I've seen a lot of criticism go out against certain manufacturers, some deserving. Thought I'd share two very recent experiences I've had, one with a company mentioned in a prior thread and another showing that there are very positive experiences if you deal with the right companies
The (as of recent) infamous T&T-
summary: 9'10wt SC series 4 pc rod, bought in 1999 or 2000- I am still the original owner so I still, technically fall under their unconditional warranty. Rod has been fished more and caught more in the salt than you can imagine. Used to almost death. Went a bit to far with it a few years back when flying a kite with it (actually fighting a 60lb+ stingray that took a crab fly) 2 stripping guides loosend up and evenually cracked. I must have epoxied these back on a half dozen time before getting into a few 30lb+bluefin last year which did the guides in. After which, I became not so lazy and sent it in for repair, now missing a guide and one broken. Sure it cost me $35 which I had no problem paying. I certainly got every penny out of that rod. It came back totally repaired (in 1 week) and I noticed that another guides epoxy had a very slight crack in it. Something overlooked by me and really an insignificant problem. Called T&T, they picked it up on their dime, the next day. Got a call 3 days later asking if I minded getting the same brand new rod as a replacement since it would probably cost more for them to rewrap the entire rod. Did I mind? NO WAY did I mind. Only mistake I made was not asking for the old rod back so I could add it to my office wall under the rod retirement section.
So, what did I get out of this? A rod I beat to death for 7 years and a replacement that should last me much longer.(ill stay away from the larger fish) All for the initial cost ($535) plus $35. so $570 and I used that particular rod atleast 300 days. thats about a buck 35 a day. Less than what all us coffee drinkers spend on coffee each day.
Bauer Fly Reels: Purchased same time as above T&T and used on that rod all the time. Reel was skipping, cork worn out, blew a bearing, used to almost death. Called Bauer for the 4th time, thursday, thats me telling them 4 times over the past 2 years I was sending them in for repair. Spoke to the reel repair person, "Rod"ney, and decided to finally send them in hoping for the best. Again, $35 for repair and shipping, spent an extra $23 on express mail, sent Friday, they received Monday and both sppols and fram have been completely redone, upgraded to the new drag system bearing thing... and currently on their way back. (2) day turnaround. Another product that will last many more years.
Final thoughts: both above products were bought from 2 very reputable and "stable" companies, many years ago who totally stand behind their product. Well worth the initial money invested. Total reason why you get what you pay for, IMHO Just wish I new exactly what epoxy they use on the T&T's so I can use it on my epoxy flies. Im lucky to get a year out of the epoxy on my flies before they yellow and crack apart from the salt.
Will be interesting to see how my Hardy Reels come back that were sent to Cortland last friday as well. They said 3 weeks.
The (as of recent) infamous T&T-
summary: 9'10wt SC series 4 pc rod, bought in 1999 or 2000- I am still the original owner so I still, technically fall under their unconditional warranty. Rod has been fished more and caught more in the salt than you can imagine. Used to almost death. Went a bit to far with it a few years back when flying a kite with it (actually fighting a 60lb+ stingray that took a crab fly) 2 stripping guides loosend up and evenually cracked. I must have epoxied these back on a half dozen time before getting into a few 30lb+bluefin last year which did the guides in. After which, I became not so lazy and sent it in for repair, now missing a guide and one broken. Sure it cost me $35 which I had no problem paying. I certainly got every penny out of that rod. It came back totally repaired (in 1 week) and I noticed that another guides epoxy had a very slight crack in it. Something overlooked by me and really an insignificant problem. Called T&T, they picked it up on their dime, the next day. Got a call 3 days later asking if I minded getting the same brand new rod as a replacement since it would probably cost more for them to rewrap the entire rod. Did I mind? NO WAY did I mind. Only mistake I made was not asking for the old rod back so I could add it to my office wall under the rod retirement section.
So, what did I get out of this? A rod I beat to death for 7 years and a replacement that should last me much longer.(ill stay away from the larger fish) All for the initial cost ($535) plus $35. so $570 and I used that particular rod atleast 300 days. thats about a buck 35 a day. Less than what all us coffee drinkers spend on coffee each day.
Bauer Fly Reels: Purchased same time as above T&T and used on that rod all the time. Reel was skipping, cork worn out, blew a bearing, used to almost death. Called Bauer for the 4th time, thursday, thats me telling them 4 times over the past 2 years I was sending them in for repair. Spoke to the reel repair person, "Rod"ney, and decided to finally send them in hoping for the best. Again, $35 for repair and shipping, spent an extra $23 on express mail, sent Friday, they received Monday and both sppols and fram have been completely redone, upgraded to the new drag system bearing thing... and currently on their way back. (2) day turnaround. Another product that will last many more years.
Final thoughts: both above products were bought from 2 very reputable and "stable" companies, many years ago who totally stand behind their product. Well worth the initial money invested. Total reason why you get what you pay for, IMHO Just wish I new exactly what epoxy they use on the T&T's so I can use it on my epoxy flies. Im lucky to get a year out of the epoxy on my flies before they yellow and crack apart from the salt.
Will be interesting to see how my Hardy Reels come back that were sent to Cortland last friday as well. They said 3 weeks.
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