GLoomis warranty...

Salmonator · 08-07-2000, 03:33 PM

I remember some posts awhile back about people being unhappy with the Loomis warranty. I just called to get two replacement rods (clients needed some lessons in rod handling this weekend and learned at my expense). It is a flat rate of 45 dollars per rod for replacement no questions asked. I send back the broken rods in the tubes the new ones came in and they pay shipping both ways. If the rods are in stock they will be shipped that day 2nd day air. That sounds like a pretty good deal to me... Joe

Richter · 08-07-2000, 08:34 PM

I have never had any problems with the G. Loomis warranty policy. Several times I have had my rods replaced at no charge,even when
it was probably operator error (fishing buddy a little too excited, double thumbs clamped down on a large fish).
Many people feel G.Loomis rods are overpriced. When you consider the sensitivity, the quality and the warranty, I think they are hard to beat.

mic4fish · 08-07-2000, 10:22 PM

Why should you have to pay another 45-dollers for a rod that cost over 300? My buddy just had to do that we were both very upset!When you pay that much for a rod your suposed to be paying for a good warrenty.I have been very disilulsioned with G-loomis since they were bought out by shimono.True they are nice rods but there are other graphite blanks that are just as light just as sensitive for fraction of the cost.I have fished loomis rods for many years and a lot of them have been broke they have always stood by there warrenty no questions ask.I dont know why all the sudden they are charging us.I have a friend who has a rod building shop in gresham. he has showed me some very nice blanks that go for about $60 a blank. you just have to pay for the guides to be wrapped and the handle kit. it comes out to be $160 and you've got yourself a real nice rod. Don't get me wrong I love G. Loomis rods. but for the money I think they're very proud.

First Bite · 08-07-2000, 11:21 PM

The warranty that Salmonator is referring to is called something like the "Expedite" warranty where you pay the $45 and get a new rod no questions asked. I've broken tips on my G Loomis and used this warranty twice. Their original warranty of lifetime replacement due to defect is still good. I've had one "explode" on me while I was fishing and had it replaced no problem.
Mark

Pilar · 08-08-2000, 07:52 AM

Call it what you want. The days of bringing in a busted rod and getting a new one free, no questions are over. Yeah, they always talked about factory defects while they handed you a new one. But if you ask me it was all just a formality with a wink and a nod. I have replaced two since they sold out and felt hassled and ripped off both times. My dad bought a GL2 1024c on my recomendation, mainly the forever warrenty. When he busted it dogging a 20lb Bull Red fish in Mobile bay, in Alabama, he shipped it to me to take to Woodland for replacement. We paid $45 for the new one. I have since quit buying Loomis and now purchase from thier across the freeway competitor Lamiglass. At least they still have a warrenty. Vote with your wallet. If you don't like the change quit buying your rods from Loomis. They cost too much anyway. The bend is your friend!

bathtub bob · 08-08-2000, 12:22 PM

I just broke my GL2 yesterday!!!!!! whats loomis adress or phone number Thanks

Richter · 08-08-2000, 03:35 PM

I have not had to replace a rod since Shimano bought out G. Loomis. When Gary was still in charge, I never had any problems with the warranty.I am sorry to hear it has become a problem. For what you pay for a Loomis Rod, I agree they should have a darn good warranty policy. Just like in the past, tell them how you broke it and they still give you a new one. Thanks for the info.

Rich

Salmonator · 08-08-2000, 03:43 PM

B-Bob, www.gloomis.com

Snagly · 08-08-2000, 05:50 PM

Contact details:

E: loomis@gloomis.com
T: 1-800-662-8818 for customer service

1359 Down River Drive
Woodland WA 98674

If you want a real person, Sherry Bosch was helpful to me: sbosch@gloomis.com

Jennie@ifish · 08-08-2000, 05:51 PM

I wrote to Loomis about this and here is the reply: I think you will understand the questions I asked as you read this, 1, 2, 3, etc.

Jen
_________

Thanks for the note, and the inquiry Jen,
1. G.Loomis and Shimano partnership concerns. We have of course, have
heard this from many anglers.. it's basically the concern that because we
are paired with Shimano that we will change the manufacturing processes and
business procedures that make us "G.Loomis" right??
Truth is, not that much information is available concerning this
issue... not even to the employees.
Shimano technically owns G.Loomis Inc. that's the obvious. Calling it a
partnership is probably pretty true as well.. Gary Loomis IS still here at
G.Loomis and is actively involved in our business functions... He is also
living his dreams while hunting and fishing all over the world. Anyone that
has ever spoken to him for 10 minutes probably knows.. He's a hunting and
fishing FANATIC!!
The REAL concern is that G.Loomis will change and begin to produce
products that are not as advanced in technology or begin to decline in
quality... but.. the truth is, it hasn't happened!!
2. The move to Fuji guides happened earlier this year for G.Loomis inc.
In the past, we have used proprietary guides which said G.Loomis on them,
but were made by a different guide manufacturer.. at the urging of our
customers... and many of our employees, we have switched to a G.Loomis
revised version of the "Fuji Concept" type of guide spacing and guide
sizing. Exact Details on the Fuji Concept can probably be found on the Fuji
website. In short, the Fuji guide concept allows us to further lighten the
guides' load on the rod tip, which has made the new G.Loomis' rods which
were built with Fuji guides to have a better overall balance and feel to
them.. it has also further lightened the overall wt. of MANY of the
G.Loomis casting and spinning rods... making them more sensative than ever
before! ( I know this is hard to believe, in testing we wrapped one rod
with the Fuji concept and one with G.Loomis' older more traditional guide
sizings and spacings.. we tested them in a variety of situations... AND
afterwards, we modified our entire rod line-up.. need I say more??? )
3. Warranty issues.
Truth is, the G.Loomis warranty has been the same since Day one of
G.Loomis... it's a fact we can quite literally read on the paper the
warranty information is printed on in our catalog. If it means anything to
you, I've kept every G.Loomis catalog ever made!! and the same warranty
information is written on every single one.
In fact, the only modification we've ever made to our
warranty is the "EXpedite" program that someone mentioned.. If you have a
problem with your rod, for a fee of $45 we will replace it no questions
asked AND pay your shipping charges (to and from) Plus, we'll replace it
asap!! In many cases this means in 2 DAYS!! regardless of where you live
in the US!! (the program isn't available to INTL customers at this time) If
anyone is curious, this definantly amounts to the best casting rod,
saltwater rod,
If you'd like more information on how the G.Loomis warranty works feel free
to give us a call (800-662-8818) or
drop me an e-mail reply!
Hope this clears up a few of the issues and concerns
listed... Normally, I wouldn't compose an e-mail that was this long and
full of big words but, I wanted to calm your nerves.. and thought you might
appreciate hearing from an official voice... Hope this info
helps!!
Best of luck with it in the
future!!

-Aaron LaMere

G.Loomis Customer Service

Richter · 08-08-2000, 08:22 PM

To Jennie and Aaron LaMere/G. Loomis,

Thanks for the clarification.

Rich

mic4fish · 08-08-2000, 09:24 PM

Thanks for the inquiry to Gloomis/Shimano. But by looking at our post, tell us something we don't already know. This $45 expedite fee is still hogwash, however nice they want to put it. I don't mind having to wait a few extra days to get my rod. It certainly isn't worth $45 to get it in 2 days. I have 1 Gloomis rod thats been broke 3 times, having to pay $45 each time adds up. I agree with Pilar about going to Lamiglass someone who stands behind their warranty and will even give you a loaner rod while you wait for your new one. I don't know about you guys, but the Lamiglass LHS esprit is a very nice rod. Second issue: workmanship. You can't tell me that those new Loomis rods fish any better than their older ones. Example: The blue GL-2's vs. the Loomis Premier, or the old IM6's. So I'm glad that Mr. LaMere responded to Jen's request, but it's not really what I wanted to hear.

Salmonator · 08-09-2000, 08:11 AM

Maybe you should be happy that you're only paying 45 dollars for a 300 dollar rod that you broke. If you go out and roll your 30,000 dollar truck should the manufacturer give you a new one just because it was expensive? There was only one time that I broke a Loomis where I questioned the rods integrity. I snapped a GL3 1025C while wailing on a hung up lead fishing winter steelies on the Siletz. I told them what happened and they replaced it for free, this was after shimano aquired them. I'm not doubting that some people have had problems in the past, i'm just saying that my experiences have been extremely pleasant, and I also believe that you get what you pay for... Joe

Grant Scheele · 08-09-2000, 08:30 AM

You know Salmonator, you make sense! I put a dent in my Willies last week. You think Willie will give me a new one?

You may have started a new warranty program for expensive things. In fact most of my rods are dirty so I think I will shut a few in the car door and let my 3 year old play with rest. Just funnin with you all but Sal. makes a great point.

Salmonator · 08-09-2000, 05:45 PM

Thanks for agreeing O MY, (pssst, i'll send you the quart of eggs next week...).

steelie67 · 08-09-2000, 06:31 PM

mic4fish , I`m with you , why should you pay $45 bucks . like you , i thought when i paid $300 , that i was also paying for a warranty .. Ive broken 3 loomis rods , and with the money i spent to get them replaced i could of bought a nice Lamiglas , which i could get replaced for free if i broke .
nuff said , been through this to many times with Loomis . I buy Lamiglas now !!!

Gone Fishin · 08-09-2000, 06:54 PM

I don't understand all the fuss about G Loomis, I've had three rods break this year already, all I've done is put the rod in a tube...mail it off to Loomis...along with a note explaining what happened...a few days later a new rod arrives! All it has cost me is a few dollars in postage. I really don't think the $45 expidite service would be worth it, the rods are usually back to my door in 5 to 7 days. I personally feel that Loomis rods are the best on the market today, Lamiglass isn't bad...but it's not Loomis. I want the best for my customers and will continue to use Loomis rods. They've been very good to me!

Gone Fishin · 08-09-2000, 06:57 PM

I don't understand all the fuss about G Loomis, I've had three rods break this year already, all I've done is put the rod in a tube...mail it off to Loomis...along with a note explaining what happened...a few days later a new rod arrives! All it has cost me is a few dollars in postage. I really don't think the $45 expidite service would be worth it, the rods are usually back to my door in 5 to 7 days. I personally feel that Loomis rods are the best on the market today, Lamiglass isn't bad...but it's not Loomis. I want the best for my customers and will continue to use Loomis rods. They've been very good to me!

Salmonator · 08-09-2000, 09:38 PM

Correct me if i'm wrong, but I don't believe the 45 dollars is a charge for fast shipping alone, but more of a replacement charge when you bust up a rod from misuse. In other words, maybe 12 to 15 bucks of that goes to cover shipping both ways, and the remainder is to help recover material costs?? Just my guess. My replacement HSR932C's I ordered two days ago are sitting in my front room right now waiting for reels.

mic4fish · 08-09-2000, 09:52 PM

Hey Salmonator, you're mixing apples and oranges. your $30,000 pickup (which I would never buy a $30,000 pickup I bought one used for $15,000)your truck doesn't say lifetime guaranteed warranty on it. I don't mind a $5 or $10 shipping fee. If Loomis rods are so good, why do they break all the time?

Salmonator · 08-09-2000, 10:29 PM

First, show me where the Loomis warranty states that they will keep giving you handouts every time you decide to snap off a tip in your power window. Should they give you a new one if you lose it in the river? What's the difference. Either way, you did it and the pole is of no use to you. If somebody steals my loomis, they should give me a new one because it has a lifetime warranty.
I just looked at the Lamiglas site and their warranty is near identical to Loomis. They both have lifetime workmanship warranty. Only difference is that Loomis has a flat rate and complete rod replacement (non materials defect) with second day delivery. With Lamiglas you must send in the rod, have them inspect it and then they will give you an estimate for repairs, at least that's how I read it. I've got nothing against lamiglas but in my own opinion they have the second best warranty. They're both good rods, buy the one you like.
As far as Loomis's breaking all the time, I have certain rods that have been used 4 seasons a year for the last two years by a hundred different people. Last weekend was the first time they were broken and that was due to extreme abuse.

[This message has been edited by Salmonator (edited 08-10-2000).]

steelie67 · 08-11-2000, 10:36 AM

Salmonator , Have you sent any Loomis rods in ??? I think you are mistaken about the Loomis policy .. You send the rod in , then they send you their estimate on the repair . 9 out of 10 you are going to pay . I don`t have a problem paying for a rod that was abused or broken in a car door . The problem is all the rods i have snaped , i don`t think were abused . If i set the hook on a snag and the rod snaps something wrong . And i`m not a big guy , 145lbs with rocks in my pockets ..... I want to know who says yah or nah on workmenship breakage!!!!You guys that say you don`t have any problems getting rods replaced , must not mind paying , my beef is if i`m going to pay $350 for a rod and it snaps under NORMAL fishing conditions , i want it replaced for FREE .... If i`m fishing with a cheaper rod , i don`t have a problem getting charged a flat fee to get it replaced . Thats my point.... Hey Salmonator if you bought a $30,000 truck and the tranny went out after 10,000 miles , And they wanted to charge you a flat fee to replace it , wouldn`t that **** you off ....

Fishen Fool · 08-11-2000, 07:57 PM

Has anyone noticed that it seems like it's the guides that brag up the Loomis rod warrentry. Is it possible that the Loomis people treat them better?

steelie67 · 08-11-2000, 08:29 PM

BINGO !!!! seems to me they don`t pay retail .. Hell if i paid $180 bucks for a IMX i wouldn`t ***** either .....

Salmonator · 08-13-2000, 08:54 PM

This is too scary, 30K truck and my tranny went out last week!! 26,000 miles and i'm not paying a dime. In fact they cracked the tranny case upon removal so i'm getting a new one. Back to the topic, yes I just sent rods in last week that were broken due to neglect. I had two new rods at my doorstep @45 bucks apiece and this is no guides program. If you tell Lamiglass that two of your one-piece rods (can't fix 'um) were broken due to neglect will they replace them for free? If so, that's an incredible policy. Will they replace them for 45 bucks apiece? I never disagreed that you shouldn't have to pay for a factory defect. It seemed to me that in previous posts people wanted them replaced no matter what happened to the rod unless I misunderstood. I have only had to replace one rod before that I thought should have held up to a little more abuse than it did and unless my memory is all screwed up they replaced it free.
Fishen Fool, you must live in the part of Albany that those big stinky papermill plumes most frequently float to. I think they've finally gotten to you after all these years...

[This message has been edited by Salmonator (edited 08-13-2000).]