Lews
 

any of you guys have any experience with lews rods and or reels, I just bought one, i know it is kind of late to ask for opinions after purchase, i didn't need the reel but, it was a decent price for the combo, so i splurged, i wanted to see what all the hype was about on those split grip rods

Not personally, but i've heard good things about them.

oh yeah it has a lifetime warranty

I have a 5.4:1 ratio Lews for crank baits and i love it... cast small crank baits a mile. Havent tried the rods yet. no need to put it in saltwater so i cant help you on the durability issue on that.