The only thing finish does is add weight and lower the modulus of the blank material slightly. Does putting paint on anything else in your life make it more durable, or does it just make it pretty. Weight change of 2 to 5 % is what I've heard quoted.

That doesn't answer the question though

I'm sorry, I thought I answered your question. Finish in no way is required for rod/blank durability. There are blanks made by many manufacturers either now, or over the years that had no finish on them. A small example off the top of my head would be the G Loomis IMX and GLX rods/blanks, the Lamiglas IM700, G-1000, XMG 50 and Si blanks/rods and the Shikari SHX blanks. Other factory rods include the second generation Berkeley Series One rods, some of the Quantum rods, and I believe some of the Fenwick Veil rods.

The coating on the rods will not add durability to blanks, the only thing that it does is add weight in provide a different look. I hope this helps answer your question.

Jake Reardon

i personally have broken a g1000, a Northwest Special, and an XMG... all UNcoated. Two of which were cold weather casting snaps and the other, the g1000, was from having line wrapped around an eyelet and the bluefox came back and snapped the end off, but it was 20deg outside.
I now use Cert Pros and LOVE them! If i could buy two and not have to worry about being w/o a rod, then it wouldnt be a question- SI !