Sage rods repair turnaround time

Stonedfish

Stonedfish

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Just looking to hear from folks who have sent rods in recently for repair, like in the last year or so.
How long was the turnaround time to get your rod back?
Thanks for any input you can provide.
SF
 
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Sage/Farbank seems to be all over the map on repairs.

I’ve got a friend on his third year of waiting for a Redington repair on a current-model rod, which is insane since Redington repairs are just grabbing a replacement part.

I’m waiting on a repair to one of my 8130 X rods. Been waiting since before they were discontinued.

Meanwhile, I sent in a Sage reel in May and got it back mid-June. Last September I sent in a ESN rod and they had it back to me by mid-October.
 
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Coach Potter said:
I sent an older rod back to Sage to be repaired...it was a 5 weight VPS LL that I bought more than 20 years ago. I had no idea how they would handle the repair. Would they build a new section or send me a different rod altogether. After 4 weeks and ZERO feedback I contacted them to check the status. The guy I spoke with told me they were re-building the broken (middle of a 3-piece) section, and it would take more time. I was actually glad to hear that I was going to get the same rod.

Fast forward another 5 weeks and I receive a rod tube in the mail. They sent me a recent model of equal value, not a rebuilt version of my old rod. It's not the end of the world but that's not what they told me they were doing. I sort of understood the longer wait for the re-building of a rod. The rod they sent me was off the shelf and could have been sent a month or more earlier. Also, no explanation or communication of anything other than what I initiated.
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Just curious, were you charged for your repair or was it free as you are the original owner?
SF
 
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jasmillo said:
Their CS reps are probably overwhelmed with inquires and roasted on a daily basis so I get it.
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jasmillo said:
That said, I’ve had good experiences with them as well. They were amazing pre Covid, especially for locals.
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That's a fact, they were, I've lost count of the rods I dropped at the front counter. After Covid set in the game changed completely. Kind of a shame.
 
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Coach Potter said:
I was charged $175 despite being the original owner. I had no way to prove I was the original owner. I wasn’t registering my rods back then.
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That is an odd amount, since on their site lists free, $50, $95 or $195 besides the models they won’t repair.
Just a guess, but someone in management looked at the amount of repairs they have and the cost involved to roll you a new section and determined that sending you the equivalent rod model to your VPS was either cheaper, easier or both. Again, just a guess but since they switched repair options on you, that should have been communicated during the process.
SF
 
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Sigh, I have a Sage rod I should probably send in and see how a repair adventure goes. We'll see if I've waited too long for it to be a reasonable price...
 
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Coach Potter said:
I think the next rod will be will be something other than a Sage.
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Unfortunately Same here.

If anything I'll probably buy a used XP to fill a need & hopefully never break it. I had Sage build me extra tip sections for all my favorites pre Covid.

Other than that I'll save my pennies & go Burkhiemer. I know they'll take care of any customer service issue

c/22
 
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Coach Potter said:
It’s been a long time since I’ve purchased a new rod and there are a couple holes in my lineup. Sage is the only brand I’ve ever purchased. I think the next rod will be will be something other than a Sage.
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On the bright side, you'll probably get something with decent cork.

I've been out on sage for a while now. Most of their rods are lifeless 2x4s.
 
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Stonedfish said:
That is an odd amount, since on their site lists free, $50, $95 or $195 besides the models they won’t repair.
Just a guess, but someone in management looked at the amount of repairs they have and the cost involved to roll you a new section and determined that sending you the equivalent rod model to your VPS was either cheaper, easier or both. Again, just a guess but since they switched repair options on you, that should have been communicated during the process.
SF
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A little communication would have been nice. The guy I spoke to when I was checking on the progress acted like I was insane when I asked him if the rod would be ready within the next couple of weeks...that was 4 weeks into the process.
 
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tkww said:
On the bright side, you'll probably get something with decent cork.

I've been out on sage for a while now. Most of their rods are lifeless 2x4s.
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I haven't bought a flyrod of any kind in a long time. I have no frame of reference for what their new products are like, but it sounds like they have lost their luster.
 
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Even though I really like Sage rods I have given up on buying any new ones. When the cost of repair with shipping amounted to about $200 on my older rods I decided not to buy anymore new items from them. When purchased, the rods had a lifetime warranty and I have yet to understand how a "lifetime warranty" results in a $200 cost to repair. It seems to me that buying a new rod is simply buying the alleged warranty which now not really a warranty anymore.
I have bought some Sage rods used with the cost of 25-50% of the MSRP. The rods work fine, even if the cork is dirty. If I break the used rod and junk it I am still ahead.
 
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kmudgn said:
Even though I really like Sage rods I have given up on buying any new ones. When the cost of repair with shipping amounted to about $200 on my older rods I decided not to buy anymore new items from them. When purchased, the rods had a lifetime warranty and I have yet to understand how a "lifetime warranty" results in a $200 cost to repair. It seems to me that buying a new rod is simply buying the alleged warranty which now not really a warranty anymore.
I have bought some Sage rods used with the cost of 25-50% of the MSRP. The rods work fine, even if the cork is dirty. If I break the used rod and junk it I am still ahead.
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This was pointed out to me by a shop owner.
You need to read the fine print on their warranty page, but there are still some rods based on the serial number that have an unconditional lifetime warranty for the original owner. If some of your rods are older, this may apply to them. I assume that also means the only cost to the owner would be the shipping to get it there. That is how it was when I had my RPL repaired, but that was years ago.
SF

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Stonedfish said:
This was pointed out to me by a shop owner.
You need to read the fine print on their warranty page, but there are still some rods based on the serial number that have an unconditional lifetime warranty for the original owner. If some of your rods are older, this may apply to them. I assume that also means the only cost to the owner would be the shipping to get it there. That is how it was when I had my RPL repaired, but that was years ago.
SF

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They want $195 to fix my ZXL as a "legacy" model. Plus $30 for shipping. Just nuts! I bought a used one instead off Craigs List for $275. Now I have a working rod + 3 sections from my original rod as spares.
 
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Before Sage got bought I broke the tip on my 9' 4wt LL graphite 3 piece. 50 bucks and away it went. 3 weeks later i got a call from Sage. We got you rod in the shop. The rod is so worn the boys decided to build you a new one and it's on its way. Haven't dealt with them since they were bought but it sure was great service back then. Of course back then most companies stood behind their products, today you call customer service and you get to leave your number and wait by the phone till they decide to call you back. If they call you back.
 
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I haven't read through all of the replies. So apologies if this is just a ditto. I've sent in two sage rods in for repairs in the last five years. Turnaround time for both was quoted at six to 8 weeks (I think), and I received both at exactly six weeks. the "Legacy" rod was a very pricey repair, but I'm glad I did it.
 
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It used to simple when it was Sage. Took a broken tip section in. She came out, “sprinkled fairy dust” on it. New tip, no charge, and even offered me a tour. Very nice setting.

Still fish that Sage all the time.
 
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I’ve got a G5 two hander thats not even 3 years old and both cork handle sections squeak really bad now. Any thoughts on what to expect if I send it in? Seems like a poor glue job that should be covered without additional charge other than shipping. Thanks in advance.
 
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SovDog said:
I’ve got a G5 two hander thats not even 3 years old and both cork handle sections squeak really bad now. Any thoughts on what to expect if I send it in? Seems like a poor glue job that should be covered without additional charge other than shipping. Thanks in advance.
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If by G5 you mean the Z-Axis…. Their site list the 2H Z-Axis rods as no longer serviced/repaired. My friend had his Greenie sent in for a broken tip and they replaced it with a Sonic for $175.00. But you can always ask them…..
 
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