Loading ...* Angling Trade currently has a good number of rods out for warrantied fixes because we’re working on a story that evaluates the quality of these services, from time/turnaround, to added costs, communication and more. While some companies are quick (Orvis) when it comes to warranty service, others are taking up to four months or more to fix or replace a rod. All of this has us wondering… “How many rods need fixing, and who is sending them all in?”
4 Comments
The other thing to look at, which I recently discovered is to pay attention before you buy to what you might expect from a rod manufacturer should a break happen. My case in point:
– Last year I broke my Sage 8 weight. Only option was to send it in – 4 month repair time at $95!
– This year I broke the tip on a Redington Strike. Unlike Sage, Redington offers $25 replacement tips. I got it in less than a week. $30 with FEDEX shipping and a week wait was amazing.
So yes, Sage may have the cache, but I’d buy a Redington over it any time now just because of that.
Both are now Far Bank companies, but VERY different policies/offers.
Sage, and most domestic factories, fit the rod to the next (adjacent) section(s) to ensure a perfect fit during the repair process. Sometimes that part is in stock and ready, sometimes it’s in stock but as a blank and needs guides and other times they need to start from scratch to create the part.
While frustrating, because rods never break at a good time, I understand the process and commitment to quality. What is not acceptable is poor communication and customer service.
Redington, and other overseas brands for that matter, buy extra parts from the factory and simply stock them because they are relatively inexpensive. The part could fit well or it could be slightly off (more likely to rock, break again, etc.) It’s fast and easy but far from custom.
What’s most frustrating is the cost of a “lifetime warranty” now exceeding $150+ to repair.
Going to have to agree with this mindset. I know some manufacturers have their reasons for wanting the entire rod back to guarantee proper fitment of the new section, especially on higher end models but it seems very archaic, inconvenient, and time-consuming. Orvis claims to have improved their process and tolerances to the level that they can simply send replacement sections within one week for basically any rod in their lineup. It’s a HUGE selling point for me personally, and I’ve been moving towards Orvis product again after 20+ years because of it.
I think it would behoove many of the premier manufacturers to explore this approach on their lineups. I know G-Loomis had the ‘wildcard’ program, but it always felt a little odd and still seemed inefficient as they just sent a whole new rod and then required you to send the old one back within a define timeframe or be charged full price for a new one.
It’s a slim piece of brittle carbon fiber. Anyone using rods on a daily basis is breaking a lot of rods, especially if those rods are being used by folks who do not own the rods, may have never owned a fly rod or held one before, probably woke up too early this morning, and went to bed too late last night after a vacation level of alcohol consumption. Coffee this morning (if they were able to get any) was probably weak and sub par as well. Those rods were also probably transported still rigged from the day before, in a car or truck bed (not everyone has a ridiculous status symbol mounted atop their working rig), taken out, placed in a boat, removed from boat and then placed back into car or bed of truck, then put away (still rigged) in the dark. Hell, last night I tangled the tips of three eight weights into the pile of 5/0 musky flies hanging from the side of the shed, after returning in the dark from a long day chasing smallmouth and drinking too many energy drinks. I was able to use some breathing exercises and the light on my cell phone to avert disaster but only because Ive been living so right, good and clean.
I am the guy sending them in.
Considering the break the rod companies give me on price, I am more than happy to wait and pay for a repair. I also have insurance on the things, along with everything else should I choose to use it (maybe this is the new wave). I also have a quiver that can spare a few in the shop for a few months.
I have no idea how rod companies stay in business.
If you are upset about the cost of fly rods….blame me.