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Author Topic: Fenwick HMX spincasting rod warranty  (Read 6238 times)

bcguy

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Fenwick HMX spincasting rod warranty
« on: September 01, 2011, 08:42:47 PM »
So was pretty excited about getting into my first Pink of the year tonight, but as I pulled it into shore, the tip of my rod snapped off...on a Pink , on a rod designed for them...WTF??!!!! ???
I just purchased this rod a few weeks ago, specifically for targeting Pinks and Coho on the Fraser.
It is a HMXS 86L-2-MF, 8'6", 3/16-1/2 and rated for 4-15lb line, the top 4" inches are now sitting beside me, and pretty sure they are poking me in the side about losing my first Pink of the season.
Anyhow...what is the warranty like on these rods? There is a limited warranty I understand, but will they replace it?
This rod is supposed to be some kind of graphite composite...lets just say I feel pretty disappointed with the quality of this product. :P
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"It seems clear beyond the possibility of argument that any given generation of men can have only a lease, not ownership, of the earth; and one essential term of the lease is that the earth be handed on to the next generation with unimpaired potentialities. This is the conservationist's concern"-RHB

CohoJake

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Re: Fenwick HMX spincasting rod warranty
« Reply #1 on: September 01, 2011, 08:47:54 PM »
Where did you buy it?  I have always been impressed with local tackle stores willing to help me out when something like this happens - it helps if you still have your receipt but that may not be needed.  The best stores will make a quick exchange and send you on your way.
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milo

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Re: Fenwick HMX spincasting rod warranty
« Reply #2 on: September 01, 2011, 09:01:18 PM »
Hmmm...top four inches, eh?

Let me guess...as you were pulling the fish onto shore, the loaded and bent tip of your rod went beyond the 'critical angle' (somewhere near vertical and SNAP!

The bad news: no rod (except the very high end ones) is designed to take that kind of abuse.
The good news: Fenwick's no-nonsense limited warranty protects you from yourself in the first year. You should just take the rod to the store where you purchased it with the sales receipt and get a new one.
Before you head to the tackle shop, it is probably a good idea to call Fenwick's warranty department to get the details for your particular model of rod.

Their number is (877) 336-7637.

This article teaches you how to give your rod a break.

Good luck and I hope you get it replaced easily.
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bcguy

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Re: Fenwick HMX spincasting rod warranty
« Reply #3 on: September 01, 2011, 09:40:45 PM »
Actually been fishing for a number of years, and dont think pulling in a 5 or 6 lb pink should break a tip off a rod with this rating, have landed plenty of springs on rods more suited to Steelhead (GO SHIMANO!!! ;D), and so was quite surprised to see the tip let go like this, given it was the first fish caught on it.
It snapped so clean (does graphite really do this?), it was like it was a 20 dollar moulded plastic POS, just surprised, thats all, make me realize the value of a higher quality product. Not really interested in how well a rod is backed up, but rather the having the confidence in the products I buy being operationally functional.
Am on a bit of a tear with the quality of products on the market lately. Purchased an Ipod shuffle for running and exersizing, and the thing crapped out within a few weeks, London Drugs wouldnt exchange (Sorry only two weeks, then you are off to the manufacturer), and Apple wanted me to put money up front for a replacement until they could evaluate it, and then refund? I dont think so.
Didnt take long before London Drugs was exchanging, after discussing the quality of their customer service level. My opinion is if a your product is so poor that the distributor wont or cant back up a failure after a few weeks after purchase, they will not be one of my vendors for long.
Been a purchasing agent in manufacturing for many years, and would simply not accept this quality of product in business either. No, I think I will take my money back, and find a better quality product.
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"It seems clear beyond the possibility of argument that any given generation of men can have only a lease, not ownership, of the earth; and one essential term of the lease is that the earth be handed on to the next generation with unimpaired potentialities. This is the conservationist's concern"-RHB

milo

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Re: Fenwick HMX spincasting rod warranty
« Reply #4 on: September 01, 2011, 10:46:58 PM »
Oh yeah, you are welcome.  ::)
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bcguy

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Re: Fenwick HMX spincasting rod warranty
« Reply #5 on: September 01, 2011, 11:06:44 PM »
Sorry about that, rantrantrant, taking work home again  ::)
Thanks Milo ;)
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"It seems clear beyond the possibility of argument that any given generation of men can have only a lease, not ownership, of the earth; and one essential term of the lease is that the earth be handed on to the next generation with unimpaired potentialities. This is the conservationist's concern"-RHB

coho65

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Re: Fenwick HMX spincasting rod warranty
« Reply #6 on: September 02, 2011, 04:02:22 AM »
never had issues with fenwick,thats what i fish with and i'm not gentle with my rods either,same with my buddies.go try a sage or gloomis and load it up and see what happens......wholesale has clearence on convergence wich i like also but i dont expect mine to last a year,where as my fenwicks.......  ;D
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Gooey

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Re: Fenwick HMX spincasting rod warranty
« Reply #7 on: September 02, 2011, 06:49:23 AM »
My guess is that Milo is correct and your response makes me think a more detailed response is neccesary. 

From your description and where the rod broke, I am sure you were "high sticking" the fish.  What this is is a situation where you bend your rod over like a candy cane...it virtually always happens when landing a fish.  that tight arch doesnt allow the pressure or weight to be spread along the entire length of the rod, it all gets focused right in the bend and SNAP...a very clean break is created. 

I have done it on a sage 290...broke my heart!  rest assured getting a rod you precieve to be higher quality wont stop a break like that from happening.  I think ugly sticks have a tip you can pretty much bend right over but they also aren't  100% graphite.  So if you buy another 100% graphite rod, just be aware that graphite rods are designed to spread the load over the entire blank and that's why high sticking a fish will always be trouble for a rod like that.

PS - Fenwicks are great quality rods.
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