Because rod manufacturers insist on selling a lifetime rod warranty to customers whether they want it or not, and because some retailers have issues with rod warranties as well, we think it only fair to do an analysis of what people actually get with warranties.
We’ve found 10 broken rods (tip breaks) from each of 10 major rod brands. We’re having 10 “undercover anglers” ship them in for repair, following the instructions from each company’s respective website. The manufacturers won’t know these rods from any others they get returned. We will have them sent them on the same day.
And then we’re going to find out:
1) How long it takes to get the rod back.
2) How much it really costs.
3) How the consumer rates the customer service (any hassles?).
4) If the rod performs as well when it comes back as it did when it was new. (Is it a new tip, a new rod, etc.)?
5) And if the customer, based on this whole experience, TOTAL cost, etc., thinks having a warranty was worth it (a simple yes or no).
When we find out the answers, we’re going to share them with all the retailers who read Angling Trade, the online readers of fieldandstream.com, and all the members of Trout Unlimited.
Good luck.
