Response to rod warranties, all brands.

[Gary Dobyns]

I have just read through all the posts on Lamiglas warranties. I will stick my neck out here for a few to cut. Believe it or not, these were my feelings prior to Dobyns Rods. These are points to ponder and are not in any order. If a rod has a manufacturing problem, it should break the first few times the rod is stressed. Higher modulas blanks are not as durable as lesser grades. If you want light, sensitive blanks, there is a give and take. Do you high stick or even know what it is? The faster the action, the less forgiving on high sticking. Is a fishing rod supposed to last forever? Do fishing reels, swimbaits, spinnerbaits, cars, or just about anything you can name, last forever? Have you ever clanged your rod and your partner's together? Stepped on them? Thought about the beatings they take in a rough water ride in your rod box? Had a punchin weight beating on them in a rough ride? Rod box closed on them? I'm sure you all can think of a few more here. Any rod that breaks soon after purchase should be replaced. Anytime the cork or reelseat moves, or other manufacturing issues, the rod should be replaced. These are my views and they may differ from all other companies. Are all fishermen honest about breaks? I was a Loomis staffer for 6 years. I used the $50 over the counter exchange several times when I could of simply gotten them replaced. Why? They were never brand new when they broke and it was easier. That was my choice and many will not agree with it. Writing the Dobyns Rod warranty was very difficult. I want to take care of my customers but had to put some language in it to protect myself. Lamiglas handles my warranty and it differs from theirs. Today I got two calls on busted rods. The first guy says he was a dumb as* and got his rod in the trolling motor. Should this be covered under warranty? Under the "No Hassle", yes. The second closed the rod locker on it, and wanted to know if it was covered under "NO Hassle". The answer of course was yes. FYI, I replaced both No Charge for their honesty. I obviously can't continue this, but was caught in a generous mood. Customer service is a huge part of anything successful. Any thing can have a problem. How it's handled is the most important. Sorry for the long rant. I'm hoping that it will make a few think a little. Okay, slice away. Hopefully, I won't bleed too much. Good luck fishing to all.

[Bill K]

Good straight forward response, Gary.I word in a small shop and the owner carrys various rods/brands, the top line, he has, being St Croix I see all kinds of broken rods. For the most part the people just do not keep the Rod quaranty info and do not know what the company does and does not cover. Then, like you said, they come up with reasons/excuses for the rod breaking, other than their own fault and want and blame the rod for the damage. My boss works with them, but if they would just be honest and up front, he would also do more to aid them with rod replacement at the lowest cost possible. The main break we see, is just what you call a High stick break. Where by they have that rod pointed straight to the sky and pull on a fish, snag or try to lift a fish into the boat, which causes way more stress on the rod tip/upper section then it can handle. Interesting thread might come out of this one. Bill K

[brambo0311]

Hey if its a different warranty I will go get a few after work. No bash intended, I have seen a few of Gary's rods and I really liked them. I just didnt like Lamiglass telling me my brand new rod was crushed and they wouldnt replace it. I have busted plenty of rods, my own fault and never would try to return them. What I am getting at is If I am flippin 80lb braid and snap a rod horseing a fish out of the cheese its my own fault, I accept the fact that I was stupid, wouldnt try to return the rod. Now on the other hand If I get a brand new spinning rod for shakey head, take a reel off the rod I was using and rig it up. Then I see this dink spot pick it up and i set, not samari style just a pop, and the rod breaks in two. Anyways I was just venting take it for what its worth, Im just a pissed off Marine that cant spell anyway.

[bassmeout]

Mr Dobyns / You have a PM.

[DeltaDan]

These Warrenties on rods have mead me wonder for some time of what the true cost of the rod would be for everyone equally if there was no warrenty !


Equipment is Equipment........ Not that this happened to me-- But say I got a Berreta O/U shotgun and was hunting on an island for opening day of pheasants last year with my Son sporting his Benelli and my Brothers while it was raining last season

After the day -- The guns went in the case w/o cleaning case we were to tired at that time to take 5 minuets to strip and wipe down with wd-40 even. Put them in the case and was not able to hunt on Sunday as planned while they were left in the locked garage with the gear all set because something came up and we had to go out of town.

4 days later we go out + time and time again w/o rain -- this time after use strip down, clean and throughout the season. at the end of the season and first time you take them out of the safe to go shoot some cays -- You try to take the choke tubes out and they are stuck tighter than popcorn kernal in a a coffee stir-straw.

Using break free-- the Factory wrenches and alot of mussle -- The choketube nothces even stripped out of a Benelli Pump that had the Camo All Weather No-rust Coating. There is also some pitting of the Beretta after back earlier getting the forming rust off when first discovered.

Would I be STUPID enough to call up the Firearm Maufacturer's and cry about a choke that got rusted into the screws of the barrel -- then stripped out due to operator error? And pitting cause I did not take propper care of my equipment ??


NO !!


Now also on rods- We know the Shimano's have prolly the easiest and cheapest warrenty program out there.......other than the Ugly Sticks mabey.

Is it cause they can mass market and sell more for the same price as the other high end rods and still make a profit ??

Or is it cause they can make them cheaper and sell at the same price as the other high end rods out there with the warrenty factor states already computed in.

If I break a rod -- or a gun ... Who is at fault?? If it is indeed the owners fault of said equipment and not on the manufacturers-- It is time to MAN UP and learn a valuable lesson as to not run up the price of a piece of equipment for another fellow outdoorsman that mabey or mabey-not take better care of it.


If he don't take care of it -- and keeps buying the same equipment.... In the end the price could realistiacly come down for everyone with more maketing- and not be going up.

[Steve Reed]

the only problem i have with rod warranties is if they say no hassle, or they provide a small fee replacement don't give exclusions. If you will not replace a rod that is broken by the user on accident then just say that from the get go. Don't trick people into buying the rod thinking the warranty will cover the abuse we anglers put the rods through.

I have never gotten a rod replaced by lamiglas through their warranty, and they have never responded to my calls or emails other than we'll get back to you. Its too much hassle for me to hound them over 1 rod.

I hope dobyns rods doesn't have the same warranty!


Loomis on the other hand is the best possible warranty you can find and they are priced accordingly.

[crawdaddy]

Gary,
Have you been having breakage issues with Dobyns rods? Just curious.

[Blue_R70]

Loomis on the other hand is the best possible warranty you can find and they are priced accordingly.

I agree, Loomis has a great no-questions-asked replacement policy in their Xpeditor Program. Something most consumers get confused over is a brand's warranty vs replacement policy. They're not the same. Most rod companies have great warranties against factory defects but the consumers always seem to confuse "factory defects" with breaks that occur through their own neglect, which are best dealt with using their replacement policy. If consumers are concerned about replacing rods that break because of normal wear and tear, look for a brand that offers a good replacement policy.

[NaCl]

You hit the nail on the head. Customer service! It doesn't matter what any company says if they make the experience a big pile of BS.

I have had the chance to replace one of my Dobyns Rods under the warranty and I was astounded at how fast they responded. Yes, I am on his prostaff but pay for many of my rods and I chose to replace the broken rod just like anybody else using the normal channels. I contacted their warranty staff, sent them the rod and waited my turn. They processed my claim and I got the new rod in about 10 days. I returned a rod to another company (that I won't name) and they lost it. I had to prove I sent it and then I waited almost a year for the replacement. And, all along the way, they had the attitude like I was ripping them off...an attitude that cost them further rods sales. BTW - they are out of business now!

Gary is probably the most fisherman friendly owner of a fishing rod company. He's a fisherman first. His whole attitude about his rods is shaped by his fishing experience. From rod design to warranty, Gary produces the rods that HE always wanted when he was making his name in this industry. I'd certainly trust him with any matter associated with fishing rods!

.....NaCl

[Tobe]

There is no difference between Lamiglas and G-Loomis when it comes to their "Lifetime Limited Warranty"

They both cover defects and workmanship to the original purchaser only.

G-Loomis does not have a "No Hassle Warranty", they have an “xpeditor programâ€

[Marc]

Steve, I have read your post several times and I think I am reading that you are suggesting Lamiglas did not tell you that their warranty doesn't exclude accidental damage?

Here is a quote directly from their website warranty page and also appears on their rod tags: "If the problem is due to a defect in materials or workmanship, the rod will be repaired or replaced to you as quickly as possible. If the problem is due to an unfortunate accident, misuse, alteration or normal wear and tear, we will advise you of the cost of the repair or replacement and await your approval prior to proceeding." [url]http://lamiglas.com/warranty_repair_claims.php[url]

What am I missing here?

On the communication issue, I agree that a customer should never have to hound a manufacturer about service. If you have not received timely communications then that is inappropriate and needs correction. I would suggest that emailing any manufacturer from their website email address is probably a poor choice in that your communication goes to someone other than the person who has the authority to make the right decision. Calling the phone number and asking for the department you want (warranty in this case) usually provides much better results.

ciao,
Marc
Lamiglas Prostaff

[Blue_R70]

However, read closely and you will find this; ''if you do not return the broken rod within 30 days of the receipt of your replacement rod, you authorize G. Loomis to charge your credit card for the full manufacturer’s suggested retail price of the replacement rod in addition to the $50 or $65 already paid''

That's not a problem, as they provide the shipping tube and a prepaid FedEx return label. The Xpeditor Program is a great replacement policy...

[Steve Reed]

I've replaced loomis rods for 20 bucks over the counter....how come everyone else is paying more

lamiglas does have that in writing thats correct, but its tough to even consider their warranty reliable when tackle stores are not carrying there rods because it is too much of a hassle to return broken rods on delivery

[Blue_R70]

I've replaced loomis rods for 20 bucks over the counter....how come everyone else is paying more

Loomis' fee for replacing rods is $50 for ground shipping, $65 for 2nd Day Air. It used to be $50 for 2nd Day Air. The $20 you paid over the counter was the price your local dealer decided to charge (as a favor to a good customer, etc)...

[Marc]

Steve,

Not to belabor the point, but that is the first I have heard that stores aren't carrying Lamiglas rods because of their warranty. Most stores that carry a good selection of rods carry Lamiglas.

Stores that handle Lamiglas warranty claims do so as a customer service. Some stores do not want to provide that level of customer service, and I would suspect that Lamiglas prefers dealing directly with the customer in the first place so that their reputation doesn't suffer because a store clerk fails to be timely in dealing with a customer's warranty claim. Stores often stack up broken rods until they get enough to take time to box them up. Having worked as one of those clerks in my past I have seen the store clerks crush rods that were clean breaks when then crammed them in the shipping tubes since they figured it didn't matter since they were already broken.

When I have a rod fail, I package it myself and make sure the foam protects the broken end so that the break doesn't incur additional damage. This is the best way to protect the "evidence" and insure the factory warranty people see the break in the way it happened.

[Gary Dobyns]

Yes, we have had a few problems. We needed an order quickly because we had sold more than our projections, and we had it air shipped. These rods are not packaged the same as boat shipments because of space and weight. We had many busted with this shipment, but the problem was the ones that "looked" good but had a ding or nick. All the rods were inspected at Lamiglas before shipping, but we still had too many slip by. So, yes we have had a few problems and I we would have ordered again by air but not after that last mess. Business has been great. I thank all of you for that. I thank all of you for waiting for this next order that is here, finally.

[YZKEN250]

Gary, let me know when your in a good mood. I have some rods to return. Just kidding.

[Kevin Evans - Kap]

Mr Dobyns Sir,

Dean is right on....your customer service is why I would buy your rods...
Thanks for a great product...

Kap

[senko-guru]

Gary no offense, this is just my opinion but I am a G. Loomis fan. I have mostly G. Loomis rods and unfortunately have broken a few. I have never had a problem "ever" getting a replacement rod from G.Loomis. Loomis I feel takes great care of their customers, for here is an example I broke a rod a week before a tourney. I did the expiditer and wanted a rush shipment for my new rod and payed the little extra money, well i learned that my new rod they were out of stock on and i wasnt going to be able to get it in time for the tourney. Loomis still two day aired my rod to me and refunded the extra costs back to me. I had the new rod two days after the tourney, but i dont blame them for them being out of stock, thats just a supply and demand type thing. Gary I have heard nothing but good things about your rods and dont doubt that they are great, just its hard to go away from something you have learned on and try something new.

[SHAFT]

Do you high stick or even know what it is?

Please splain !!

[biteme]

WELL. I buy my Powell's because I know they cover their rods really well. I pay top $$ to get that service. Ive bought 2600.00 in rods in the last year and have never had a claim. But its nice to know its covered if I do. If things change Ill go to Shimano's. If they change Ill buy cheaper rods that are "throw away rods" I justify the price to the wife with the fact that they are lifetime. This scores big points

[Gary Dobyns]

Mr. Senko-guru,

You are not alone with your love of Loomis rods. Many share your feelings. The Loomis people are all good friends of mine. I only want to "steal" a few thousand of their customers. One of the Loomis folks and I had a ball-busting, barb throwing time this past weekend. They do have great customer service. I agree with you.

[mvanguilder]

Just some info. to help with less wear on all rods. It will help keep your rods from hangin up in the lockers, bouncing around.You got to check out these rod sleeves out with the protective tip. Lifetime warranty no questions asked. The lure wraps are also a great idea which also can be fleece lined. www.berserkbaits.com under the products.

[Rob]

I've had experience with both and each time it was to my satisfaction. I have used both Loomis' Xpeditor and also sent rods in for warranty repair. I have never had a hassle with either service. If the rod is truly a warranty issue ie rod handle coming loose etc (that was my issue with an older rod that had the Weibe type handle that I wished repaired) they did it without hassle and had it back to me inside 2 weeks. I have also used the Xpeditor and even by ground I usually have the rod in a matter of days anyways. Granted if you take into account the shipping costs both ways, the Xpeditor is not much more. Also, it's clear why they want the rod back, go on ebay and you can see auctions for broken rods which can be returned for new ones using the Xpeditor (at least I was seeing a lot of them last year, no so much this year) and that would be an enormous problem for a company. With Lamiglas I had a 665 glass cranking rod that the handle came loose on, and sent it in with a note saying that if the rod were to be fixed then please do so, but if they were planning on sending a new one, please send me a 705R. Now I know I was asking for something different, but knowing that they might send a new one anyways rather than fix, and the price on the rods was the same, it was worth a try. They did just that, and had the rod to me in a week or so. Extremely happy with both. However, I have not yet broken a Lami so don't have that experience to share. Mine was clearly a warranty issue.