishing and retro-fitted the rod with an extra guide and rubber grommet above the tip to use a St. Croix spring. The rod works well using the spring but isn't much more than a Walmart special without it.

There are way better rods on the market if you shop around. Try Thornebros.com.