I'm not sure how to take the response I got back from Falcon Rods in a letter yesterday. Basically, I broke my flipping stick, my fault I'll admit it. So, I didn't feel right about taking it back to the store directly even though I know Academy would have exchanged it no questions asked.

Instead, I followed Falcon's warranty procedures on the website and mailed in my rod with $20. I've heard they pretty much always mail you back a new rod. Wrong, all I got was a letter that said since the rod was not damaged due to faulty workmanship or materials, all they could do is offer to sell me another rod for $70.

On one hand, I see their point I did break it...but I've dealt with Loomis on similar situations and they'll replace just about any broken rod for $50. I know totally different companies, apples and oranges maybe. But it's making me wonder if I want to go with another Falcon. Maybe I'm being too critical???

ask for your broken rod back

I can see your point cause in the past, pretty much all the rod companies were replacing rods no questions asked. But, we are in a super tight economy and these fishing manufacturer's are taking big hits. I'm sure they are having to tighten down in places. Look at it from their perspective, you broke, so why should they give you a rod for free? I'm wondering why is it their responsibility? Basically all 20 bucks does is cover shipping. It doesn't pay a thing for the new rod. All they will do is break even if they sell two for the price of one. How would they stay in business if they do that for everyone. Personally, for 70 bucks, your basically getting it at cost probably, you should take it.

Even at $70 you getting a new rod at 1/2 price. And, like you mentioned, it wasn't a defective rod, it was your fault it broke. If you like the rod, I think $70 to replace it is a pretty good deal. Cheaper than buying new with no discount.

Big Leslie,

Sorry for your bad experience. I'm not going to try and blow smoke to you, just becuase I'm associated with Falcon. I can tell you I will do what ever I can to help you out and get this resolved.

You can call me at 214-317-0875 or PM me.

Once again sorry you had this happen and lets see what we can to do help you out.

Casey

Your honesty is applauded. Most would have made up some big fish tail......

But you cannot speak against a company that states what they do and do not cover. Then send in a broken rod when you already know the rod wasnt under warranty and get a negitive response.

Once again your honesty is applauded.

I have had nothing but good luck with Falcon. Even crushed a eye on the tip of a brand new Cara Amistad special and had them send me replacements for it.

I am sorry you didnt get the rod replaced. But they just gave you a great deal on a new rod. Know that if that rod was to break on a hookset...or something simular it is covered.

Yeah, I didn't want to sound like I was bashing Falcon, I know a lot of folks love 'em. I guess for me, the customer service bar was set really high by Loomis, since they'll replace a rod that cost 3X as much as the Falcon for just $50 no matter how it was broken. My perceptions may be out of line with reality.

i agree with asking for your rod back, even though it wont do you any good unless you go to academy and exchange it

I don't believe you perception was out of line with reality, but you have to remember that when you purchase a Loomis rod, you are purchasing the $50 lifetime replacement too. Maybe that's part of the reason their rods cost 2-3 times as much as comparable rods. You're paying for the "potential" replacement up front, sort of like an insurance policy.

That's a good point Scott.

Thats one of the reason a loomis costs 3X as much they are hitting you upfront with insurance/replacement cost. Falcon saves you that money on the upfront cost.

You should have just e-mailed them. I had a buddy slam a tailgate on 4 of my falcon rods......two lowriders and two original crappie rods. I sent in an e-mail to Falcon explaining what happened and told them I really didn't want to spend the money to ship in the entire rod. They told me thanks for the honesty and to just cut the rod above the handle and above the stamped info and they would ship me 4 new rods for $40/piece. I've had nothing but great customer service from them.

$70 is a great deal on a Cara or Lowrider I would take it...

My thoughts exactly. I applaud your honesty though!

Anybody have any broken Lowriders they want to give me? $70 for a new one isn't bad.