Approximately 5% of the rods were damaged on the ends. This was before they were placed in a clear plastic bag as there was no powder residue left in the bag. Metal doesn't stick to them as well as it does to the Forni rod. The welds don't seem that strong. In use they seem to be somewhere between 7018 and 6011 for welding. I would never buy them again. They're worthless: cleaning up and re-welding is a lot more expensive than getting it right the first time with a good rod.