FYI: Loomis Warranty

[flechero]

Just to clarify the Xpeditor is not offered if a warranty claim has been denied.

That's the most absurd thing I have ever heard. Step on the rod or just break it so you can get a new one and expediter is ok but ask for a rep to look at it to determine if it's a defect and then forfiet any right to use the NO QUESTIONS asked policy??? You have got to be kidding???? Is that actually in writing anywhere? I would go on a lifelong negative PR crusade against Loomis if that policy is in ink.

I will regret having ever defended Loomis,as I have staunchly defended them for all the years I've been here at BassResource.com if that is the policy.

Hey Dan-

Since we are not experts in rod breakage, how can he be penalized for asking Loomis to inspect a break to make a warranty decision?

Wow... this certainly changes things.

[JigMe]

I think the lesson learned for me is that if I ever break a rod (which I hope never happens), no matter if I feel it was manufacturer defect of not, I am using the Xpeditor Service.

Yep.

That is not right. Sure... you can save all the hassle, but if it was really a defected rod then you are in titled to a replacement. It's not about the $50.

It is a less of a hassle by paying the 50 bucks look all the trouble RoLo went through. You would not able to get a replace rod if company denies your claim. Personally, I think this policy needs to be looked at because it doesn't make sense.

[RoLo]

Sure... you can save all the hassle, but if it was really a defected rod then you are in entitled to a replacement.

It's not about the $50.

Thank You

[jamarkwe]

Just to clarify the Xpeditor is not offered if a warranty claim has been denied.

That's the most absurd thing I have ever heard. Step on the rod or just break it so you can get a new one and expediter is ok but ask for a rep to look at it to determine if it's a defect and then forfiet any right to use the NO QUESTIONS asked policy??? You have got to be kidding???? Is that actually in writing anywhere? I would go on a lifelong negative PR crusade against Loomis if that policy is in ink.

I will regret having ever defended Loomis,as I have staunchly defended them for all the years I've been here at BassResource.com if that is the policy.

Hey Dan-

Since we are not experts in rod breakage, how can he be penalized for asking Loomis to inspect a break to make a warranty decision?

Wow... this certainly changes things.

well said....

[-nick-]

I think the lesson learned for me is that if I ever break a rod (which I hope never happens), no matter if I feel it was manufacturer defect of not, I am using the Xpeditor Service.

Yep.

That is not right. Sure... you can save all the hassle, but if it was really a defected rod then you are in titled to a replacement. It's not about the $50.

Exactly. Nothing else to it really. The policy seems a little sketch right now. Obviously he felt like he was not at fault for the rod breaking, otherwise he would have taken the other route with the xpediture service. He deserved a new rod out of it. I mean dang the rods getting shipped from the factory to the store could've been the cause and overtime just wore and wore until it snapped, still not his fault.

[Fishing Doug]

Wow. I didn't think my dislike towards Shimano could get any worse. I was wrong....

[burleytog]

Wow. I didn't think my dislike towards Shimano could get any worse. I was wrong....

[K_Mac]

Just to clarify the Xpeditor is not offered if a warranty claim has been denied. That has always been the Loomis policy as I was told by my Loomis contact. He has been with the company for over 10 years. This is not a new policy that Shimano put in place.

I'm sorry you are not happy but this is the policy. Like I said give us a call and try to see if they will offer you the Xpedite or something else. This is outside of my abilities to help you out.

I don't have a dog in this fight, so have stayed out of the discussion till now. I am puzzled by this though; If I send a rod back to GLoomis that I believe is defective for warranty replacement and they determine it is not I have no further recourse? If I send the same rod back using the xpiditer service, I receive a replacement rod for $50. How do I know if the rod is defective? Even if it brakes while removing it from its original packaging can I know for sure that it wasn't damaged during packaging? The only reason for such a policy that I can see, is to discourage customers from asking for a free replacement for a defective rod. I understand that GLoomis makes one of the finest rods in the business, and that many people will try to take advantage, but to deny access to the xpiditer service if the warranty replacement is denied is punitive and just bad business in my opinion.

[SPEEDBEAD.]

Dam....I was afraid to fish with the ONE Loomis I have before reading this thread.

Now I have it locked away where it will never be fished... ;D

That is the dumbest policy in a world full of candidates...

[burleytog]

Dam....I was afraid to fish with the ONE Loomis I have before reading this thread.

Now I have it locked away where it will never be fished... ;D

That is the dumbest policy in a world full of candidates...

I would offer to store it for you, but I know it's a left-handed rod.

[Fishing Doug]

Wow. I didn't think my dislike towards Shimano could get any worse. I was wrong....

not sure why you find that funny....   :-?

[SirSnookalot]

I have to give the nod to Rolo, he got screwed.  He probably has more expertise with fishing equipment than the majority of people working at loomis or shimano.  As far as a rod inspector, I think a 20 minute class with a magnifying glass is about all you need to become an expert, it's nothing more than a piece of graphite with no moving parts.

Shimano misses the boat in customer relations, I have had reel issues with them, the wholesale manufacturing cost of their equipment isn't all that much money.  I like their products but I don't put them on a pedestal.

[MarauderYak]

I made a post a couple of months ago saying it would be interesting to watch things with Loomis this year.  With accounting, shipping, and customer service being taken over completely by Shimano there is bound to be some change.  The first reason, is the same thing I've seen repeatedly in this industry.  Within Shimano, there is a higher since of pride in Shimano product than in Loomis.  Of course they want Loomis to succeed, but for now they just don't have the same pride in a GLX as they do in a Cumara.

The second factor is that Shimano has several corporate philosophies that differ from those Loomis used to have.  Both companies have always strived to produce the highest quality items, so that's the positive.  But I think Loomis may suffer on some aspects (other than quality) over the next year.

[SWMIBASSER]

broken or not I would demand the rod back....It's YOUR rod.

Hell maybe you want to pull components off it to use on another rod ;D

I'll buy the broken rod from you.

[Bassaholic84]

St. Croix still has terrific service never had any problem with them at all.....This is shocking to hear that about loomis tho... Looks like im getting another st croix this year instead of  a loomis

[fourbizz]

I was debating whether to have my new custom built on a GLX blank...

North Fork Composites it is then.

[Tin]

So basically add $50 to the cost of any Loomis rod.  Yea, no thanks....

[Dan:]

The lack of split grip designs was making it a difficult choice for my next rod, but this is pretty much putting it over the edge.

I agree with flechero's viewpoint. I certainly don't feel like SirSnook about rod experts because I know that there must be stuff about breakage and graphite properties as well as applied forces and other stuff I don't know. BUT if the rod is broken and not under warranty, give the option for the $50 swap.

The lesson is clear, just use the Xpeditor service. It certainly favors the company over the user but at least you'll get the situation resolved favorably. Besides, as previously mentioned, the difference after shipping is factored into the equation is relatively small.

[SirSnookalot]

I would think the rods are just visually inspected and not put under any type hi tech examining equipment or ordinary xray, but it would be quite easy to learn without having an advance degree.

As far as I'm concerned the only true lifetime warranty is a no questions asked over the counter or freight is picked up by the company, as my rod company does.

The expediter  service looks like a way just to charge an extra 50 bucks for the rod, I have fallen prey myself to these types of practices.  If you like the rod spend the extra money, they are good rods.

[Pantera61]

I would think the rods are just visually inspected and not put under any type hi tech examining equipment or ordinary xray, but it would be quite easy to learn without having an advance degree.

As far as I'm concerned the only true lifetime warranty is a no questions asked over the counter or freight is picked up by the company, as my rod company does.

The expediter service looks like a way just to charge an extra 50 bucks for the rod, I have fallen prey myself to these types of practices. If you like the rod spend the extra money, they are good rods.

At least they are honest about it.  I wouldn't trust a company that hides the price of cost in the price of the rod and spreads the cost between everybody who purchases the rod.  If you never have to use the warranty, you're still carrying part of the load for someone who breaks it under questionable circumstances.  I've heard those who support such a practice as "rod commies".

I hate commies and I hate rod commies even more.

[Alpster]

As far as I'm concerned the only true lifetime warranty is a no questions asked over the counter or freight is picked up by the company, as my rod company does.

The expediter service looks like a way just to charge an extra 50 bucks for the rod, I have fallen prey myself to these types of practices. If you like the rod spend the extra money, they are good rods.

Please post the name of the your rod company that picks up the freight on warranty work. They just might get my business.

Thanks!

Ronnie

[dodgeguy]

loomis are fantastic rods but i've always said the price of the rod and the $50 xpiditor fee was always to cover a replacement.companies are not in bussiness to lose money.unless you are constantly breaking rods you are better off with  a rod that doesn't cost as much.this is why i fish johnny morris signature series.

[senile1]

At least they are honest about it. I wouldn't trust a company that hides the price of cost in the price of the rod and spreads the cost between everybody who purchases the rod. If you never have to use the warranty, you're still carrying part of the load for someone who breaks it under questionable circumstances.

I don't think their "honesty" helps them in this situation.  I've read the responses on this thread and no one was aware of this policy.  Perhaps it was in the small print?  It appears Loomis didn't make a concerted effort to make sure their customers knew about this loophole in their policy.  I own an MBR844C GLX and I love the rod.  I also own Powell and St. Croix rods.  The incremental advantage in sensitivity of the GLX is not so much that I won't consider this poor policy when I buy my next rod.   

[Lucky Craft Man]

loomis are fantastic rods but i've always said the price of the rod and the $50 xpiditor fee was always to cover a replacement.companies are not in bussiness to lose money.unless you are constantly breaking rods you are better off with a rod that doesn't cost as much.this is why i fish johnny morris signature series.

hmmm...I have slightly an opposite viewpoint.  Fortunately, I have never broken a rod, but if I found myself breaking rod regularly, then I would get a slightly cheaper rod with an unbelievable warranty (like a Bass Pro or Cabelas Brand).  Those rods you can take back to the store and go get another one off the shelf with no cost to you.  If I had to pay $50 everytime I broke a rod (assuming I was one who broke alot of rods), that would add up quick. 

The good thing about G Loomis (since a lot of the bad things have been listed here) is that they make top-of-the-line rods, which are a joy to fish with, and if I happen to break one, I would just pay $50 and a brand new replacement is on the way.  Again, I think we all understand this doesn't match Bass Pro or Cabelas true "over the counter" warranty, but it is still one of the best "services" going.  For that reason, I will keep my G Loomis Rods that have provided me with years of enjoyment and will buy more in the future.

[SirSnookalot]

As far as I'm concerned the only true lifetime warranty is a no questions asked over the counter or freight is picked up by the company, as my rod company does.

The expediter service looks like a way just to charge an extra 50 bucks for the rod, I have fallen prey myself to these types of practices. If you like the rod spend the extra money, they are good rods.

Please post the name of the your rod company that picks up the freight on warranty work. They just might get my business.

Thanks!

Ronnie

I said that wrong and was unclear, what I meant to say was the rods I use just exchange over the counter no questions asked, I stepped on guides in the middle of the night on a couple occasions and just simply went to the store for replacement.  What I meant to say as far as shipping goes a lifetime warranty should cover shipping especially if it's a manufacture defect.  IMO there is more to a company than just the quality of what they are selling, it's the extra step that's taking to make their customers happy.

I use Redbones.