Take a look at Performance Metals anodes. They have a steel wire in the center of the zinc / alum pencil that significantly reduces breakage. I had several breaks before switching and now only rarely.Actually 2 of these were broken off in the threaded shaft....I wish someone made pencil zincs that didn't break off and potentially block water flow....I guess they will eventually do what they are designed to do, erode away...
They sell through dealers. When I called them they said OK to order direct as no dealers in my immediate area.Do you have a web site you order from?..link?