Pretentious Snobby Bastard Fly Fishing!

Fly Fishing BS => The Gravel Bar => Topic started by: Woolly Bugger on September 08, 2021, 16:04:24 PM

Poll
Question: How many times have you sent rod(s back for repair
Option 1: 1 votes: 2
Option 2: 2 votes: 5
Option 3: 3 votes: 2
Option 4: 4 votes: 2
Option 5: 5 votes: 1
Option 6: 6 votes: 0
Option 7: More than 6 votes: 3
Option 8: one time at bandcamp I got my rod repaired votes: 1
Title: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Woolly Bugger on September 08, 2021, 16:04:24 PM
I used to think that the rods came with unconditional replacements / repairs for a reasonable price. But Rhody was telling me that they majors have gone to a tier system based on the age of the rods. I assume that they have limited supply of parts for them at this point in time.

Sage.

sage.jpg


Winston.

winston.jpg


L.L. Bean has a one-time repair / replacement policy

bean.jpg

I think Orvis has a flat $60 fee as long at your rod is less than 25 years old... then you are SOL, or at least I assume that.


TFO is $35, but the last time I sent a rod off I had to shame them into honoring their "life time" warranty

Redington is $45, that's what I've found on the interwebs..


BTW my Sage rods are now Classic and my Orvis is well over 25...


Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Woolly Bugger on September 08, 2021, 19:37:37 PM
Let's see if I can recount the broken rods....

1,2,3 Orvis One Ounce, just the tip, ran over Harpers Creek, ran over Conway River
4,5 Sage RPL+ Brodk the tip, broke more than the tip
6 Double LL (Loomis Blank)  fell off the roof and run over by another car on the Davidson
7. Orvis Battenkill Bamboo ($450 13 months) Didn't count this one in the poll -- snapped roll casting off of a rock on the SoHo
8 TFO  - pulled into the pully of the anchor rope -- Drifts boat.
9 TFO BXII Albie Trip with Driver

10 Sage SP just the tip

11. Smith River Special (custom 1 wt)

12. Orvis One Ounce — replaced with Superfine Glass

13. Scott Sector 8wt — out for repair



I remembered more when I wrote it down.... <-;:




Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: driver on September 08, 2021, 20:28:27 PM
Thomas and Thomas
If you find yourself in need of service for your Thomas & Thomas rod, there is good news: we
can repair rods built as far back as 1994. There is a $65 service fee for graphite and
fiberglass rods registered to the original owner, and non-warranty repairs are available for a
reasonable charge. All repairs are done in-house, one at a time, by skilled craftsmen.

$165 for non-warranty

If you fish a lot you will break rods. Needless to say I'm not breaking any rods right now.
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Dougfish on September 08, 2021, 21:01:36 PM
I've broken zero old glass rods in 10 years. 3 graphite rods have been broken. And I actually fish.
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Trout Maharishi on September 10, 2021, 01:52:58 AM
5 repairs, 4 tip sections, and Orvis did a guide re-wrap on the entire rod. Varying degrees of stupity and intoxication on my part. If you still snatch stuck flies from trees, or nymphs hung on the bottom, or fish under low lying tree limbs, quit. Some repairs were easier than others, Winston and St Croix sent new tips, great service all done in about a week's time. Sage made me mail the entire rod to them for a tip replacement, took about a month. Orvis did me a solid and re-wrapped all the guides on a 22 year old rod for FREE, took about 2 weeks.  Still good and bad. When rod companies started the no fault warranty replacements prices shot up. It's why you pay a 1k for a new top of the line rod now days. I have old Sage (RP) and Loomis (IMX, last of the Gary Loomis rods) that I know if I break it I'll be out of luck after reading this. I still remember when if you broke a rod it was on you. I paid $60 for the first graphite rod I ever bought. It was a Lamiglass with an aluminum spacer and probably a better cork than you can get on most rods today. You could buy a new Orvis graphite for about $100. We aren't just buying rods any more, we're buying insurance polices on them. I would almost bet the new replacement prices almost cover the cost of a new rod for these companies. I'm not sure some companies are gonna be around that much longer. I would honestly think twice about paying 1K for some of these rods if I were you guys.
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Phil on September 10, 2021, 06:44:34 AM
Yep. "Lifetime warranty" is now a joke and any repair is going to cost $60 + these days, it seems. Too many very good quality rods available now in the $200 - 350 range to spend 895 - 1k on one, imho.

<edit> Aaack.  I voted 4 on the poll. It was only 3. I now recall that I refused to send the Loomis rod back for the broken tip when I found out the fee. It's still in the basement.
2 returns were back when Orvis actually honored their warranty, 1 was a few years ago when I paid $60. Chapped my ass, it did.
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Woolly Bugger on September 10, 2021, 07:55:12 AM
 St Croix is only 15 year warranty and then they start charging big bucks....




stcroix.jpg


@Phil you can now change your vote....

At least one of my Orvis repairs was free... took it the the dealer and they shipped it free both ways... BUT, my orginal One Ounce came with a  black metal tube and with a brass cap. They sent me an entirely new rod in  cordura covered plastic tube. Pissed me off and I bitched and moaned, wrote letters and made telephone calls to no avail... Pissed me off to no end!
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Phil on September 10, 2021, 08:23:56 AM
Damn, Woolly! According to your last post quoting the St. Croix "warranty" -- my favorite Avid 7' 3 weight would cost $110 for them to "honor the warranty." I only paid $100 for it (on sale) new!  b';
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Woolly Bugger on September 10, 2021, 08:40:30 AM
Quote from: Phil on September 10, 2021, 08:23:56 AMDamn, Woolly! According to your last post quoting the St. Croix "warranty" -- my favorite Avid 7' 3 weight would cost $110 for them to "honor the warranty." I only paid $100 for it (on sale) new!  b';

I would like to see some transparency in rod pricing... and the ability to purchase no-fault warranties as an option....

EXAMPLE;

Brand Z Rod -- $495 comes with standard defect warranty.

Additional Lifetime No Fault Warranty $395

Total $ 890




Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Onslow on September 11, 2021, 09:30:33 AM
Consumers should have rod piece options when purchasing a rod. It would make more sense if higher end rods were presented in the following packages > One butt, 2 second sections, 3 section 3s, and 4 tips. Sending replacement rods is wasteful in terms of physical resources used, money, and time.
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Dougfish on September 11, 2021, 15:32:33 PM
Some blanks are available with a second tip section, Ken. Built one already, working on a second. Should be the rule on all rods. Extra tip, no warrenty.
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Phil on September 11, 2021, 15:49:02 PM
Quote from: Dougfish on September 11, 2021, 15:32:33 PMSome blanks are available with a second tip section, Ken. Built one already, working on a second. Should be the rule on all rods. Extra tip, no warrenty.
2 and 3 weight 10' and plus Euro rods should come with an extra tip for sure, imo. Moonshine rods sells theirs that way, but I don't see a lot of other brands doing it.
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Woolly Bugger on March 22, 2022, 10:44:56 AM
Broke my Sage SP 590-3 now a 4 piece — last foot of the tip section snapped while landing a fish.

Got home and went to the website for repair and was greeted with the message the they weren't accepting repairs at this time — with no indication as to when the repair shop would reopen!

 n!n 

I went to take the rod apart and it was hopelessly stuck — I had to resort to the cold shock method, which worked like a charm. First time I've had to use it.

https://youtu.be/noNE-Be0o3s



Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Platypus on March 22, 2022, 14:37:52 PM
I've sent a few Rods back in my time, T&T rebuilt the top section of an old 7 wt, cost some cash but well worth it, way cheaper than a new rod of same quality.  Sage helped me out a few times.  Once was for section of a 3 piece spinning rod they hadn't made in YEARS!  Basically irreplaceable became fixable because they are sage.  Cost me less than 100.00....edit..may have cost 125, maybe 175..may have cost 75.00...

You guys crack me up. Yes the warranties were awesome and unsustainable by the companies. You are asking them to replace something you broke..Seriously. Go buy something from Walmart.
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Woolly Bugger on March 22, 2022, 14:47:27 PM
$175 for the Sage repair
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Platypus on March 22, 2022, 19:25:22 PM
Quote from: Woolly Bugger on March 22, 2022, 14:47:27 PM$175 for the Sage repair

I had the repair done 7 or 8 years ago. It may have cost 125.00. Im getting old and can't remember minutia that well anymore. I would have paid 175 to fix the rod.  They remade a section of rod they hadn't sold for a number of rears.  Solid company, As most of them are. 
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Dougfish on March 22, 2022, 19:34:56 PM
I've paid $60 + shipping for my Orvis repair. Twice, same rod. Bought on closeout at 50% off. Next break, it's scrap material.
The only other rod I've broken was an Orvis, too. Not to immune them, but...

The 50 - 70 y.o. glass collection has zero failure. Other than shitty cork due to bad storage.
 :cheers
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Woolly Bugger on March 24, 2022, 14:11:31 PM
3DA2F648-18AB-4002-B839-5C0D0EC5605F.png

The SP is making its way across the country on the way to the repair shop.

The new Recon is rigged and ready as soon as the water comes back down.
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Woolly Bugger on March 24, 2022, 18:24:22 PM
I broke an orvis bamboo once, it cost $450 to get a new tip section and it was "in the shop" for 13 months!
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Woolly Bugger on March 26, 2022, 11:18:17 AM
Almost there!
F496C3E4-5B30-4F1C-A36A-264CAD3E6BCA.png
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Woolly Bugger on March 28, 2022, 14:45:39 PM
Rod is in the shop!

Now the waiting starts anew

5 week est, does that include shilling time? We shall see!
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Dougfish on March 28, 2022, 16:16:19 PM
Go play with that new Whorvis rod while you wait.
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Trout Maharishi on March 28, 2022, 17:00:42 PM
Let me know if you need me to call them. I usually get a fast response when I start asking about their fire prevention systems <-;:  :laugh:
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Woolly Bugger on March 28, 2022, 18:12:06 PM
Quote from: Dougfish on March 28, 2022, 16:16:19 PMGo play with that new Whorvis rod while you wait.

Imma gonna try and chase whitey this week...
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Rhody on March 31, 2022, 10:12:35 AM
I sent 3 rods to Sage in mid-Nov. 2021, the week after the albie trip. Finally broke down and paid the $150 fee to repair the 5 Wt. XP that's been fixed 2x before for $45 each time. Also sent in an 8 wt. Sage One for a new tip section that's still connected to a fly line and albie somewhere out in the ocean.... and a Redington Predator for a broken tip repair. Got the 8wt. back first in early Feb. which I was sweating for a recent trip, then 3 weeks later got the XP back and another 2 weeks later got a brand new Predator 10 wt. replacement for a broken tip, 3 days before my last trip. Sent them all in at the same time in one package.

Just bought a new GLoomis NRX+ Salt and their expedited warranty was one of the factors in purchasing, and it is a great rod, current favorite in the quiver- Details of their warranty below-

If you fish a lot and are clumsy like me, you are going to break rods. If you fish albies, you are definitely going to break some/all of your shit.
If you fish permit, you probably will never get a chance to actually land a permit, and the rod will be spared, trust me on this one....permit just gave me the fin 3 different times and a yellowtail stole the fly from in front of an eating permit.

GLoomis expedited warranty program is:XPEDITOR
Our Xpeditor Service is a no-fault, "no questions asked" replacement program designed to get you back on the water fast (U.S. And Canada customers only). If your registered rod is damaged or broken, this program provides a same-model replacement for a very fair price. If you need support, please follow these two easy steps:

1. U.S. Customers, fill out the online form HERE and follow all prompts.

2. Canada Customers, please visit http://www.gloomis.ca for more information.

3. You will receive your replacement rod within a few days (pending on-hand product availability). Out of stock items will ship as soon as they become available.

Once the rod arrives, please do the following to complete the process:

1. Remove the replacement rod from the packaging. Inside you'll find a pre-printed return shipping label.

2. It's not necessary to return the entire damaged rod. We only require a piece of the blank printed with the logo and model information.

3. Take the package to your local courier for shipment back to G. Loomis.

Note: You'll have 30 days after receiving your replacement rod to return the blank section of the damaged rod. If the blank is not received within this timeframe, your credit card will be charged for the full retail price of the rod.

G. Loomis products are built with various grades of technology, componentry, and performance. Due to this, our Xpeditor fees vary depending on the family of rod being serviced. Please refer to the list below to determine Xpeditor pricing for your specific rod.

Discontinued models will be replaced with the closest like the model or build material. Demo rods, premier rods, and kit rods are not eligible for Xpeditor Service.
FLY XPEDITOR PROGRAM COST

FLY XPEDITOR

Series   USD FEE   CDN FEE
Crosscurrent
$150.00
$225.00
IMX-PRO
$150.00
$225.00
NRX-PRO
$150.00
$225.00
NRX+
$150.00
$225.00
ASQ
$310.00
$450.00
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Woolly Bugger on April 16, 2022, 15:04:49 PM
Sage called Friday and said they are starting work on my rod.. <-;:
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: greg on April 16, 2022, 16:44:18 PM
Quote from: Dougfish on March 22, 2022, 19:34:56 PMI've paid $60 + shipping for my Orvis repair. Twice, same rod. Bought on closeout at 50% off. Next break, it's scrap material.
The only other rod I've broken was an Orvis, too. Not to immune them, but...

The 50 - 70 y.o. glass collection has zero failure. Other than shitty cork due to bad storage.
 :cheers
if someone wanted to try glass rod what would you recommend? Only new glass I know of is the orvis superfine.
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: greg on April 16, 2022, 16:47:55 PM
Only rod I sent back was an older sage rpl. At that time it was about$35 if I remember right. I did break a guide wrap on a bamboo. The maker fix3d for the cost of shipping. Walter Babb made it and he is a heck of a nice guy.
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Trout Maharishi on April 16, 2022, 17:42:20 PM
Quote from: greg on April 16, 2022, 16:47:55 PMOnly rod I sent back was an older sage rpl. At that time it was about$35 if I remember right. I did break a guide wrap on a bamboo. The maker fix3d for the cost of shipping. Walter Babb made it and he is a heck of a nice guy.

Walter is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. His brother Jim is the editor for Grey's Sporting Journal. Walter makes a heck of a nice rod for the $$. He is also the best fly tier I know, and that covers a lot of ground. He doesn't travel much is the only reason I think he isn't as widely know as some other American tiers, but believe me he can hold his own with anyone. I know he demos a couple of times a year at Little River Outfitters in Townsend. I also just saw his name on the list of fly tiers when I signed up for  fly tiers weekend the first weekend in Nov this year in Townsend

.
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: greg on April 16, 2022, 17:45:32 PM
Byron at little river outfitter told me Walter sometimes gives him flies for Christmas and they are about too pretty to fish. And that's about the truth. I suck at tying dry flies and I order from him a couple of times a year. I've got two of his rods. Love them both.
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: greg on April 16, 2022, 17:47:41 PM
Jim's books are good. I know I have read a couple.
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Trout Maharishi on April 16, 2022, 17:52:29 PM
Quote from: Woolly Bugger on April 16, 2022, 15:04:49 PMSage called Friday and said they are starting work on my rod.. <-;:

You will have in back in a week or 10 days :cheers
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Trout Maharishi on April 16, 2022, 17:56:54 PM
Quote from: greg on April 16, 2022, 17:45:32 PMByron at little river outfitter told me Walter sometimes gives him flies for Christmas and they are about too pretty to fish. And that's about the truth. I suck at tying dry flies and I order from him a couple of times a year. I've got two of his rods. Love them both.

Don't let Byron fool you he can hold his own at fly tying to. I have a few of Walter's flies tucked away. He always just gives the flies away as he ties them at any of the demos he does. Every fly looks like it came out of a machine, perfect proportions, and he never waste a thread wrap. I'm looking forward to seeing them all in Townsend for fly tiers weekend again this year.
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: greg on April 16, 2022, 18:01:15 PM
Are they doing f fly tiers weekend this year? I took a couple of classes at LRO that Walter helped teach. You are absolutely right about proportion and his flies looking dang near perfect
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Trout Maharishi on April 16, 2022, 18:03:20 PM
Quote from: greg on April 16, 2022, 17:45:32 PMByron at little river outfitter told me Walter sometimes gives him flies for Christmas and they are about too pretty to fish. And that's about the truth. I suck at tying dry flies and I order from him a couple of times a year. I've got two of his rods. Love them both.

Ah heck so I'm not telling you nothing you don't already know.:embarassed: You are lucky to be on the list that he will tie flies for. I know from speaking with him it's a short list and getting shorter all the time. :cheers Walter is as good as they come. I feel very lucky to have him as a friend.
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Trout Maharishi on April 16, 2022, 18:10:38 PM
Quote from: greg on April 16, 2022, 18:01:15 PMAre they doing f fly tiers weekend this year? I took a couple of classes at LRO that Walter helped teach. You are absolutely right about proportion and his flies looking dang near perfect

Yes it's going to be the first weekend in Nov, 5th & 6th at the Tremont Lodge. I spoke to Anthony Hipps who is heading up the event last week and he said he had about 35 people lined up so far. I'll post something as the event gets nearer and give everyoe some info on who will be there and when they will be tying. I've signed up but my first grand child is due long about then and I'll have to wait and see how that works out.
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: greg on April 16, 2022, 18:25:32 PM
I haven't talked to Walter in a while. I know he was selling off a bunch of his demo rods. Wondering if he has stopped making rods.
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Trout Maharishi on April 16, 2022, 18:51:46 PM
Still making some rods.
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Dougfish on April 16, 2022, 20:13:13 PM
Quote from: greg on April 16, 2022, 16:44:18 PM
Quote from: Dougfish on March 22, 2022, 19:34:56 PMI've paid $60 + shipping for my Orvis repair. Twice, same rod. Bought on closeout at 50% off. Next break, it's scrap material.
The only other rod I've broken was an Orvis, too. Not to immune them, but...

The 50 - 70 y.o. glass collection has zero failure. Other than shitty cork due to bad storage.
 :cheers
if someone wanted to try glass rod what would you recommend? Only new glass I know of is the orvis superfine.
I only have one modern glass store bought rod. A 6'9" 3wt Echo Glass. Love it. I have built up a few from blanks. Also good. The Echo is better. Noodly, tough as nails.
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Woolly Bugger on May 17, 2022, 12:29:31 PM
just got off the horn with Sage, my SP has been in the repair que for 4 weeks now, should be a couple more weeks... now the kicker... my rod has a "golden ticket" serial number starting with QRS, back in the 90's when these were made, in order to compete with other rod manufacturers, Sage offered a lifetime "no questions asked" warranty. So they are repairing the rod for free.

This was a rod that I got from TU when I signed up for a Lifetime membership.  d:b
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Trout Maharishi on May 17, 2022, 22:26:23 PM
I would have thought you would have it back already. I wonder if they had a blank and are building you one?
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Woolly Bugger on May 18, 2022, 09:20:55 AM
Quote from: Trout Maharishi on May 17, 2022, 22:26:23 PMI would have thought you would have it back already. I wonder if they had a blank and are building you one?

From the sound of it they are making one
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Woolly Bugger on May 25, 2022, 11:59:44 AM
Quote from: Woolly Bugger on March 28, 2022, 14:45:39 PMRod is in the shop!

Now the waiting starts anew

5 week est, does that include shilling time? We shall see!

The repair has been completed and is schedule to ship today with delivery on 6/2 5/31. I guess that they are sending it in  a flatcar as ABsales would say
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Woolly Bugger on June 02, 2022, 16:15:23 PM
FedX said early delivery - then changed to delayed and now scheduled  for Friday. — 10 1/2 weeks
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Woolly Bugger on June 03, 2022, 14:00:36 PM
The SP is back  d:b
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: greg on June 03, 2022, 14:06:56 PM
All new rod or did they repair yours?
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Woolly Bugger on June 03, 2022, 14:16:09 PM
Quote from: greg on June 03, 2022, 14:06:56 PMAll new rod or did they repair yours?

Just the tip! All shiny new compared to the other two sections.
Title: Re: Fly Rod Warranty - Repairs
Post by: Phil on June 03, 2022, 17:09:07 PM
It's great that you got it back, but the months it took is ridiculous imo.