SpringVelocity
Crew Member
Mine broke in the exact same spot and was only 2 months old and never stored in the sun. I ran my rod holders at right angles to the boat which I have now changed because of this. I don't think that they would ever break if you don't put that sideways torque on them.
WW
They would break. It's too bad I didn't have some cash and could prove the theory but not breaking it for free. Guarantee the plastic tubes are probably a factor 2 to 3 times as strong. It's like taking pieces a plastic and putting a long rigid moment arm on it, and expecting the plastic to carry that strength.
Nothing wrong with all the other holders besides those pop open ones. Rarely see those ever breaking at base.