I am a firm believer that you buy something once that is quality instead of buying junk in quantity. That is why I stick with Evolv sleeves. My son is a high school angler and tough on everything, and I watch alternatives turn to junk and ours just don't. The only time I have broken a tip on a rod has been when I was lazy and didn't put a sleeve on it first. Our rods are in and out of boats and trucks and who knows where else with teenagers and I don't have to worry about them being protected. When we add rods to our collection I also budget to add the sleeves as well.