Why Fly Rods Break

[drew03cmc]

Sorry to dredge this thread back up, however, the unconditional lifetime warranties that we all love so much are part of the reason that mid-range to premium fly rods are rising in price EVERY year. I have it figured that at least 1/3 of the price, and probably closer to half is figured in for warranty. I vote for getting rid of UCWs and put in a UCLW, unconditional limited warranty, for something like 3 years. Most of us get new rods yearly or almost yearly. Honestly, the American makers have priced themselves out of the market.

[Greg]

Sorry to dredge this thread back up, however, the unconditional lifetime warranties that we all love so much are part of the reason that mid-range to premium fly rods are rising in price EVERY year. I have it figured that at least 1/3 of the price, and probably closer to half is figured in for warranty. I vote for getting rid of UCWs and put in a UCLW, unconditional limited warranty, for something like 3 years. Most of us get new rods yearly or almost yearly. Honestly, the American makers have priced themselves out of the market.

I agree. I would rather there was a one to 5 year warranty (with a lower price tag) than unconditional lifetime warranty.

Greg

[Danoinark]

First fly rod I built was in a class. I thought it turned out pretty good. The blank was from Dorber in Flippin. I took it on its maiden fishing trip to RR and as I was pulling the tip end from the rod sock....snap....about three inches of the tip was in my right hand. Typically I take a back up or two but not this time. A wasted trip and my pride was broken. I took the tip section to Dorber they kindly gave me another and I built the new section. I am extremely careful these days...

Course I don't worry as much, GLASS don't break as easily.....

Dano

[ness]

I've only broken one rod. Lost my balance and slapped the tip on the ground in front of me.

But, something that I've done more times than I'd like to admit: leave a rod on top of, or leaning against the car. Lost one completely (including reel, line, leader and fly, Roaring River); banged up one pretty bad when it slid off onto the road (Baptist Camp); ran over one, destroying the reel: I realized I'd left it on top of the car, stopped and it wasn't there, turned around to go back and ran over it in the parking lot (local lake). Couple other close calls.

I just don't put them on the car anymore. Pretty smart, huh?

[drew03cmc]

I would like a Winston WT, however, the $635 price tag is too much. Also, when you break a Winston, Scott or something else along those lines, you have to wait a good while for the rod back anyway, so I would like to see a cheaper price and less warranty. Any idea how to make that work?

Dan, I understand how stout glass is. I like that aspect.

[bowfin47]

The last fly rod that we had break was by my 17 year old son, Ian, as he was trying to put a Boga on a 35+ lb redfish, while soloing in a Sawyer Tripper canoe in a lighting filled, driving rainstorm in 3ft.+ white-capping waves...

He "shortened' up on MY 6 wt. Orvis Clearwater, about 6 inches above the handle, as he was "horsing up" the red.....

Guess where the rod broke?

Kyle

PS

Many of ya' will remember Ian from many years at Southern Council Conclaves.

[Trout Stalker]

I would like a Winston WT, however, the $635 price tag is too much. Also, when you break a Winston, Scott or something else along those lines, you have to wait a good while for the rod back anyway, so I would like to see a cheaper price and less warranty. Any idea how to make that work?

I sent my rod into Winston and had it back in 2 weeks. Also, if you watch the big auction (Ebay) there are a few brand new Winston WT's on there that a flyshop is selling at 30% off. Usually the reason they sell them that cheap is either discountinued or the shop is no longer a dealer and they are allowed to sell them at a discount. They still have the factory warranty.