Comparable rod to Falcon Lowrider All Around Fast

[Cbump]

Like this rod a lot, however the durability isn’t there. I’m careful with my rods, always in socks, etc, and this is the only rod I own that I find guides bent constantly. Also it’s fading and the glue/clear coat is peeling in several places. I’ve owned this rod about 6 months, but do use It often. 
 

Want to replace with something comparable but better quality. Specs on this rod are 1/4-3/4, 7’, MH F, 12-20lb. I use 15fc and use It for weightless t-rig senko, flukes, light t-rig, 3/8 swim jigs sometimes. 
 

What you think? 

[Derek1]

That’s a bummer. I have a few falcon rods and really like them. Give them a call, maybe they had a bad batch or something. Someone will answer and they’ve always been a pleasure to talk to. 

Can’t hurt. 

[QED]

1 hour ago, Cbump said:

Like this rod a lot, however the durability isn’t there. I’m careful with my rods, always in socks, etc, and this is the only rod I own that I find guides bent constantly. Also it’s fading and the glue/clear coat is peeling in several places. I’ve owned this rod about 6 months, but do use It often. 
 

Want to replace with something comparable but better quality. Specs on this rod are 1/4-3/4, 7’, MH F, 12-20lb. I use 15fc and use It for weightless t-rig senko, flukes, light t-rig, 3/8 swim jigs sometimes. 
 

What you think? 

 

Haven't tried that rod so I can't comment on comparables, but it definitely seems to have defects in materials/workmanship so I'd make a warranty claim if I were you.

[Cbump]

The falcon website says you must have proof of purchase for a warranty claim. I bought this rod at academy like 6 months ago. Definitely don’t have any proof of purchase. 

[new2BC4bass]

I suppose customer service could have changed over the past 10 years.  I fell and broke 2 pieces off the tip of an original Expert.  Obviously not a manufacturing defect.  I called Falcon customer service and explained exactly what happened.  I bought the rod new, but not from a store.  Bought 3 as a package deal from a guy on another forum.  Customer service did not ask for a receipt.

 

As far as I am concerned, Falcon went above and beyond.  The girl that answered the phone asked me to send them the part of the rod where its specs were located.  I sent that and $80 and they sent me a comparable Cara (a $200 rod at that time) as Experts were no longer in production.  I suppose there are some that would feel Falcon should have sent me a free rod.  I am not one of them.  (There's no explaining some peoples attitudes.)  Technically Falcon owed me nothing so needless to say I was very thrilled with the results.

[Cbump]

I’ll give them a call Tuesday to see!

[Nelson Delaney]

1 hour ago, Cbump said:

I’ll give them a call Tuesday to see!

while you have them on the line ask they bring production back to USA 

[Cbump]

Lol you got It. 
 

So regardless of whether they’ll replace or not, anyone have any suggestions on comparable rods? I have a hard time leaving well enough alone. 
Anyone tried the ALX Ikos Buzz 7?

[rangerjockey]

I have it in the Cara series. It's your basic 7ft MH Fast. Everybody makes one. Mine is the T7 and its moderate enough to throw a crankbait on. 

For a little more than a Lowrider you can pick up a Powell Endurance. Really good in that price range. 

5 hours ago, Nelson Delaney said:

while you have them on the line ask they bring production back to USA 

I wouldn't hold my breath but if you want a rod made in the same facility in Harrison AR. By some of the some of the same folks using the same actions you can buy a Virtus.

[Munkin]

I have 2 Lowriders that I use for spinnerbaits and have had zero problems? For what you are using it for just find a 7' MH Rod you like and go with it.

 

Allen 

[the reel ess]

I have one that's probably 20 years old. So old it was made in USA. I bought it used from a coworker for $50 about 15 years ago. The line guides are a tad flimsy, but I just bend them back out. They've stayed on with a lot of use. It hasn't had any issues with the finish though. It's my most sensitive rod by far. Therefore it's my favorite. I've used it for everything from frogs to crankbaits. I settled on T-rigs with it.

[Cbump]

Not a US Rod but I’m leaning heavily to replacing It with a Tatula Elite Brent Ehrler 7’3” multi purpose rod.