Broken Shimano Crucial

[getfished]

Well, I went to Bass Pro last night an unfortunately they don't carry the "Clarus" model rod anymore so I was unable to switch it out. He said it would have been no problem if they would of had that model. I did go ahead and switch out my Abu Garcia Veritas rod. I busted the insert out of the end eye last week and the gentlemen seen the rod and within 5 minutes he handed me a new one and told me to have a good day. I was impressed bc I have had some bad experiences at BP in the years I've been there.

I know what you mean about bad experiences. Everything has not always been just perfect for me either at BPS. Oh well no matter. I also had a similar problem with a Shimano rod. My only option was to send the rod to Shimano which I did. I also included a money order made to Shimano for approx. $20 to cover return shipping. They sent me a new rod from a more expensive line, a step up, since they no longer had the rod I needed. Turnaround time was about 2 weeks. I was impressed.You might consider that approach. Good Luck.

[Stump bumper]

I know what you mean about bad experiences. Everything has not always been just perfect for me either at BPS. Oh well no matter. I also had a similar problem with a Shimano rod. My only option was to send the rod to Shimano which I did. I also included a money order made to Shimano for approx. $20 to cover return shipping. They sent me a new rod from a more expensive line, a step up, since they no longer had the rod I needed. Turnaround time was about 2 weeks. I was impressed.You might consider that approach. Good Luck.

I have sent serveral rods to shimano and they have always paid the return shipping no questions asked. I have also taken in broken shimino rods to dealers other than where I bought the rod and they have exchanged over the counter no questions asked if they had the rod in stock.

Hook,line and sinker in Rogers,AR is great for that.

[abkeenan]

Made it up to Bass Pro today and returned the broken crucial no questions asked. I guess the rod was purchased on sale for 129.99 3 years ago and was also the drop shot model which is less than the model my brother wanted (7ft.MHF), so my brother had to pay the difference of $30 for the new rod that was 159.99. So thats what happened which I think that was fair. I am also looking to buy a rod but I am waiting til their spring sale in Feb. to see what all goes on sale. So lets say I fondeled just about every rod in the joint. Here are my opinions on the rods I have been looking into only based on in store handling (All were each brands 7ft MH rods).

Falcon BuCoo- very light and very sensitive. Seemed just like the Cara only cheaper components (guides, foam handles). 5 year warranty. $109.99

Falcon Lowrider- light and sensitive. Similar to the Shimano Crucial. Liked the smaller guides and cork. 5 year warranty. $149.99

Abu Garcia Veritas. super light and a bit stiff but really liked it. Foam handles were a bit denser that the falcon bucoo. For $100 bucks seems legit. Hate the 1 year warranty.

Handled some All-Star rods. Felt like they were made with bricks compared to the other rods.

Handled all the BPS CarbonLite models: the Carbonlite, the new Carbon Black and the new Johnny Morris Signature Series II Black. Was actually really impressed. Super light and lots of quality fuji guides. The guides/inserts are nicer the higher up the price goes. Like the Carbon Black because it has the cork handles and not the foam like the Carbon Lites and JMorris Signature Black. Like the 2 piece reel seats so you have contact with the rod on your fingers. Not sure on the warranties. 1 year???? $119.99-139.99

Shimano Compre- Very nice for the $. Thought it was similar to the BPS Carbons. Love the cork and the lifetime warranty. $109.99 Handled the Cumulus, well beyond my price range. Holy Crap Awesome. $349.99

Temple Fork Outfitters. A bit heavier than the others but components seemed nice and well made. Like the look of them and the cork looks to be nice. They are new to the bass fishing rod arena and I would let them work out some of the kinks before buying one of their rods. Could be really nice in future models and rodmaking. I think they have a lifetime warranty but for a price. $100.00

Also handled the Duckett Micro Magic rod. The lightest rod of the bunch. Felt like you didnt even have anything in your hand. I am not considering buying this rod but wow was it light.

Thats all I got.

-Brett

[getfished]

Good follow up post. Thanks. I wasn't sure Shimano was still authorizing over the counter returns/swaps with their dealers or not. That's good to know.