Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth -- Repair or replace?

[MIbassyaker]

Got out on the water this morning to find one of my Elite Tech Smallmouth casters unuseable when, upon picking it up, I felt the reel wobble in my hand and could not tighten it down -- It seems the threads that secure the foregrip to lock down the reel have come unglued (silver piece below now slides freely above the cork inlay):

 

Should I send this in for a warranty claim, or try to repair (more likely, have somebody else do it, since I know nothing about rod repair)?

 

If my prior (happy) experiences with Fenwick's warranty system are any guide, they would likely replace it with a comparable new model of the current Elite Tech Bass line, with no extra cost to me beyond what I spend to send it in. Normally, this is what I would do.

 

The problem is...this particular rod is a uniquely excellent model -- it is a 6'10" medium-heavy, moderate-fast, and I don't see that Fenwick has a current model of comparable in power and action (and handle length -- short, as I prefer) to this particular one.

 

So if this is an easy or cheap repair that would add significant life to this particular rod, even if it voids the warranty, I'd consider it.

 

Does anybody have any experience with the newer Elite Tech and older smallmouth lines, and can speak to whether this model has a counterpart in the new line?

 

What would you do -- repair or replace?

[Choporoz]

4 minutes ago, MIbassyaker said:

 

What would you do?

Cry?

 

 

Seriously....I LOVE my ET SM's.    First inclination would be repair...but then again, the handles are just about the best aspect of them... would they be like new after repair?.......good luck

[lmbfisherman]

I liked their power/action with the previous line than the newer ones.  I would repair, no brainer for me.  I do not like the newer ones.

[bigturtle]

Ask around to see what the best adhesive is for that kind of work. Epoxy, super glue, quick cement, see what can hold it the best

[Fishin' Fool]

I would contact Fenwick even sending them the pictures you have posted and see what they would be willing to do for you.  It couldn't hurt to ask.

[fishnkamp]

First I would give Fenwick a call and see what they would do. Ask if they have that same rod available in the new series.  If they do not have a solution then I would look for a custom rod builder near you.

 

Check with several local tackle shops. They usually know who does repairs and custom builds. If you can not find one you like you could contact my builder in MD. He does get rods shipped in periodically.

I will share a recent problem I had and it resulted in a similar repair.   I fish several G Loomis spinning rods. These are beloved to me but sometimes things happen. I fish these, these rods are not mantle pieces.  I broke a G Loomis 6 foot SJR 721 spin jig rod.  I covers 1/16 to 5/16 and it is so sensitive. Anyway it was at least 10 years old. I contacted my local tackle shop and they said they could handle the "no questions asked" warranty exchange. So off I went with money in hand to get its replacement. To my disappointment G Loomis had changed the newer model to an up locking reel seat. I hate them, so my best option was to pay the warranty cost plus an upgrade charge and get the same rod in IMX. That is what I did. I got home and could not wait to use it. I used it for several trips and realized this new "all Plastic" reel seat kept loosening up and the more often I tightened it up the more likely I was going to break it.

My solution was to go to Tom's Custom rods. We decided to strip the entire full cork handle in the rear, the real seat, and the front cork section. We chose a set of Winn split grips and an American Tackle Comfort reel seat.  You could choose any reel seat and grip system you want.  Here are a couple of pics showing what the rod was originally  and what I chose to setup it up with now. After fishing Ned rigs on it for almost a week I had Tom do the same changes to my SJR722.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

From the looks of it that threaded barrel just cam loose from the blank. Easy fix. If you want to tackle it email or call me and I'll walk you through it. 

[fishwizzard]

I have a pair of the medium heavy\fast Smallmouth Elites

and I'm very fond of them, I would absolutely try to repair it.  

[new2BC4bass]

Have the same rod.  Love my ET SM rods.  I'd get it fixed.  I'd take Mike up on his offer if you think you can do it yourself.

[MIbassyaker]

Thanks all -- ETS fans say repair, DVT says easy fix....I believe I will look into repairing.

 

17 hours ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

From the looks of it that threaded barrel just cam loose from the blank. Easy fix. If you want to tackle it email or call me and I'll walk you through it. 

 Will do!

[new2BC4bass]

34 minutes ago, MIbassyaker said:

Thanks all -- ETS fans say repair, DVT says easy fix....I believe I will look into repairing.

 

 Will do!

 

Right choice!    Bought my first one on the recommendation of smalljaw67.  His opinion was he didn't see how Fenwick could be selling them for less than $200.  I've not handled the new Elite Tech Bass rods, but from what I've read they are a heavier rod than the Smallmouths.  Wish Fenwick had added to the line rather than dropping it even if they had to increase the price a bit.  I do like my Aetos rods.

[S Hovanec]

Little epoxy and it'll be as good as new

[MIbassyaker]

It dawns on me that I never followed up this post... 

 

A short call to Mike at DVT was all it took -- he told me what materials to get and gave some instructions on doing it properly. It was an easy epoxy fix as mentioned, very straightforward. The rod is back in service, slinging spinnerbaits and chatterbaits just like before, as if nothing happened. Thanks Mike!

 

 

 

 

[kschultz76]

7 hours ago, MIbassyaker said:

It dawns on me that I never followed up this post... 

 

A short call to Mike at DVT was all it took -- he told me what materials to get and gave some instructions on doing it properly. It was an easy epoxy fix as mentioned, very straightforward. The rod is back in service, slinging spinnerbaits and chatterbaits just like before, as if nothing happened. Thanks Mike!

 

 

 

 

Mike is a stand up guy who offers his advice and experience freely. Mike has taken time out to give me similar advice on a repair I still need to execute. Thanks for letting us all know how it worked out and thanks to Mike for being a great part of this community. 

[Angry John]

I had this happen to my rod.  Mine was the 610mlxf. I had a small set of two part epoxy and I fixed it myself no big deal.  The warranty is not worth the effort.  My one tip is to clean the blank with a razor and then glue the threads down not locked to the top nut.  Use rubber bands or zip ties to hold it in place while it dries so they don't get stuck together.