Winston Doubling Down
- Thread starter Scottybs
- Start date
fatbillybob
Steelhead
I'm a Winston guy 1st since the 80's. I can't tell you how many winstons I have. I can say I have never had to use warranty repair...they are built that good right from the start.
Was there some update with Sage's warranty process? I sent in rods to Sage and Winston in November and had a better experience with Sage. I broke a few sections on a Sage Foundation model and they sent me an entire new rod in less than a week. I got my Winston back a little over 4 months later.
I’d imagine the turnaround time with Sage was faster because they didn’t repair your rod, they sent you a new one.
Sage has been “updating” their fees for rod service recently to some big numbers. Winston still runs on a much more intimate small level. Always great interactions.
Lake flyer
Steelhead
Years ago when we were staying in Twin Bridges my wife broke her Winston so we dropped it off at the factory the next day. We were told it would be the standard six weeks. Fortunately my wife had a spare rod to use the rest of our trip, but I guess I was hoping that being right there the turnaround time would be a lot shorter.
We did do the factory tour though and cast bamboo and prototype rods on their casting field.
This was just a couple years after Sweetgrass Flyrods was started so we also walked down to the old Sweetgrass shop on the Jefferson and spent a couple hours talking and casting bamboo. Just a wonderful group of guys.
We got the rod back in six weeks.
We did do the factory tour though and cast bamboo and prototype rods on their casting field.
This was just a couple years after Sweetgrass Flyrods was started so we also walked down to the old Sweetgrass shop on the Jefferson and spent a couple hours talking and casting bamboo. Just a wonderful group of guys.
We got the rod back in six weeks.
Until you send them a used rod for repair, I bought a used rod that needed a tip repaired they inform me that the cost was as much as a new rod so I never bought another Winston rod new or used Sage has always repaired a rod newly bought or used for reasonable price.
DKL
Steelhead
A friend recently informed me of Sage changing their warranty policy. I'm not sure I understand how they can do that retroactively. When I purchased my rods, I'm pretty sure it was a lifetime guarantee and I only have to pay a shipping fee which I understand increases over time, and in the couple of cases I had to use it I avoided paying it by dropping it off and picking it up directly. I understand how they can change it for new purchases going forward, but I didn't think they could legally change the deal after the fact. Luckily, its been a while since I broke a rod, but I have pretty much broken most of my rods at some time or another so I know it is just a matter of time. At least now I have a rod carrier on top of my rig so I won't drive off with any of them just sitting on the top of the roof any more.
Look at your serial number.
SF
Warranty Policy | Far Bank
Sage Rod & Reel Warranty Every new Sage rod and reel purchased through an authorized dealer is covered by our original owner warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty is limited to repair and replacement of the rod or reel and does not cover direct, indirect...
farbank.com
DerekWhipple
Steelhead
I've found pieces of rod on the ground in parking areas several times over the years. Most recently I found a 6" section of rod in the gravel the last time I was at the Deschutes.
Check those numbers now even as an original owner with Sage now… I stopped buying used rods after a repair from Scott.
DKL
Steelhead
Interesting. A few fall into that QRST range but several do not. Since most of my rods are pretty old, I'm fairly certain when they were purchased that they had the unconditional owner lifetime warranty. I don't remember or not if there was some subtle change to their warranty years ago that I wasn't aware of. Here is hoping I don't break one of those. If I do, I can see that it'll take me down a path I really don't want to travel. One of the reasons I justified spending the money I did on those rods was the warranty. Without the warranty, I'd never have made the purchases.Look at your serial number.
SF
Warranty Policy | Far Bank
Sage Rod & Reel Warranty Every new Sage rod and reel purchased through an authorized dealer is covered by our original owner warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty is limited to repair and replacement of the rod or reel and does not cover direct, indirect...
View attachment 149074
I saw that email from Winston too and took it as them understanding they need to upgrade their warranty process and repair time.
I totally understand not warranty repair/cost on used rods, pretty much all companies state it’s for the original purchaser which I find more than reasonable.
Thoni also thought the same as previously said - when I purchased my rods the repair agreement is X and now they’ve since changed it. Don’t agree with that on principal but the only other option is to go after companies that are in the realm of business that I appreciate so doesn’t feel worthwhile (even if I disagree with the practice). Based on revised warranty processes there are companies I’ll no longer buy from and that’s ok too.
I totally understand not warranty repair/cost on used rods, pretty much all companies state it’s for the original purchaser which I find more than reasonable.
Thoni also thought the same as previously said - when I purchased my rods the repair agreement is X and now they’ve since changed it. Don’t agree with that on principal but the only other option is to go after companies that are in the realm of business that I appreciate so doesn’t feel worthwhile (even if I disagree with the practice). Based on revised warranty processes there are companies I’ll no longer buy from and that’s ok too.