Meat Sticks are a great rod for the money. Their tips are meant to be somewhat flimsy. That is what helps detect those light bites. As far as broken rods the best thing to do is contact Clam about it. They have a 1year warranty so if it's under that time frame you should be good.
When it comes to attaching reels that Pat Smith video sums it up. I prefer to tape mine on because I can manipulate where I want the reel to sit. I usually anchor it to the rear if the handle giving me more "fishable" rod to use.
I have a hard time using Spring bobber rods because I like to effectively work my offerings. Most springs are too weak to offer any kind of control.
Good fishing,
Corey Bechtold
