Fenwick warranty

[IndianaOutdoors]

I have an HMG that i bought around the end of July.  When I first used it I thought that there was too much resistance from the tip guide but since it was my first casting rod I wasn't sure if it was normal.  I only seemed to notice it when the line was at certain angles to the rod.  Last weekend I found a strange spot on the line guide.  It either has a chip or malformation on the line guide.  I don't remember it being there when I got it but I don't recall doing anything to the rod to cause damage to the tip. I contacted Fenwick about warranty and they want me to ship it in so they can inspect it before they decide if they will replace it or not.  I think the tip has been messed up since I got it but I'm worried they will just see it is chipped and assume I damaged it.  They say that if they determine it was not a defect and won't be replaced under warranty that they will still offer a deep discount on a replacement rod.  They don't say how much that discount is.

 So here is the question.  Should I pay for the shipping and take the chance that it might not be replaced under warranty or should I just replace the tip myself?  I don't know what it will cost to ship.  I don't know what a good replacement tip would cost either.   Thoughts?

[new2BC4bass]

9 minutes ago, IndianaOutdoors said:

I have an HMG that i bought around the end of July.  When I first used it I thought that there was too much resistance from the tip guide but since it was my first casting rod I wasn't sure if it was normal.  I only seemed to notice it when the line was at certain angles to the rod.  Last weekend I found a strange spot on the line guide.  It either has a chip or malformation on the line guide.  I don't remember it being there when I got it but I don't recall doing anything to the rod to cause damage to the tip. I contacted Fenwick about warranty and they want me to ship it in so they can inspect it before they decide if they will replace it or not.  I think the tip has been messed up since I got it but I'm worried they will just see it is chipped and assume I damaged it.  They say that if they determine it was not a defect and won't be replaced under warranty that they will still offer a deep discount on a replacement rod.  They don't say how much that discount is.

 So here is the question.  Should I pay for the shipping and take the chance that it might not be replaced under warranty or should I just replace the tip myself?  I don't know what it will cost to ship.  I don't know what a good replacement tip would cost either.   Thoughts?

Ask Fenwick if they will send you a replacement tip.  I received a used Hammer with the insert out of the tip.  Hammer sent me a pack of 4 tip-tops for free.  It is a simple job to replace the tip.  Even I had no problem.    I don't think it is worth sending the rod back unless you want a new one.  Fenwick's offer to me was 45% off any model I wanted to replace a rod I messed up by missing an eye when I put the line on.

[IndianaOutdoors]

They have already told me twice that they don't carry replacement parts.  Sounds like they don't do any repairs at all.  They told me I don't need a tube to ship it back that I could just wrap it in packing paper.  So I guess they just throw away the damaged rods they get back.

[slonezp]

I have sent 3 HMG's  back for warranty. The first 2 were purchased the same day and sent in the same day. One for the tip and the second for the reel seat. About a year later I then sent one of the replacements back because it also had a defective reel seat. All were replaced with no questions asked. Only issue I had with the 2nd replacement is they didn't have the same rod so I had to choose a different length and action. Pay the $20 for shipping. Unlike some other brands Fenwick does not have a deductible. I shipped mine in a pvc tube

 

[IndianaOutdoors]

47 minutes ago, slonezp said:

I have sent 3 HMG's  back for warranty. The first 2 were purchased the same day and sent in the same day. One for the tip and the second for the reel seat. About a year later I then sent one of the replacements back because it also had a defective reel seat. All were replaced with no questions asked. Only issue I had with the 2nd replacement is they didn't have the same rod so I had to choose a different length and action. Pay the $20 for shipping. Unlike some other brands Fenwick does not have a deductible. I shipped mine in a pvc tube

 

I have read of some experiences where Fenwick just sent off a new rod to some people.  Others say the same as you, that they were replaced no questions asked. The last email I received said that they have changed they're warranty policy and they would only replace my rod if it was deemed a defect and not damage.  Just has me nervous that they are cracking down.  If I spend $20 to ship it and they won't replace it then I get 45% off another one. That's $60 into a replacement HMG when I could fix the one I have for a few bucks and buy another new HMG for $60-70.  Does any of this sound new to you guys?  Or should I not worry about it and expect them to take care of me?

[slonezp]

Maybe things have changed, I don't know. They wanted to charge me for the upgrade on the second return and it took very little pushback to get it replaced for free. As far as the first return, the tip on my HMG was defective. It wasn't soldered correctly and there was a "barb" for lack of a better term that the line was catching on. I was ticked about having to pay return shipping, but it is what it is. Are you able to return it to where you purchased it originally?

[Rollincoal420]

17 minutes ago, IndianaOutdoors said:

I have read of some experiences where Fenwick just sent off a new rod to some people.  Others say the same as you, that they were replaced no questions asked. The last email I received said that they have changed they're warranty policy and they would only replace my rod if it was deemed a defect and not damage.  Just has me nervous that they are cracking down.  If I spend $20 to ship it and they won't replace it then I get 45% off another one. That's $60 into a replacement HMG when I could fix the one I have for a few bucks and buy another new HMG for $60-70.  Does any of this sound new to you guys?  Or should I not worry about it and expect them to take care of me?

I don't have experience with their warranty,  but you math seems pretty solid.   I'd find a tip for cheap and buy another rod just cause.   

[DomQ]

If they say the damage was your fault just take the discount and buy a new rod and tell them you still want your old rod back. Its still your rod after all so you can go and get it fixed. 

[Choporoz]

I've used their warranty service more than once in recent months.  I have been more than satisfied.  I agree that tip replacement is a very simple do-it-yourself job.  However, I'm concerned that we don't know what the real problem is.  If it is just the guide, glue, etc....then, fine...simple, permanent DIY fix.  But, if the 'malformation' or 'chip' is in the blank, or because of the blank or, if the blank has been compromised by the issue....you run the risk of voiding a warranted problem.  (Can you post a pic of the spot on here?) 

    IF you decide to replace the tip, I recommend that you take a couple/few good pics and correspond with Fenwick warranty folks first.  Then, if your tip snaps next month, you can probably deal with them from a better position. 

[Jerryj33]

I snapped the tip off of a rod on a hook set and they told me to ship it in. Only cost me 11$. They ended up replacing it with a different rod that was 30$ cheaper than the one I sent them. Took over a month to receive the replacement, so I didn't even feel the need to waste my time complaining to them about it. I won't buy another fenwick.

[MIbassyaker]

I bought a discounted close-out last gen aetos last year. Had it 2 weeks and snapped the tip off by banging it against at table. There was no question it was my fault. When I contacted them they said send it in and I would get a 45% discount on a new rod if it was determined not to be a defect.  So I sent it in thinking I would hear from them about an offer of the discount. Instead, 2 weeks later, a tube just shows up on my door, and inside is a comparable model of the new-gen aetos, which runs $20 more than the last gen did when new.

 

 

[IndianaOutdoors]

33 minutes ago, Choporoz said:

I've used their warranty service more than once in recent months.  I have been more than satisfied.  I agree that tip replacement is a very simple do-it-yourself job.  However, I'm concerned that we don't know what the real problem is.  If it is just the guide, glue, etc....then, fine...simple, permanent DIY fix.  But, if the 'malformation' or 'chip' is in the blank, or because of the blank or, if the blank has been compromised by the issue....you run the risk of voiding a warranted problem.  (Can you post a pic of the spot on here?) 

    IF you decide to replace the tip, I recommend that you take a couple/few good pics and correspond with Fenwick warranty folks first.  Then, if your tip snaps next month, you can probably deal with them from a better position. 

The chip is in the guide.  I tried to get a picture but it wouldn't focus.  It is very small but causes a great deal of friction. At this point I'm just going to replace the tip.  They are sold out of the rod I have so I'm going to get screwed either way.  I like the Fenwick rods but I think I'll be looking into St.Croix the next time I buy.  Anybody have a recommendation for a replacement line guide?  Where's the best place to buy from?  I know of netcraft and mudhole. Are there any others I should look at?

[ClackerBuzz]

Is this only in reference to a tip?  just go buy a $6 tip replacement kit and watch a youtube video.  takes 5 mins.

 

i just had a Fenwick Tech Smallmouth break in half while casting.  they had me return the rod to confirm a defect.   i asked permission to cut the rod in multiple pieces to save on shipping.  after cutting into 5 sections it all fit into a bubble envelope and weighs under 13 oz so it cost $6 to ship ($3 shipping; $3 insurance).  they must be backlogged b/c they never inspected the rod.  i called 4 weeks later and the woman on phone sent out a new rod immediately.

[Choporoz]

2 hours ago, MIbassyaker said:

I bought a discounted close-out last gen aetos last year. Had it 2 weeks and snapped the tip off by banging it against at table. There was no question it was my fault. When I contacted them they said send it in and I would get a 45% discount on a new rod if it was determined not to be a defect.  So I sent it in thinking I would hear from them about an offer of the discount. Instead, 2 weeks later, a tube just shows up on my door, and inside is a comparable model of the new-gen aetos, which runs $20 more than the last gen did when new.

 

 

My story is similar, but with an extra middle chapter.  I broke near-new first gen Aetos spinning rod while high-sticking a snag.  I told them exactly what I'd been doing -- I didn't think it should have broken, but I knew and told them that I wasn't exactly gentle.  They replaced it with a new-gen Aetos baitcasting rod, since that was actually a more emergent need for me.  I broke that one on the first day, first fish -- no abuse, whatsoever.  One phone call and an emailed picture...few days later, brand new rod on my porch.  I've used it pretty hard the last few weeks ...to 'break' it in.  No issues at all. 

     So, my relationship with Fenwick is...complicated.  My ET Small Mouth rods are easily my two favorite rods at any price point.  My brand new Aetos is the lightest 7'MHF rod I've ever owned....I love it, but based on the two previous Aetos, I'm a little fearful for its lifespan.  I do, however, feel very good about their CS and warranty program.

[slonezp]

6 hours ago, Choporoz said:

I do, however, feel very good about their CS and warranty program.

As do I. I don't believe I ever waited more than 10 days or so for a replacement.