They weren't kidding about the tower breakage problem. I just got a Point Arena from a retailer (that's right, still on the shelf at original retail). Only problem is, on closer inspection I found a hairline crack near the base of the tower all the way around. I'm betting it broke completely off and was repaired. I'm assuming the dealer did it. Like anyone needs the reminder...Look em over really well!

The fact Point Arena suffered a breakage problem is no secret. I bought mine from a dear friend in California. He packed it very carefully and it survived the shipment from the west coast to the east coast. If you are a proud owner of a Point Arena, handle it with care. Do not grab it by the tower to move it. One mistake could lead to a two-piece Point Arena.

If you see a low price on a Point Arena, it's probably because it has been repaired. If you don't have a Point Arena and you have the opportunity to purchase one with a repair that's not readily noticeable, and you can purchase it for below retail, buy it. There's not that many of these pieces out there.

Bob

Not just the tower, check out the outer rocks! I have only seen one with a broken tower, but have seen many with damaged or chipped rocks! I wonder how many are in mint/undamaged condition?

That's what was such a shame about this one. The rest of the piece was perfect. I looked over the rocks and found nothing twice, before I noticed the crack in the tower.

I have three that are in perfect condition. One in my collection from my regular dealer and two that I had a chance to pickup at a store that was going out of business. The store actually had 4 of them, but, one had a cracked tower and the other had two rocks broken off. Needless to say, when and if I sell the two extras the shipping/packing charges will be extra because of the care in packing them for shipment.

Rich