I broke a 17 month old rod yesterday fighting a monster 15 inch LMB.   The company has limited lifetime warranty.

For $169 plus $30 shipping, I get a replacement.  I paid $199 for the rod in Nov '23.

  How's that for a deal!

 

3 minutes ago, Choporoz said:

How's that for a deal!

1 hour ago, Choporoz said:

I broke a 17 month old rod yesterday fighting a monster 15 inch LMB.   The company has limited lifetime warranty.

For $169 plus $30 shipping, I get a replacement.  I paid $199 for the rod in Nov '23.

  How's that for a deal!

^ this is why I don't even care about 'limited lifetime' warranties that say they'll replace it if it's their fault. I suspect these were fine years ago when integrity was still a thing but since most people / companies just seem to care about profit these days I suspect this is what happens a lot of the time when you try to return one and it wasn't your fault. I personally like warranties like Dobyns, Cashion, St. Croix that will replace the rod regardless and are upfront about their fees.

 

On the other hand I'd also be open to a rod with no warranty whatsoever but would expect a lower price. But the ones with this type of warranty where the language is vague but people online are like 'I called and they fixed it for me' don't mean much to me as it's not guaranteed that you will get a similar experience. I've also been eyeing Stealth Stixx lately since some of their rods look nice. And in that case it's a limited lifetime but they will at least replace it for 50% and they are up front about it. I don't really damage a lot of rods so a replacement fee isn't too much of an issue for me anyway as long as they are upfront about what it's going to cost if it happens.

I break it, I pay for it.
A “manufacture failure” will usually show up the first time out but does a thirty year old rod that breaks from fatigue comply?

According to the new (Shimano owned) Loomis, no. But you can send it in for review, if denied you’re SOL, and they keep the rod. If covered they offer a $175.00 towards the purchase of a new rod.

So much for the “Lifetime Warranty “

On 4/25/2025 at 4:14 PM, Smirak said:

Say more please? I’ve had zero issues with costa warranty and I’ve used it about 4 or 5 times over the past 15ish years…

Been told you have to provide a receipt of the original purchase to get them replaced now. I have 3 or 4 pairs sitting around broken because who keeps receipts from 10+ years ago?

hahha.. the original reciept thing almost got me bad!!  I had to talk and plead to a dude at the Hookup tackle.  one of the young kids that shows up in videos.  he was so cool.  he stayed on the line with me and re-emailed me a receipt.  he had to wade thru 2.5 years of stuff...lucky I had the shipping slip still.  

 

I think I paid 65% of the cost of a new rod.  the only real benefit is now I have an idea of the profit margin the shops get.   whatever, I broke it.  I owned it.  

 

above someone said something about the old school integrity of a manufacturer.  and how companies care only about profits these days.  I used to be a business major.  ever since the beginning of time, any business only cares about profit.  they offered warranties to attract more profits.   the flip side of the coin, what has also changed are the people.  the general public.  very litigious happy, and that translates directly into a consumer that feels entitled for more and more.   

 

I got run over by a car on my motorcycle.  I didnt sue the guy.  in hindsight I am not sure that was the smart choice, since I still have issues..  but I am still not sue-happy.  

1 hour ago, JHoss said:

Been told you have to provide a receipt of the original purchase to get them replaced now. I have 3 or 4 pairs sitting around broken because who keeps receipts from 10+ years ago?

Had a pair “gifted” to me at work. Basically an employee recognition thingie. No receipt. Told them, no problem, glasses replaced. I’ve not had a hem ask for original receipt before?

2 hours ago, Smirak said:

Had a pair “gifted” to me at work. Basically an employee recognition thingie. No receipt. Told them, no problem, glasses replaced. I’ve not had a hem ask for original receipt before?

Maybe it's time for me to try and submit again. I was told by a rep I needed a receipt and heard similar stories echoed all over the place. Perhaps they got enough backlash to revisit that policy. 

On 4/25/2025 at 2:41 PM, fishballer06 said:

Yamamoto has a lifetime warranty on Senkos. If you ever run out, they will sell you a replacement pack at retail cost. 

 

 

It's the best warranty in all of the tackle industry.  It's airtight.

 

Lately my warranty has been spending 150$ or less on a rod and learning to replace guides.  I'm done trying to get rod manufacturers to sponsor my stupidity.