Crazy how much cheaper Orvis blanks are than the other top brands (of which you can get blanks). Sage, NFC, Winston. Is the price of a warranty really worth so much?

Comparing blanks of 9'0 5-weights (all prices from Mudhole to compare fairly)

Orvis Helios2 - $325
Sage One - #363
Sage Method - $400
Winston BiiX - $454

Mind you, looking at that, I'd still get the Sage keeping the warranty and local service and support from Frontier in mind.