Orvis Silver Label Rod

I'm sure someone other than me purchased an Orvis Silver Label rod. I can't remember what they cost new.

Here's why I need to know. I broke mine, and Orvis has now said they can't fix it, and since they don't make them any longer, they want to replace it with another rod.

What ****** me off is that they offered to replace it with a Clearwater Rod. Not what I consider fair, but I can't remember what I paid for it new. I bought it at a Bass Pro Shops about eight years ago and thought I paid about $250, but I just can't remember.

If someone else purchased such a rod and remembers the cost, please post it so I can tell Orvis what I will take as a replacement for the broken one. This may change my opinion of Orvis.

Thanks.

[This message has been edited by J Castwell (edited 11 February 2006).]

Let me get this straight.
They are going to give you a free new rod to replace an 8 year old rod that you broke though no fault of their's?
And you don't consider this fair?
You ARE a lawyer

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I never lost a little fish-
yes, i'm free to say
It always was the biggest fish
I caught that got away
...Eugene Field

I would scream at them. Silver label was the middle of the line with TL being top and clearwater being lower. When they did make them, the price was up there. I would demand a Power Matrix (being the middle line now) No way is a clearwater equal, although a good rod with full warranty. I did learn from working for the company, make a little noise and they will come through "the customer is first and always right".
I could tell things people returned and they okayed, that I would have said you got to be kidding.

You bet it is fair. The warranty is unconditional and 25 years. I am sure that it is reflected in the price. But I would ask for the replacement value and don't settle for what they try to pass off. If I break my TL (not the TLS), I expect to be replaces with a T3---equal price at time.

Call Orvis, explain the situiation and tell them what you paid for the rod.

Ask them to replace the rod with a TLS series rod. These rods are about equivilant to the price you paid for your broken rod.

Orvis is usually pretty good about making customers happy.

Rob

My Orvis Silver label 7'11" 6.0 flex was
$240 ( on-sale ) in 2001. I think that the regular list price was in the $275 range.

You may want to ask them to trade-up
(if you kick in some dough )

I may be way off here, but maybe the blank technology of todays Clearwaters is equal to the Silver Labels of 8 years ago.
I know this has been the case with other rod brands.

i would wont 1 up from clear water myself.

Not to hijack the thread. What i see happens at my shop is people by the old rods that are no longer produced like the winston ibis and use it for a bit, than either high stick the rod to break it or break it intentionally. In that case i think they should take what they get you bought an old rod for a good price you get a comprably priced rod.

nickodanger is right about people abusing warranties, that is why Orvis changed theirs from free to any rod marked 2003 with a $30.00 repair. As far as the new clearwaters being better, I haven't seen that other than the coating on them now. You say the rod was $275. new which was a lot then and I do fee the TLS Power Matrix is an equal replacement. You have what was a middle class rod(for it's time) why settle for the entry class (clearwater)?

Hey there BC,
I broke my Silver Label about 2 years ago( got it as a gift so I don't know price) and Orvis replaced it with a Trident TLS of same length and wgt. I have NO idea if that was a "fair" replacement. At the time I was glad to get the new rod and didn't question the deal. Does anyone know if this was "fair".I am however happy with the Trident TLS.

Mark
PS: Didn't mean to hijack your thread BC

Thanks for all the replies, or at least most of them. I do intend to try to talk to them about kicking in some cash (not much) and replacing my rod with a superfine. I just could not remember what the rods sold for because I bought that rod with a battenkill reel, line, etc.

The Orvis warranty was one of the reasons that I bought the rod, so I do consider it fair, even though it was my fault that it broke. Being a lawyer has nothing to do with it, I'm a fly fisherman.

I own a couple of Orvis rods and reels, and like them, so I would like to feel confident doing business with them in the future.

I paid even more for a Thomas and Thomas rod, but they guarantee their rods for life. If I break that one, I'll send it back too. I can't imagine ever breaking a rod on purpose just to get a replacement (that really doesn't make sense), but if I do accidentally break one that has a replacement warranty, I hope the company stands behind their warranty. Most of my rods don't have any warranty at all, so I really appreciate the ones that do.

Tight lines to all, and thanks again.

No offense big guy, I'm just not a fan of the no-fault warranty.
Orvis started the whole thing years ago and in my opinion it did nothing but drive the price of a good rod up.
As far as I'm concerned people should take some responsiblities for their own actions and if they bust a rod.. fix it or buy a new one.
Nothing aginst you,
sorry for the lawyer crack.

------------------
I never lost a little fish
yes, I'm free to say
It always was the biggest fish
I caught that got away
...Eugene Field

Seems to me if he payed a fair price for the rod and they offered a 25 year no fault they should replace it with a comparable valued rod not an entry level rod .

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The more time I spend around people the more I like my dog.

Mike

I broke Mr.'s 5 wt. Silver Label a couple of years ago. The Silver Label was already out of production and Orvis replaced it with a TLS.

I also broke a Silver Label on a stream about three years ago. Strike putty caught in the tip and it snapped. It was replaced with a TLS. I would speak to a representative from Orvis to explain why this rod is to be replaced with a cheaper model? I am sure Orvis will make it right for you. The 25 year warranty is one reason I bought an Orvis rod.

My Silver Label 8.5' 5wt was $245 brand new when I bought it in 1998 and that was full price.

-----

Just my two cents worth, but I don't think that the Clearwater is a fair replacement for a Silver Label. The Silver Label was definitely a step above the Clear Creek and should be treated as such even under a warantee replacement. Others are free to disagree. 8T http://www.flyanglersonline.com/bb/smile.gif

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You had better learn to be a happy camper. You only get one try at this campground and it's a real short camping season.

Hi BigCasino. I would go with FlyGoddess in that I really think Orvis will try hard to make you a satisfied customer. Try the customer service manager or higher. Just last Sept I inquired about a SL 7wgt "All Rounder", hoping that maybe there would be a stray one or two left. They were long out of production. Orvis had the blanks in stock, and for $20.00 more than the 1999 price they custom made me the rod, and I had it in under 2 weeks! I thought that was pretty good - I never imagined they would custom make a rod. If Cust Svc really checked, it might be possible they could have the blanks and you could "insist" that they build you a new one. I was very satified with how my deal went. It looked to be as well made as my other SL, a 3 wgt. Stir the pot! I think they'll do something for you.

The reelseat on my SL 6wt fell apart a couple of months ago and they replaced it w/ the TLS Power Matrix.
That IS the replacement for the Silver Label series!!

But just out of pure curiosity does anyone know what was the retail on a Trident TLS 2pc 4wgt. I don't see them in the catalog anymore either.
Also, what if you break the replacement rod? Does the balance of the guarantee still apply?? I'm sure it does, but...........

Mark

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Trout must be Gods favorite fish cause He put them into His most beautiful waters.
(plagiarized qoute)

Seems to me they owe you what was warrented when you piad for it upon purchase of the rod...and you certianly did pay for it!!!

Seems a pretty standard practice that they traded up for quite a few others....call and talk with them...hopefully a different one of them....I would also print this whole thread out and mail it (A coppy) to them if they just don't seem to grasp how many times they've offered equal or greater value rods in this instance....Good Luck ,Good Sir.

Trident TL versus the Silver Label:

The TLS was indeed the replacement for the Silver Label, and they were both in the same price range.

At the time that Orvis came out with the T3 they also did away with the Silver Label. The T3 replaced the Trident "TL" which was previously their top of the line rod. At the same time they introduced the Trident "TLS" which was built on the "TL" blank but had lesser cosmetics including a somewhat less fancy reel seat and it didn't have the titanium guides. In effect it was actually a step up from the the technology used in the Silver Label rod blank and it is considered to be a better rod. I suspect the "S" added to the "TL" was a nod to the "silver" in the line it replaced.

sjh,

Thank You! for the info. My curiosity is satisfied.

Mark

------------------
Trout must be Gods favorite fish cause He put them into His most beautiful waters.
(plagiarized qoute)

In addition to the TLS, they also phased them out and introduce the Power Matrix TLS with the same tech as the T3. Not the same material, but fusing to different materials, plus I love it's reel seat and the color, a girl thing.
I don't know about the switch to the super fines, but worth a try, the worse that could happen is they will say NO and that won't hurt you.

[This message has been edited by Fly Goddess (edited 12 February 2006).]

Good idea Billknepp, and I have sent them a copy of this thread to show them how important many anglers consider their warranty.

It may just be my local Orvis shop that is the problem, but hopefully this will help. I sure would like to get my rod back, or a reasonable sustitute.

Thanks for the ideas.

the clearwater rod is not a decent replacement for the silver label...the silver labels are much better.Dont accept their offer!

New Development. After submitting this thread to Orvis along with my complaint about their offer, they now say that while they had assigned a number to my repair, they have not yet even received the rod to make a determination as to whether it could be fixed. They also state that if it can't, they offer the TLS Power Matrix as a replacement rod for the Silver Label. The truth is getting lost somewhere. It may be my local Orvis shop, or the big guys. I'll post the final resolution when I have it.
Thanks for all the help.

I had the same problem with Orvis a while back. They replaced two broken Tridents with two T3s. Since the Tridents were the top of the line when I bought them, I thought I should get the new Zero Gravitys as replacements. I did not.

Just another example of poor customer service at what was once the best flyfishing company in business, IMHO.

I do not do business with Orvis any longer.

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Ken

"The memory of a fisherman is more like fiction than journalism, that is, it doesn't ignore the facts, but it is not entirely bound by them, either."

John Gierach

kphume,
Sorry to hear you thought you were wronged, but, the T3 is the equal replacement for the TL. Personally I thing you were reaching for the Zero. It is brand new and a class of it's own (in the Orvis line anyway)
The idea is equal, not up grade.
Sorry, my feelings, saw a lot of you owe me while working at Orvis.
As far as the repair, they could be backed up, but it sounds like they said what I said, the Power Matrix.
I worked with DICK's at my store also, that put a whole new meaning to SALE. Don't blame the Co. for these guys, but report them. I wish someone had the guy I worked with, I feel he is 75% the reason my store closed.

[This message has been edited by Fly Goddess (edited 13 February 2006).]

kphume wrote:

"I had the same problem with Orvis a while back. They replaced two broken Tridents with two T3s. Since the Tridents were the top of the line when I bought them, I thought I should get the new Zero Gravitys as replacements."

Wow Ken,

Can't believe you feel like you got the shaft on that deal... might have been worse, they could have replaced with the the TLS Power Matrix. My opinion is that you made out very well on that deal.

The T3 was a major advancement in the industry. A lot of folks had many good things to say about the rod when it came out. I have the T3 6wt and I love it.

There's no way Orvis or any other rod company is going to replace a broken rod with thier newest product. Thier trying to make money on the new products. It also protects them from those that would break rods intentionally in hopes of getting the latest rod that comes out.

just my 2..........
---------
Rich

Happy Ending. Orvis came through.

After the assistance of this list and my emails to Orvis regarding the deal offered by my local shop, the Orvis rep called the fly shop and they offered me a new Superfine rod.

That is actually more than expected, and I am truly grateful that they came through in the end. They saved our relationship.

It wouldn't be fair to have complained on this list without letting everyone know that Orvis stood behind their product, and even exceeded my expectations.

Tight lines.

Hi! Glad to hear it! At the end of the day, I really thought Orvis would come thru, and they did. Sometimes I guess they just need a pointing in the right direction. Enjoy the new rod!

so BC which superfine did you get. I have the 1oz. 4 wt, the trout bum and the Far & Fine, and they are so nice. Being greedy, I would love to get the new Trout Bum Limited edition, it is so pretty and I like those up locking rings. Maybe I will have to sell my Trout Bum and my Ruger 22 revolver. The Limited Edition Bamboo is already filled. At $4500. each makes you wonder about the economy.

So...BigCasino finally got the service promised in the literature, after doing it right...go to the source, not the middleman.

Anyway, I read this whole post twice and had a few thoughts. First, as Fly Goddess, I'm a devout Orvis fan. Everything here is Orvis, 1 through 8wt. Have never had a problem with them, and never will. I've sent back an SL that wasn't even my purchase and they repaired it; no charge!

After building my first rod this winter, I was a little PO'ed. I learned how inexpensive even a premium rod is in parts. The cost is in the labor. And, if you offer the guarantee, it's more.

I think that most manufacturer's are anglers and know what to expect from the general customer population.

First, as has been posted on many sites, the proper "get ready to fish" procedure. Park, don you waders, boots, vest and any other gear you'll need....then, and only then, assemble your rod and reel. But, what does everybody do? They're so aroused they assemble the rod and reel and lean it on the vehicle, against a tree, fence, park bench, whatever is handy. Then they try to pack 340 lbs. of body in "mediums", hobble all over the place and fall on the rod, slam it in the door; whatever.

Then, they do what one poster suggests; turn in a '69 VW and demand a Mercedes!!!!!
"What?" "You're only giving me a '93 VW?" I'll never deal with that company again, and, I'll badmouth the hell out of them on every BB I can find! That'll fix 'em!

Whatever happened to common sense?

Now, if anyone could find me an Orvis Trident TLS 843-4 MidFlex 6.5, to replace my 2pc., I'd be ever so greatful.

Best of luck with your people skills, Jim

Jim Sentell,
That is what I kinda thought you had. In an earlier post I said that all the major rod makers had at least one lemon---That was Orvis's. We took one out to let a customer cast it, then the little dick I worked with cast it a few more times. Came in and I asked him how he broke it. He looked up and noticed the tip gone. No ideas. Customer bought a new one, came back a week later, tip broke. Gave him a new one and the same thing. Ended up giving him a different size. So I do feel that rod is a lemon and there is only one that size in TLS.

Fly Godess,Help me a little as I am a little slow.Which Orvis rod was their lemon?Was it a particular length only? Or weight only? 2 piece or 4?

It may help me or another reader to avoid that little headache.

Thanks,bd

Just a side note on warranties. I work with computers and most hard disks are warrantied for life. Most customers don't even know that becuase they don't ever buy a disk drive by itself. I had a drive fail once and contacted the manufacturer and they no longer made a drive as small as the one that failed so they replaced it with a new one that was faster and 4 times the capacity. So, I think it is farily common practice to replace a warranted product with something comparable when the original is out of production.

Just my 2 cents.

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Fish more, work less!

big daddy
It was the four piece. It might have just been a bad batch. I am not going to say all cause I basically have no proof.

Hi BigCasino and everyone,

I know this thread is getting old, but I couldn't help but post.

It seems we are in such a hurry to jump an entire company (usually Orvis) based on the actions of one or two people. BigCasino states how upset he was when "they" offered to replace his rod with a Clearwater. When I read this post, I immediately wanted to know who "they" referred to...

So "they" is actually a manager at the local Orvis shop. "They" was not Orvis. And disappointing customers is not Orvis' way of doing business. If you've been around, you understand this part of their philosophy, and you would know Leigh Perkins would not be happy with such treatment and inconsideration. Many people have worked their asses off keep Orvis a trusted and growing company.

Maybe the person that made that decision was having a bad day (not your problem, but we all have them), or more likely he wasn't (or shouldn't be) a manager. It's not that hard to go to someone higher up. Why not call Orvis' corporate customer service BEFORE heading to the local shop, just to know ahead that you're getting a reasonable replacement. Call it research, if you will.

Don't you believe most companies building higher quality fly rods will try to keep their customers loyal by doing whatever is reasonable? And is it not true that Orvis led the way, being the first to commit to an unconditional warranty?

So as it turns out, BigCasino gets quality customer service when he contacts Orvis HQ. Too bad he didn't do that first, then maybe his initial post would have been "Orvis knows how to keep me as a customer, let me tell you why."

When it comes to customer service issues, make sure you are talking to the right person, be friendly, and don't expect them to do something for you that they cannot do for everyone with your issue. It's about being "fair and reasonable."

Thanks for reading. Hope I didn't upset anyone.

Since I started this, I will try to finish it by saying that I was very satisfied with the service I got from Orvis at their headquarters. I mistakenly thought that the local shop was affiliated. I got a better rod than I deserved as a replacement, and have even purchased another Orvis rod since this incident (although not from the local shop). I have several Orvis products, and until this last episode, had never had any problem. They came through this time as well, and I guess the lesson is that you need to go to the source, the local shops are not part of the company. I will note that the local shop apparently took a hit (profit wise) from the rod replacement. Or at least that is the message they gave me.

Tight lines all, and Orvis is GOOD.