Warrantee Or No Warrantee

[J Francho]

Here's another thing I thought of. They risking their reputation on this. There will be a lot of people that will buy this rod, simply because it's below $100. These are people that would NEVER spend more than that, maybe people that only spend $40 on rods. They break one, and their impression of higher end gear is bad. I think this could present a PR issue.

[JIGFISHERMAN.]

Here's another thing I thought of. They risking their reputation on this. There will be a lot of people that will buy this rod, simply because it's below $100. These are people that would NEVER spend more than that, maybe people that only spend $40 on rods. They break one, and their impression of higher end gear is bad. I think this could present a PR issue.

I think the guys who would buy this rod, would be more informed on their purchase....Simply because they would have to seek it out. It wouldn't be available from your local super sports market outlet shop.

[Ima Bass Ninja]

Its just a buy at your own risk type of thing. I think most people know the quality of rod that a manufacturer offers and if they are a reputabile company then i see consumers willing to take a risk for a lower price. I would not hold it against the company if something failed on the rod, i knew that was part of the gamble i was taking before i bought it. If i didn't want to take that gamble then i would buy one of the higher priced rods with a warranty.

[J Francho]

I think the guys who would buy this rod, would be more informed on their purchase....Simply because they would have to seek it out. It wouldn't be available from your local super sports market outlet shop.

Sorry man, that makes ZERO sense, or their marketing team has gone bonkers!

From the article:

The new Diesel rods are designed to fuel the mainstream

It doesn't take a genius to figure out how a rod designed for the masses that is hard to find would be a failure.

These rods are obviously meant to entice buyers from a lower budget to spend on a Powell.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

They may be testing the waters for a broader change in replacement policy, or looking for a way to entice border line budget people to step up a notch. Marketing is a huge piece of the cost of a production rod and replacement programs fall within that.

[K_Mac]

After a very limited time (30 days?) to assure no defects, I have no problem with the manufacturer not replacing the rod. The cost of replacing rods after years of use has to be built in to the purchase price, and as costs rise the legacy costs make all rods made by that manufacturer more expensive. Why not give me the choice? Extended warranties at additional cost are available on nearly everything. I don't know why fishing equipment should be any different. There will always be some willing to pay a premium for long term protection, and others who just want to pay what the rod is worth.

I don't really see much difference at any price point. At $100 or $500 the value of a rod is based on price and performance in my view; looks may also play a small part. If I break a rod due to my negligence, I do not expect the manufacturer to replace it even if it is a higher priced rod. That is just part of the cost of ownership IMO. I have been fishing for many years and have had one rod replaced that broke right out of the tube while trying it out in the back yard. All others have been my fault. I am fine with companies offering lifetime warranties with their equipment for those who want them, but if I can buy that same equipment without that cost I'm good with that.

[MrSwimJig]

No warranty, not for me. I like knowing the manufacture stands behind their product.

[bassh8er]

Maybe it's just because I've never been burned by a warranty or have ever broken a rod, but this sounds like a good idea to me. If I can get a rod for less than its quality price point suggests, then good for me. I've never owned a rod over $200, but it seems like I get new rods every couple of years anyway.

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

Sorry man, that makes ZERO sense, or their marketing team has gone bonkers!

From the article:

It doesn't take a genius to figure out how a rod designed for the masses that is hard to find would be a failure.

These rods are obviously meant to entice buyers from a lower budget to spend on a Powell.

I think they are going bonkers then. Im pretty sure if I ask my fishing pals (5) at work about Powell they wouldnt have a clue who they are. One might and thats an iffy might at best. I really dont know much about them never seen a product of theirs. I looked at the dealer locator and only 2 dealers listed for Illinois none for Wisconsin so that would be rather hard to find to check out locally. I checked BPS Cabelas nothing there. So I agree with the have to search it out be more informed to want one

[J Francho]

I didn't make up the "reel for masses," LOL. They did. Powell's aren't all over the place here, but I see quite a few of them. I believe Susquehanna Tackle sells Powell, and a ton of NY guys get their tackle there. Keep in mind too, they are west coast operation, more known for fly gear.

[senile1]

For those who are unfamiliar with Powell rods, there are a number of people on this forum who use Powell Max and Powell Endurance rods. I have five Powells and they compare favorably to St Croix Avid rods, in my opinion. The few minor complaints about Powell rods involve a tip-heavy feeling with the Powell rods that are longer than 7 feet, though many people do not notice or mind this. Also, the Powell Max series was designed by Gary Dobyns before he left to start Dobyns rods. I dare say that Powell makes a quality rod.

As J Francho stated, the question is what quality level do I get for 70 dollars? If the quality is the equivalent of a Powell Max, or only slightly less, I think this would be a great deal. And like ghoti, Kmac, and some others have stated, I am not one to abuse a warranty. I have yet to use the warranties on my St Croix, G.Loomis, Dobyns, or Powell rods. I have broken the tip on one of them which was my fault. So I could go for this as long as the quality of the rod is acceptable to me.

[hike4steel]

They may be testing the waters for a broader change in replacement policy, or looking for a way to entice border line budget people to step up a notch. Marketing is a huge piece of the cost of a production rod and replacement programs fall within that.

IMO, marketing and market share are what these lifetime warrenties are all about. Once they have their rod in your hands they want to keep it that way. I am sure none of the manufactuers that offer repacement programs do so at a loss of profit. Base materials for a fishing rod are not expensive. You pay for their knowledge and expertise in manufactoring and assembly. Also, sorry to say anyone who broke a rod with a lifetime warrenty, their fault or not, and not taken advantage of the companies replacement service, has a questionable value of a dollar. IMO. Or they have more money then god.

Shimano is replacing rods at no cost as they did for me over the winter, but I suspect this to change in the not to distant future.

[JIGFISHERMAN.]

Sorry man, that makes ZERO sense, or their marketing team has gone bonkers!

From the article:

It doesn't take a genius to figure out how a rod designed for the masses that is hard to find would be a failure.

These rods are obviously meant to entice buyers from a lower budget to spend on a Powell.

Go to your local wallmart.

Ask 10 guys in the sporting goods department if they have ever heard of Powell rods.

Now, if you have more than 2 or three say yes, I will give you everything I own.

[J Francho]

I don't think walmart shoppers are who they mean by "the masses." It's a $70 rod, not a $40 Ugly Stick or $20 Cherrywood. Big difference. Think Academy, Gander, DSG.

[Siebert Outdoors]

I agree with DVT.

This reminds me of a conversation between my old boss and Loomis. He was on them for a long time to offer a line of rods with no more then a 1 yr warranty and drop the price.

[flippin and pitchin]

I'm pretty sure Powell views this as a marketing experiment because they offer only four models in the Diesel line, accoring to TT, so dead stock may be minimal. The key question is, how will retail Powell dealers respond ? This tactic will be good for business or really bad. I'm sure other rod manufactures will watch this product and concept closely.

[Georgia Jeff]

I love the idea.

[webertime]

The guys that will buy a Powell in that price range, are the guys that also would look at buying a used higher end rod, which also has NO WARRANTY... Buying a Diesel would ensure that you knew the history of what you are purchasing (IE it wasn't smacked around, etc).

I do agree with those that mention a 30 day Manufacturing Defect period/warranty. For me it would go a LOOOOOOOOOOONG way towards making easing the "what if?" anxiety.

[baluga]

The guys that will buy a Powell in that price range, are the guys that also would look at buying a used higher end rod, which also has NO WARRANTY... Buying a Diesel would ensure that you knew the history of what you are purchasing (IE it wasn't smacked around, etc).

I do agree with those that mention a 30 day Manufacturing Defect period/warranty. For me it would go a LOOOOOOOOOOONG way towards making easing the "what if?" anxiety.

Used High end and average price rods for shimano still have warrantee. It's a lifetime and/or limited warranty for the rod so the company honors the warranty, does not really matter if you are the first owner or not. They don't ask for the original receipt so no issue. They would even replace your discontinued old broken rod with the new version. The only cost you incur is the shipping.

[Deleted account]

Used High end and average price rods for shimano still have warrantee. It's a lifetime and/or limited warranty for the rod so the company honors the warranty, does not really matter if you are the first owner or not. They don't ask for the original receipt so no issue. They would even replace your discontinued old broken rod with the new version. The only cost you incur is the shipping.

Really, so I guess by "original retail purchaser" they mean anyone with a pulse, also check the registration card, they spell out other no nos, Yes I know your cousin knows a guy who purchased a rod owned by 12 different folks that was stepped on by a stampeding herd of yak and they replaced it no questions asked.........If you make yourself enough of a nuisance, often they will give you a rod to just go away.

http://fish.shimano.com/publish/content/global_fish/en/us/index/customer_service0/Warrenty_Services.html

[webertime]

Used High end and average price rods for shimano still have warrantee. It's a lifetime and/or limited warranty for the rod so the company honors the warranty, does not really matter if you are the first owner or not. They don't ask for the original receipt so no issue. They would even replace your discontinued old broken rod with the new version. The only cost you incur is the shipping.

Shimano is for original owner, if a shop or Shimano takes it back without that proof then cool, but the warranty explicitly states original owner, so a 2nd owner should not feel that they have warranty.

Shimano Rod - Limited Lifetime Warranty

As used herein, “Shimano” will mean “Shimano American Corporation” with respect to United States warranty claims and “Shimano Canada Ltd. / LTÉE” with respect to Canadian warranty claims. Shimano and Shimano Canada Ltd. / LTÉE warrant to the original retail purchaser that this rod will be free from non-conformities in materials and workmanship. Shimano's sole obligation under this Limited Lifetime Warranty is to repair or replace, at Shimano's option, a non-conforming rod at no cost to the original retail purchaser other than the cost of packing, insuring, and shipping the rod to Shimano. This Limited Lifetime Warranty will be considered VOID if the rod is found to have been subjected to repairs not authorized by Shimano, or if it has been modified, neglected, improperly maintained, misused, abused, or the appearance of the product reveals damage by your failure to provide proper maintenance.

Kistler makes you register the rod (still a loophole if the original owner didn't so a 2nd owner could)

St. Croix charges $50-$75 (not technically a warranty, it's a replacement.)

Dobyns and Loomis both state original owner as well.

I'm not trying to be snarky but a 2nd hand rod does not have a warranty, some do offer replacement programs (E21, St. Croix, etc.) but that's not a warranty per say.

[Diggy]

You could probably get an in store from a place like gander and pay 11 bucks for example

[roadwarrior]

Geez...

Most "franchise" equipment is exchanged over-the-counter, no questions asked.

Manufactures like Shimano, St. Croix and G.Loomis have both a "defects" and

"accident" policy. I like that.

No warranty? No business from me.

[SirSnookalot]

The guys that will buy a Powell in that price range, are the guys that also would look at buying a used higher end rod, which also has NO WARRANTY... Buying a Diesel would ensure that you knew the history of what you are purchasing (IE it wasn't smacked around, etc).

How does anyone know what's in my mind or any one else's for that matter? I have no idea what motivates buyers of any price range, except me.

When it comes to rods I choose to be in that 75-$150 zone, if I want a higher priced rod I'd buy it, but I don't care to buy used equipment. Buying a rod for 70 bux without a warranty regardless of a companies history is a chance I'm willing to take. In the past I've both pleasantly surprised as well as being disappointed.

[baluga]

Really, so I guess by "original retail purchaser" they mean anyone with a pulse, also check the registration card, they spell out other no nos, Yes I know your cousin knows a guy who purchased a rod owned by 12 different folks that was stepped on by a stampeding herd of yak and they replaced it no questions asked.........If you make yourself enough of a nuisance, often they will give you a rod to just go away.

http://fish.shimano....y_Services.html

I don't see any reason why you would be upset about the way their warrantee works. If you don't like it just say you disagree. No need for personal attack and sarcastic remarks.