Anyone Know Shimanos Broken Rod Policy????

[Richard - Sonora]

Broke a Shimano spinner at boatside when a striper slammed my spook. Lost the fish, broke the rod, the line separated and the spook is gone, too!
Wondering how they (Shimano) handle this situation. 2 year old upper price class rod.
Thanks, folks. R

[split172]

They promise you the rod will not break again in the same spot

[kmah]

What model is it? Most Shimano rods are no questions asked over the counter warranty from any authorized Shimano dealer. Walk in look for your rod on the rack, pay 20$ walk out.

If they don't have the rod you are looking for, you can have them order it.

Good luck.

[Andy Lippert]

What model is it? Most Shimano rods are no questions asked over the counter warranty from any authorized Shimano dealer. Walk in look for your rod on the rack, pay 20$ walk out.

If they don't have the rod you are looking for, you can have them order it.

Good luck.

The Shimano policy on the upper end rods is no questions asked, over the counter exchange, FREE replacement. If you are being charged a $20 or $25 fee (as I've heard some shops charge) THEY are pocketing your money! There are shops, such as Walton's Pond who replace as per the warranty, at NO cost to the owner, as is intended and as it should be.

Hope this helps.

[clearlakeoutdoors]

The $20.00 is to cover shipping that Shimano charges to ship one rod.Crucial ,Cumaras are free replacement.Still the best warranty out there.I just sent in a Clarus for a customer to find out they dont make it anymore and gave us a credit. It costs the shops at least $10.00 to ship the rod back to Shimano. So we should be charging $30.00
Dave

[Richard - Sonora]

Info. Guess I will need to take some bucks and find a dealer!! Thanks, again. R

[DG]

One of the reasons I purchased Shimano Crucials is because of the warranty! I was told by a reputable dealer that "you can actually break the rod over your knee in the store any will give you a replacement on the spot" There should NOT be any shipping charges either. If they are charging them then I would report it to Shimano's Customer Service. By the way, I have not broken any yet but if and when I do, my first call will to to Shimano for guidance to a dealer who knows and applies the policy the way it should be. I love the rods and of course their reels and above all their great customer service and tech support.

[Swimbait Wannabe]

One of the reasons I purchased Shimano Crucials is because of the warranty! I was told by a reputable dealer that "you can actually break the rod over your knee in the store any will give you a replacement on the spot" There should NOT be any shipping charges either. If they are charging them then I would report it to Shimano's Customer Service. By the way, I have not broken any yet but if and when I do, my first call will to to Shimano for guidance to a dealer who knows and applies the policy the way it should be. I love the rods and of course their reels and above all their great customer service and tech support.

So then the store that sold you the rod gives you one for free. They are then missing that rod from inventory and have to send back the broken one. Wait a few weeks and get it back check it in and put it back into stock. Miss a sale on the rod possibly in its' absence pay for a tube and pay for shipping. How in the world do you think this should be a free service? Shimano has a no questions asked warranty this is true, run it over, break it any way you want, take a ultra light for sturgeon. I know from people that the warranty is killing shimano but they did it so they could have an increased market share. In my experience 10% of people break 90% of the rods. I have NEVER broken a rod on a fish. A ceiling fan sure, car window you bet, fall down on my boat yep, high stick that 1lb bass yep. I do not for a minute expect a retailer to cater to my rod issues when I cause them. My .02.

[Stratos278]

Broke a Shimano spinner at boatside when a striper slammed my spook. Lost the fish, broke the rod, the line separated and the spook is gone, too!
Wondering how they (Shimano) handle this situation. 2 year old upper price class rod.
Thanks, folks. R

I don't think they will replace the spook...

[ppickerell]

I have had several of the local shops replace my broken Clarus rods no questions asked and free of charge. I do not take them rods which I have shut in car doors etc, but if I break it on a fish or pulling on a snag your damn right I take it in for replacement. However, I always stock up on other items when I am in the shop as a courtesy to the shop owner.

[DanIsaac]

Shimano does not charge anyone SHIPPING charges on any warrantied rod. Any charges levied at any counter is
done so totally at that shops perogative. ALL SHIPPING charges are re-imbursed to all dealers by the factory, so in actuality that excuse for charging does not fly, though it is the one I hear used the most. Shops do have time invested but any charges are totally re-imbursed. TOTALLY.

The easiest way to deal with this issue is to cut the rod in half, and ship back to Shimano via US Priority Mail, which will cost you approximately $7. Shimano does not charge you shipping for sending you the replacement rod. There are shops which do not charge, like Outdoor Pro Shops, Hi's Tackle, BTD, and Walton's Pond, but I'd call around first to make sure their policies have not changed.

As far as breaking a rod over your knee....that is NOT COVERED!

Dan

[clearlakeoutdoors]

Dan, Let me know how I can be reimbursed. Every warranty rod I have ever sent Shimano they charge me $20.00 on my card!
Dave

[brambo0311]

What about old rods they don't make anymore? I hate to admit this but my favorite spinning rod is a shimano jimmy Houston signature rod. The guides are big, and set way off the rod. No line slap against the rod so it throws incredible.

[Swimbait Wannabe]

Shimano does not charge anyone SHIPPING charges on any warrantied rod. Any charges levied at any counter is
done so totally at that shops perogative. ALL SHIPPING charges are re-imbursed to all dealers by the factory, so in actuality that excuse for charging does not fly, though it is the one I hear used the most. Shops do have time invested but any charges are totally re-imbursed. TOTALLY.

The easiest way to deal with this issue is to cut the rod in half, and ship back to Shimano via US Priority Mail, which will cost you approximately $7. Shimano does not charge you shipping for sending you the replacement rod. There are shops which do not charge, like Outdoor Pro Shops, Hi's Tackle, BTD, and Walton's Pond, but I'd call around first to make sure their policies have not changed.

As far as breaking a rod over your knee....that is NOT COVERED!

Dan

Well Dan, I called a few of the shops you listed and none offer free warranty, not sure about BTD. I asked one shops manager if Shimano reimburses shipping charges and he laughed out loud! He said they ship back for free but he has to pay to ship it to them. He said that they used to do over the counter for $15 but that the volume of broken rods coming in was having too much effect on his inventory. I know you are employed by the company and are the first to defend them at every opportunity. Still saying those new chronarchs/ old curados are worth the extra $40? Or that the new P.O.S. Malaysian Curados are better than the last ones? The warranty is the best in the business that is not at all contested. If they "reimburse retailers" then why do it for customers too? Nothing but love.

[Andy Lippert]

Shimano does not charge anyone SHIPPING charges on any warrantied rod. Any charges levied at any counter is
done so totally at that shops perogative. ALL SHIPPING charges are re-imbursed to all dealers by the factory, so in actuality that excuse for charging does not fly, though it is the one I hear used the most. Shops do have time invested but any charges are totally re-imbursed. TOTALLY.

The easiest way to deal with this issue is to cut the rod in half, and ship back to Shimano via US Priority Mail, which will cost you approximately $7. Shimano does not charge you shipping for sending you the replacement rod. There are shops which do not charge, like Outdoor Pro Shops, Hi's Tackle, BTD, and Walton's Pond, but I'd call around first to make sure their policies have not changed.

As far as breaking a rod over your knee....that is NOT COVERED!

Dan

Well Dan, I called a few of the shops you listed and none offer free warranty, not sure about BTD. I asked one shops manager if Shimano reimburses shipping charges and he laughed out loud! He said they ship back for free but he has to pay to ship it to them. He said that they used to do over the counter for $15 but that the volume of broken rods coming in was having too much effect on his inventory. I know you are employed by the company and are the first to defend them at every opportunity. Still saying those new chronarchs/ old curados are worth the extra $40? Or that the new P.O.S. Malaysian Curados are better than the last ones? The warranty is the best in the business that is not at all contested. If they "reimburse retailers" then why do it for customers too? Nothing but love.

As I said before, Wannabe, call Walton's Pond. He'll be happy to replace your rod free of charge. End of story.

[brambo0311]

Shimano does not charge anyone SHIPPING charges on any warrantied rod. Any charges levied at any counter is
done so totally at that shops perogative. ALL SHIPPING charges are re-imbursed to all dealers by the factory, so in actuality that excuse for charging does not fly, though it is the one I hear used the most. Shops do have time invested but any charges are totally re-imbursed. TOTALLY.

The easiest way to deal with this issue is to cut the rod in half, and ship back to Shimano via US Priority Mail, which will cost you approximately $7. Shimano does not charge you shipping for sending you the replacement rod. There are shops which do not charge, like Outdoor Pro Shops, Hi's Tackle, BTD, and Walton's Pond, but I'd call around first to make sure their policies have not changed.

As far as breaking a rod over your knee....that is NOT COVERED!

Dan

Well Dan, I called a few of the shops you listed and none offer free warranty, not sure about BTD. I asked one shops manager if Shimano reimburses shipping charges and he laughed out loud! He said they ship back for free but he has to pay to ship it to them. He said that they used to do over the counter for $15 but that the volume of broken rods coming in was having too much effect on his inventory. I know you are employed by the company and are the first to defend them at every opportunity. Still saying those new chronarchs/ old curados are worth the extra $40? Or that the new P.O.S. Malaysian Curados are better than the last ones? The warranty is the best in the business that is not at all contested. If they "reimburse retailers" then why do it for customers too? Nothing but love.

Don't know about all of that but when shimano painted there citica green and called it a curado they lost a 30 year die hard shimano customer. I won't buy another shimano. Unless its a old one, even then I'm still pi$$ed.

[Swimbait Wannabe]

Yes Walton is the man for sure. Got a little off topic, all apologies. The warranty is the best. The new reels..... IMHO not so much minus the white "curados".

[brambo0311]

Yes Walton is the man for sure. Got a little off topic, all apologies. The warranty is the best. The new reels..... IMHO not so much minus the white "curados".

Little side trac on warranty. I got a custom 2 piece gen 1 dobynes spinning rod. It was a one piece. It was there high end, no longer made with the lammiglas label like this one. I bought it long ago when galaxy marine was still alive when dobynes himself convinced me to buy it during a fishing seminar. "kinda funny, I was there early and didn't know who he was years ago". Another story for another time. Anyway it was a if it breaks it is replaced. Period.... Anyway it broke and I go to the web sight and it say's explain what happened and provide original receipt when returning rod. Well I can explain when I loaded the rod on the backcast it fell apart. I hadnt put a reel on it and used it till just a few weeks ago. But as far as the receipt, I can't find. Was never stated then it was my golden ticket. Don't really want to contact the IRS for the receipts they took. I know I spent close to 3 bills on it from the chunk of my a$$ missing after the wife found out. Anyway I think there is always a angle for someone to get out of a warranty.

[DanIsaac]

Shimano does not charge anyone SHIPPING charges on any warrantied rod. Any charges levied at any counter is
done so totally at that shops perogative. ALL SHIPPING charges are re-imbursed to all dealers by the factory, so in actuality that excuse for charging does not fly, though it is the one I hear used the most. Shops do have time invested but any charges are totally re-imbursed. TOTALLY.

The easiest way to deal with this issue is to cut the rod in half, and ship back to Shimano via US Priority Mail, which will cost you approximately $7. Shimano does not charge you shipping for sending you the replacement rod. There are shops which do not charge, like Outdoor Pro Shops, Hi's Tackle, BTD, and Walton's Pond, but I'd call around first to make sure their policies have not changed.

As far as breaking a rod over your knee....that is NOT COVERED!

Dan

Well Dan, I called a few of the shops you listed and none offer free warranty, not sure about BTD. I asked one shops manager if Shimano reimburses shipping charges and he laughed out loud! He said they ship back for free but he has to pay to ship it to them. He said that they used to do over the counter for $15 but that the volume of broken rods coming in was having too much effect on his inventory. I know you are employed by the company and are the first to defend them at every opportunity. Still saying those new chronarchs/ old curados are worth the extra $40? Or that the new P.O.S. Malaysian Curados are better than the last ones? The warranty is the best in the business that is not at all contested. If they "reimburse retailers" then why do it for customers too? Nothing but love.

Wannabe,

I have no idea what you are talking about?

1) I have never claimed the new Curados are better then the old ones. They are what they are
a price point $159 reel, and YES, for the record I wish the transition had been done differently
but the result would still be the same. None of us likes change, and I'm no different.
I just benefit from a behind the scenes look, so I see where they are trying to go "big picture".
Satisfying the consumer, and their retailers at the same time in this economy is not easy.
Doesn't mean they don't care.
2) Yes, the $40 hurts but it could be much worse on the others. How the exchange rate and the
weak dollar is Shimano's fault though I have no idea? What if they had left Curado in Japan and
raised the price to $199? They would have been slammed for that too, but that was my vote.
As far as Malaysia, well, get used to it, that is not going to change.
Others are now in China, and Vietnam. Malaysia is and will become
even more so a manufacturing mecca. It wasn't all that long ago that no one would touch any
product made in Japan. I suspect the same will hold true for Malaysia in time. The facilities are
beyond state of the art, and surpass even those in Japan. We'll just have to wait and see, there
are a ton of new products coming, so time will tell.
3) I defend Shimano at every opportunity? Well, I think you live a sheltered life, in that I have
always been the first to criticize Shimano when warranted, but YES, I will explain, or defend
their position when they are NOT at fault. This isn't the only site I'm active on so perhaps
you just haven't seen other posts? Do I "bleed blue"? ABSOLUTELY. Why? Because I have seen
over a long period of time, the lengths Shimano will go to in order to support their product
and assist their customers. I see and deal with it everyday. Are they perfect? Absolutely not!
Regardless of that, IMHO they continue to support their products like no other company I've seen,
or have had dealings with.
4) Do you realize, or did your store contacts bother to tell you that 80-90% of rod warranty issues
are handled through what is called "field destroyed"? The rods are cut up at store level and never
returned to the factory, so there is no shipping involved. Affecting inventories? OK, that's legit,
but that's a cost of doing business, certainly not the consumers fault, and for the record, last
number I heard for breakage is in the low single digits.
5) Shimano always intended for this over the counter warranty to be free of charge to the
customer. I have no problem with any shop charging and I'd be happy to pay a "convenience"
charge myself, but to BLAME Shimano and say they are charging someone for the warranty just
is not true.
Are there exceptions? I'm sure there is, but as stated, Shimano's intention was always to make it
as easy and seemless for the customer as possible, and free of charge.
6) OH, last but not least....I AM NOT A SHIMANO EMPLOYEE! You may have me confused with Dan
Thorburn (bantam1) who handles internet support for Shimano, but I am not employed by
SHIMANO?
7) Nothing but love back at ya Wish I had more time but I have some lil green fellas out in the
shop calling my name, so back to work!


Dan

[birdi23nls]

Yes Walton is the man for sure. Got a little off topic, all apologies. The warranty is the best. The new reels..... IMHO not so much minus the white "curados".

Little side trac on warranty. I got a custom 2 piece gen 1 dobynes spinning rod. It was a one piece. It was there high end, no longer made with the lammiglas label like this one. I bought it long ago when galaxy marine was still alive when dobynes himself convinced me to buy it during a fishing seminar. "kinda funny, I was there early and didn't know who he was years ago". Another story for another time. Anyway it was a if it breaks it is replaced. Period.... Anyway it broke and I go to the web sight and it say's explain what happened and provide original receipt when returning rod. Well I can explain when I loaded the rod on the backcast it fell apart. I hadnt put a reel on it and used it till just a few weeks ago. But as far as the receipt, I can't find. Was never stated then it was my golden ticket. Don't really want to contact the IRS for the receipts they took. I know I spent close to 3 bills on it from the chunk of my a$$ missing after the wife found out. Anyway I think there is always a angle for someone to get out of a warranty.

I have 4 Dobyns Rods and they have a no hassle return policy for $60 dollars. I don't think you need a receipt if you use the no hassle policy and send the $60. I might be wrong but I know it use to be that you didn't need a receipt (I know because I had to have a rod replaced. Let me know if you find out anything different. If I were you, I know I would at least call.

[Oldschool]

Why would anyone buy a rod brand that breaks more then once! Talk about manufacturing defects!!! and customers keep returning to buy more of same...amazing. If Shimano is replacing rods damaged by abuse, car doors, rod lockers, being stepped on etc., you should expect a handling charge and require proof of purchase.
Tom