humbleangler Posted January 19, 2020 Posted January 19, 2020 So in another recent post of mine I mentioned finding what I thought was a steal, a Loomis Classic 6' IMX for $178...I purchased from a "big fish" retailer we don't discuss on this forum. Now, regardless of what you all think of my posts, I can't begin to articulate how invaluable this forum has been for me over the last few years. If I'm wondering about something fishing related, not limited to bass fishing, I throw it in the search bar and sure enough, there is already a discussion available with insights from knowledgeable, approachable people. I say this because I feel like I should have trusted my gut along with the folks running this site and not placed the order. In any event, I found many other sources that provided positive reviews of this retailer and claimed they never had a problem, so I did place the order. The rod was delivered timely, well packaged, make and model was correct...but there was a bit of gunk near the tip. After closer inspection, it almost appears there was a crack just below the tip guide and they repaired it. I did plenty of in-home testing and if it truly was a repair job, it seems it was done well...measured the rod at exactly 6' so I know they didn't crack a few inches off and slap a new tip on...but still concerned and irritated about the whole thing. I guess I have two questions and I'm not sure the first is appropriate on this site, so forgive me...I now agree with the site owners and don't care to give this retailer any publicity, good or bad, but I am very interested in other people's experiences...and second, is it possible that a brand like G. Loomis actually shipped a rod in this condition? I can't confirm a repair has been done, it's possible it's simply a minor defect from the factory...a little extra glue/gloss/resin near the tip, but I am definitely leaning towards this not being factory. Any thoughts?
Super User jbsoonerfan Posted January 19, 2020 Super User Posted January 19, 2020 Did you contact the "no name" retailer and send a pic, or just ask us first? If I am at Chili's and I order a burger with mustard and it comes with mayonnaise I don't post it here and ask what I should do, I don't see why you would ask here without first asking the retailer. Or, maybe even a pic here to see what people think..... I don't know, just seems odd to run here first. 4
humbleangler Posted January 19, 2020 Author Posted January 19, 2020 Fair points...I haven't contacted them yet, but will be tonight. In my defense, it was just delivered Thursday night and with work and kids, this was my first chance to really check it out. Plus, considering it was the last rod in stock and the somewhat mixed/questionable reviews of the retailer, I'm already preparing for an unpleasant experience trying to get info from them or a possible return...I didn't get a return label, so repackaging and paying shipping on the rod alone is going to be a pain in the ass...not to mention, I can't even tell 100% if it's simply cosmetic or there was real damage. Here are a couple pics...let me know what you think.
jeffo21 Posted January 19, 2020 Posted January 19, 2020 I'm like you I cant really tell which it is but its sure not right for a rod at that price. 2
RichF Posted January 19, 2020 Posted January 19, 2020 My guess is that rod is just old and has been sitting around a warehouse/storage facility for some time. I have placed a handful of orders with that company over the years and have had no issues. I imagine they would make it right. Let us know how it goes.
Super User QUAKEnSHAKE Posted January 19, 2020 Super User Posted January 19, 2020 This tip is on a 13 fishing rod. It glued poorly twisted off center and crooked along with other defect. Not really the fault of the store it was bought from just poor quality from 13, it got returned.
scbassin Posted January 19, 2020 Posted January 19, 2020 Ir's hard to tell but it does it looks like a repair job to me. The tip might might have been out of alignment.
Super User iabass8 Posted January 19, 2020 Super User Posted January 19, 2020 14 hours ago, jbsoonerfan said: Did you contact the "no name" retailer and send a pic, or just ask us first? If I am at Chili's and I order a burger with mustard and it comes with mayonnaise I don't post it here and ask what I should do, I don't see why you would ask here without first asking the retailer. Or, maybe even a pic here to see what people think..... I don't know, just seems odd to run here first. The accuracy of this post is too accurate. 1
Hulkster Posted January 19, 2020 Posted January 19, 2020 that look like a repair job to me as well. new or never used rods from the factory typically don't have glue looking like that.
Super User WRB Posted January 19, 2020 Super User Posted January 19, 2020 What color thread are the other guides wrap with? I am not familiar with the Classic IMX G. Loomis rods. The epoxy is too obvious to be overlooked by visual inspection and contacting the supplier is appropriate. Tom
Hulkster Posted January 19, 2020 Posted January 19, 2020 i had a few classic IMX rods in the late 90s and the thread wrapping was done with black. they werent decorated much back then.
diehardbassfishing Posted January 19, 2020 Posted January 19, 2020 Looks like sloppy tip-top fix. Would doubt the rod blank is cracked - they are solid graphite from apx 6 to 9 inches at the top. Karl 1
mrpao Posted January 19, 2020 Posted January 19, 2020 I'm pretty sure "Big Fish" should take care of this for you. I have ordered from them several times and never had an issue. They should send you a return label since it's a manufacturer's defect. 1
Craig P Posted January 20, 2020 Posted January 20, 2020 I have built and repaired a fair share of rods and to me, it looks like a tip top that was put on crooked and then fixed, after it arrived at the store, lousily. Most likely from someone heating up the tip top to align it and in the process, they cracked the flex coat twisting the tip top. I’ve seen this on TFO’s and St Croix while on store racks so while lousy, it does happen. It’s an easy fix to be honest, some tip top glue (to make sure the job is done correctly, other than relying on how it sits) and flex coat and you would never know. However, I would send it back and have the retailer send me a new one. We don’t spend our hard earned money to fix other people’s mistakes. 2
Super User FishTank Posted January 20, 2020 Super User Posted January 20, 2020 I looks like the guide is cracked at the end of the insert and not a repair to me. I would contact the seller and ask them about returning it. If that doesn't have a happy conclusion, you can contact G. Loomis. With the serial number and the pictures, they can give you a better idea about the guide and it's condition. 1
Dirtyeggroll Posted January 20, 2020 Posted January 20, 2020 I have had to return a rod to that retailer because I had the wrong one and they were quick to replace it with the one I wanted with no cost to me.
lo n slo Posted January 20, 2020 Posted January 20, 2020 i’ve bought alot of stuff from them (no rods) and have never once had an issue. they should make it right. i refuse to buy boots, shoes, and/or fishing rods online from anyone. 2
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