Great Customer Service

[Bill Babler]

When Phil and I got back from Alaska we had some equipment issues. Had several broken rods, that were no part the problem of either manufactor. Equipment was good application was bad.

Temple Fork Outfitters was without a doubt excellent to work with. I sent in two rods and they were back within 4 days. Yes you did read that right. "FOUR DAYS." They are interested in what happend to the rods, not to fuss, but to make the product better. I wrote a short explaination and included it with the broken rods. Not new rods, but a replaced new section for the broken one.

4 Star Service. Cost was the return and a $25.00 replacement fee per rod.

Orvis, we had 3 broken rods including a Helios, Hydros and a Clearwater. All back within a week, none of them repaired. Simply sent me new rods. Cost me to ship them and that was it. Frankly they don't care how they break. You slam it in a door. You break it over your knee. Broken rods are repaired without cost or question and returned immediatly.

5 Star Service You just get a new rod when one breaks.

Both companies were a pleasure to work with and I would recommend either highly. The new Temple Fork BVD was without a doubt one of our best Salmon Rods. For Pink Salmon in the 4 to 8 pound range their 6wt. was without equal. We supplied the rods and I kind of watched what the clients wanted to use. We had mostly 6 and 7 weights in either Orvis or Temple Fork Outfitters. Most all had either Hydros or Large Arbor Orvis Reels Reels preformed very nice with the all sealed Hydros not clogging with sand as would the Battenkill Large Arbor at times. We cleaned and oiled them most every night, which is a must when you are fishing salt water.

The most popular rod by far was the Blue Hydros, followed by the BVD's. Phil thought the Helios was just a bit to light, if that is possible. It is like a feather, and gives you abit of trepadation, when fishing for big fish. We had a 7 wt. that did break, but believe you me, it was no fault of the rod. It was gross negligence on the part of the user. We believe he was trying to break it.

The other breaks happened mostly by getting a fish to close to the tip on a short leader and putting to much strain on the rod. Also we did have a tree incident or two.

Would also like to mention we used 10 Orvis Frequent Flyer packable 3 piece spinning rods with Shimano 2500 stradics spooled with 8 pound maxima. These are 7 ft. rods and they are outstanding. I believe they are a Clearwater blank, and thaet tandem preformed flawless. If you are looking for a great gift, you will not beat this packable combo.

Good Luck