LostMyWife Posted January 5, 2007 Author Posted January 5, 2007 Thanks CC What should I look for if I do purchase a used graphite rod and I can lay hands on it? I looked at the name and the price and thought they looked pretty good. I have read and heard a lot of great things about G Loomis rods. LMW Yes, I'm That Guy
Crippled Caddis Posted January 6, 2007 Posted January 6, 2007 What should I look for if I do purchase a used graphite rod and I can lay hands on it?> ANYTHING that indicates it has had a collision with anything. The most minor of scratches can cover a stress riser. Deep scratches or gouges would turn me off if it was free! "You need only reflect that one of the best ways to get yourself a reputation as a dangerous citizen these days is to go about repeating the very phrases which our founding fathers used in their struggle for independence." ---Charles Austin Beard
Terry Beeson Posted January 6, 2007 Posted January 6, 2007 Guides wrapped with electrical tape would be a no-no... Seriously, CC just about nailed it. Look the rod over very carefully and slowly for any scratches, dents, breaks, cracks, and evidence of repairs. I'd even hold the rod just above the grip and hold the grip and give it a little "twist" to see if there is any looseness there. Also, I'd lawn cast it with a yarn tag for the fly. I've purchased used rods on eBay and through other forums "sight unseen" except for photos, but I don't recommmend it unless it is a real bargain. But be prepared to be skinned at some point doing that. I bought a pair of TFO rods without seeing them first and was very anxious until I got them and found them to be in great shape. And I got both of them for what one of them was worth. TIGHT LINES, YA'LL "There he stands, draped in more equipment than a telephone lineman, trying to outwit an organism with a brain no bigger than a breadcrumb, and getting licked in the process." - Paul O’Neil
LostMyWife Posted January 6, 2007 Author Posted January 6, 2007 Last year I bougth several bait casters with Ugly Sticks on eBay. I got great deals and some good gear. I will be a little more careful with fly rods. LMW Yes, I'm That Guy
jjtroutbum Posted January 7, 2007 Posted January 7, 2007 Two TFO rods for the price of one darn I woulda also pulled that trigger Jon Joy ___________ "A jerk at one end of the line is enough." unknown author The Second Amendment was written for hunting tyrants not ducks. "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote." Benjamin Franklin, 1759
Guest flyfishBDS Posted January 7, 2007 Posted January 7, 2007 NEVER ever bought a used rod nor would I want to even when I was a struggling writer lol. Not just becasue I now run a fly shop and hence sell new ones. But simply because to my way of thinking the prices on used rods are ridiculous for what you in fact get. Look at it this way buy a new rod you have it for 25 years to life _ due to the warranty going with the original owner (I think Loomis is different not sure). So a new rod you have it for 25y, second hand rod you have it till it breaks, which might be the next meeting with a car door. Remember you can't cure stupid (ive done 2 this way). So you can either try to pass yourself off as the original owner and deal with your own conscience over what is fraud or your money is lost. Personally I'd do away with rod warranties in return for cheaper prices but that's another debate entirely Point two. Depreciation on anything you take out of the showroom is pretty steep, look at motor vehicles. The real depreciation on something as fragile as a rod would have to be higher _ any actuaries here? lol. Yes a rod that has been Clousered might show a small chip or mark but the real damage is internal and not easily seen. CC is right cane rods can take a lot more abuse, have a lot longer life, collectable value etyc etc and are worth buying used, but the fact they do pull big money I think is misleading the market into thinking graphite rods are worth close to retail So to my way of thinking _ and we all get to spend our own money how we want _ the used prices of graphite rods etc is way overinflated on places like ebay etc. If you apply logic to the pricing (not just that you can save 20-30% over a new rod) then I couldn't pay anything close to half retail price over a new rod. But a lot of people do as evidence by all the sales on ebay etc _ shows how much I know lol. We each have to evaulate the risk and work out what its worth. Cheers Steve
Terry Beeson Posted January 7, 2007 Posted January 7, 2007 Steve, Very good points. I agree that most of the prices for used rods are outrageous considering the lack of warranty. I think you have to consider a couple other points as well. Sort of like buying a used car, are you buying someone else's problems? Why are they selling the rod? Like I said, I've only purchased the two TFOs used. And the ONLY reason I took the chance was the fact that I could buy a 3 WT and 8 WT rod for what the used 3 WTs were selling for on eBay. TIGHT LINES, YA'LL "There he stands, draped in more equipment than a telephone lineman, trying to outwit an organism with a brain no bigger than a breadcrumb, and getting licked in the process." - Paul O’Neil
Guest flyfishBDS Posted January 7, 2007 Posted January 7, 2007 Yeh that sounds reasonable! How's the knee?
Terry Beeson Posted January 7, 2007 Posted January 7, 2007 Sore... but better. Can't stand long enough to fish, but maybe before long... TIGHT LINES, YA'LL "There he stands, draped in more equipment than a telephone lineman, trying to outwit an organism with a brain no bigger than a breadcrumb, and getting licked in the process." - Paul O’Neil
Guest flyfishBDS Posted January 7, 2007 Posted January 7, 2007 good to hear its improving hated doing a knee
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