I have three rods that have worn out tips. They are metal rings not the ones with the "inserts". I am wonderin, Do you change the tips? If so, do you use the same metal tip replacement or use a tip that has an insert?
you can replace the tip with one that has a ceramic insert or what ever type of new inserts manufactures may use, most tackle / repair shops can do it in a matter of minutes, I had two of my Shimano Crucials done in about 25 minutes at Buckos Tackle in Service in Fall River, most rods today are made to handle braided line and come with eyes containing inserts
Oh ya it cost me 8.50$ to have both tips replaced