Buying Older Stuff Brand New

[The Rooster]

Do any of you have a problem with buying a rod that's been in a tackle shop for a while?? I guess some of you saw the post I made about the older Fenwick HMG rod. It's not the current series. It's been in the shop long enough there is some dust build up on the guides. It doesn't look like it has any damage, but you know how it goes, after it's been sitting around for a while you never know who's knocked or banged it around, or if the blank has some invisible damage that won't show until I set a hook hard and then SNAP!

Visibly the rod looks fine, and the guides are all slick, no damage or chips, and it does have a lifetime warranty. I'm only interested in it because of how the rod feels, and not really the newer versions (haven't seen any of those but I don't care for the handle or reel seat on them based on pictures). The newer version is what I would get if I had to have it replaced for some reason though. So, would any of this worry you if you were looking at a rod you really liked that had been sitting around for awhile?? The warranty doesn't mean all that much to me because I just want THAT rod.

[tomustang]

I guess it would depend on the price, if the model got upgraded though time and the older one was the same price then I wouldn't get it.

[Hi Salenity]

If you want it and it has a warranty what's the problem? Do you need to borrow my Bait Monkey?

[The Rooster]

well, that older one is actually marked about $20 higher than what the newer ones are now. He doesn't have the newer ones though. And I really really really like that older one. BUT, I'd love to get it at a deal too so I may as well ask how low he could go on it.

Trouble is, I wouldn't mind paying the sticker price. We're only talking about $20 difference.

I just wondered if it's a real posibility that it might not last though due to some rough handling in the past I don't know about. I wouldn't like the newer version of it I don't think. So if I got it and something happened to it then I'd just be out the money. I'd have to get it replaced and then sell the new one then I think.

[Bassn Blvd]

Loomis' and Shimanos don't sit on the rack long enough to get old.

[Flywatersmallie]

Loomis' and Shimanos don't sit on the rack long enough to get old.

Not true! A local shop here has a bunch of the old Loomis rods with the Weibe reel seat. I bet some of those rods are pushing 10 years. Coincidentally, they also have some of the old style Fenwicks (along with the newer models). I like the feel of the old HMG too.

[Kelly J]

Not true! A local shop here has a bunch of the old Loomis rods with the Weibe reel seat. I bet some of those rods are pushing 10 years. Coincidentally, they also have some of the old style Fenwicks (along with the newer models). I like the feel of the old HMG too.

those loomis rods have been sitting on the shelves for as long as i can remember

[The Rooster]

I like the feel of the old HMG so much I'm trying to convince myself that I need it. It's like the baitmonkey is sort of asleep and I'm trying to wake him up.

I did a search here in the forum and found an old review that Micro did on his HMG's and he said he uses that rod for plastics (I was thinking cranking the way it felt, it's not overly stiff), the MH that is. The M was for other things, and now I'm actually thinking I'd like to have one of each. If he'd do $70 on them I'd get both. I doubt they'll sell otherwise, but I could be wrong. They haven't up until now. Around here Shimano and Loomis is pushed hard. Other brands fall by the wayside a lot. Abu's are starting to build up in the stores I noticed too. White and gray rods everywhere.

[Grey Wolf]

If it's that old I would not buy it unless it was on sale , it's last years news.

[SirSnookalot]

Make him an offer ! Worst can happen is you get a no.

I walked into Sports Authority a few years ago and they had a quantum cabo on clearance for 50% of msrp. This reel had been sitting in the showcase for months, I talked to the manager and said " do you really want to sell it?" His reply," you can have it for another 20% off"........deal done.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

You can save a lot of money on quality merchandise by not insisting on the latest & greatest model. I bought a 201E7 yesterday for $119. I do this with tackle, cars, motorcycles, computers.... Don't hesitate to negotiate a significant discount. The retailer has money tied up in the inventory and they need to turn it over. As far shelf life of rods, I see stuff that makes me cringe whenever I browse the rod section at a retail store. The chances that something has been mishandled is about the same regardless of what model year it is. If I was going to buy a rod off the rack I wouldn't worry about it anymore than usual.

[K_Mac]

If the rod has been damaged it will soon show up in use. I would not have a problem buying a rod that had been on the rack for years if it was exactly what I wanted and the price was right. I would definitely haggle with the owner to see if a better deal was to be made, but if the older style is what you want and not readily available elsewhere why not buy it? As long as the warranty applies, what is the downside? Life is too short to sweat the small stuff. Enjoy.

[DpDvr]

This summer I bought two Avid baitcast rods from a local shop for reduced price. I knew they were older models but for the price I thought they were worth it, and I really wanted them. When I registered them with St Croix, I checked the date code. Both were manufactured in 2005. I don't care though, they were both in brand new condition and fish like a dream. Good luck!

[Raul]

Rods ---> no way I´m going to purchase an old new rod, a lot of s+t can happen to a rod

Reels ---> yup, I can get a NIB old reel if the price is right.

Lures ---> yup.

[The Rooster]

Rods ---> no way I´m going to purchase an old new rod, a lot of s+t can happen to a rod

Reels ---> yup, I can get a NIB old reel if the price is right.

Lures ---> yup.

This is what worries me and I only want THAT rod, not any replacement that's not the same later. I like it well enough that if I thought it would last I'd buy it, even at it's pricepoint. Then last night the thought came to me that I could spend about $90 on the new Clarus (just the old IM8 Compre blank with the new split grip and new name, I think) and put the money saved into about a dozen jigs to go with it. So, I'll wait and see what the new Shimanos are like before I make up my mind.

[boystcroix]

I would not worry about abuse the rod may have taken, we've received them damaged at our shop right from the manufacturer. So just becuase its been on the rack a while doesn't mean its more likely to be damaged. Check it over good and feel comfortable that it has a warranty. Do not pay full price though, old inventory just sitting is not good. I know we discount to get rid of old inventory. Asking won't hurt.

[Sam]

When purchasing an older reel that has been on the shelf or in the warehouse for some time I suggest oiling and greasing the reel before you use it.

Remember, grease on the inside and oil on the outside.

[Stasher1]

If you're like me, and routinely sell your rods and reels off after a few months, you're going to take a beating on any discontinued rod/reel unless you can pick it up for dirt cheap.

There's no way I'd pay full price for it when I can get the current (most likely improved) model for the same price.

[OkobojiEagle]

If he wants to move it, he can afford 25% off.

oe