Redington fly rod warranty

[DFrink]

I agree, and wouldn't expect the repairs to be made. However if my toaster quit working because I tried to cook a pot roast in it and the company offered free replacement regardless of the reason, I would probably send it in. I'm not saying I would lie about why it quit working, but if they are silly enough to offer the service than why not use it?

Expecting replacement of used merchandise is running up the cost of goods and services.

I've had 3 rods repaired: a Fisher, a Powell (from Press' shop on the Esplanade in Chico), and a Winston...all material issues, none broken while slamming doors or windows, bending the rod improperly (landing a fish, pulling the line through the guides, jambing the tip into a tree, rock, or the ground when walking), or any other self induced manner...kinda like running a red light in my truck and expecting Dodge to replace it because a lot of metal got bent and glass got broken...now, if the engine craps out before the 75K mile warranty (which I purchased for additional cost) expires...

How about your toaster, computer, or !@#$%^&* smart phone...it your drop or misuse them and they stop working, do you expect the other consumers to pay for your mistakes?
Paul

[Rich Morrison]

I see your point, but really shouldn't you take this up with the rod company? It's not the consumer’s fault that the company chooses to offer a warranty without verifying purchase. Almost all of my rods are Redington because they are affordable and work. Do your expensive rods catch you more fish? I don't care to spend $500 on a fly rod (yes I could afford it, but choose not to); it's not why I fish. The idea that fishing is supposed to cost me somewhere around $1000 just for the gear is ridiculous (to me).

Sorry, but I couldn't resist commenting.

No apology needed. This is (quite evidently) a subject I feel strongly about and I enjoy reading comments and talking about it. I don't have a single graphite rod in my quiver that cost me more than about $300 and most were around $150. None of them came with a warranty as the folks who made them are not around anymore (the original Powell Rod Co and Walt Powell). I know a great rod repair guy who has fixed a few that have been damaged. There have also been one or two damaged beyond repair and I thank them for their service and get a replacement. I have bought several custom built rods from Jim Clarkson in Chico...mostly as gifts for familly and friends - again for no more than $300 tops. He fixes rods if they are damaged and I pay for the repair if it was caused by me or my kids (I have never had to return a rod for material or workmanship issues to Jim). If the rod was beyond repair, we'd buy a replacement...most likely at a small discount due to our loyalty to Jim and the fact that we know each other and he has been my rod guy for years. I respect the fact that he still needs to make money and he respects the fact that I'm a loyal customer and that I need a new rod at a reasonble price. That's how Press and Walt did things back when they were in business. Press did not like this trend he saw in the industry back then of unconditional warranties. Patronize the smaller time operators. There are a lot more than you think. Find a TL Johnson or Jim Clarkson and get your rods from them. Or buy from the companies that have reasonable warranties and make their rods here from top to bottom like Scott - although I think they are pretty pricey as well.

As to the Orivs buyer who commented earlier. Orvis is an American company..but I know little about where their rods are made. It would not surprise me if the buik of their line of rods was made overseas. But I could be wrong. But just think, if Orvis wasn't having to offer a free rod to every guy that slammed his rod in the car door or jammed a tip against a tree, that rod you bought for $700 would probably cost quite a bit less. And you could afford to replace it if you broke it.