Broke my old Cortland graphite 5 wt last month, right on the butt section at the ferrule. Completely, absolutely my fault and not any kind of defect. Cortland already replaced one mid section of it last year from another break, for a grand total of $15 shipping. (It’s my ‘beater’ rod!)
I pretty much agreed with many folk’s positions on rod warranties during JC’s big discussion about it last winter…I told our local Cortland pro shop that I felt guilty sending it back since it was my fault, not theirs. They told me – send it in anyway. The worst they can say is no, and warranty service is built into the price of the rod (it’s a cheap rod, $120 or so).
Just got a brand new GRX in at the shop today with my name on the tag, packed in my old rod case and sock, with shrink wrap still on the grip. With a note attached saying they no longer had any replacement sections for that model, so here’s a brand new one. Total cost? $15 for shipping.
Thumbs up to Cortland! I’ll try to be more careful with this one.
They are owned by their employees. It’s a tough life in the manufacturing game and they are out to win. They and their associated brands have been strong supporters of FAOL from the start and are one of the companies responsible for bringing you the pages of information and helping develop the fraternity and collegiality found here.
Yep, Cortland’s attitude on rod repairs got me started buying their fly line. Then they came out with Sylk, which feels, well, sexy while stripping. OUCH, sorry! But it’s so different in feel from the other big name brands of fly line I’ve tried that I thought it quite remarkable, and will buy more when my current 444 lines in other sizes and tapers wear out.
Anyway, I feel obligated to post stories like this when I get treated right. I’ve been cheerful all day since our local fly shop owner told me “Hey, check out out your new rod!” this morning. I asked her, “You’re joking, right?”
And the original broken one was simply a very nice-casting, under $100 budget rod–something I’d recommend to any beginner that wants to spend a bit more than what Mal-Wart can offer and feel a bit of what a real fly rod can do, and perfect for my ‘beater’ on rough terrain.
Anyway, I’m off to rig it up for a test before it gets too dark.
Since we are on the Cortland bandwagon…And I know this is not the for sale site. I have a Cortland “Crown” fly reel. New, never used. In origional box with instructions and origional bill of sale. This is early 1970’s. Size 5-6 line. “made in England”. This is not a Hardy but it is a nice 'click pawl" reel. In other words, no adjustable drag, just the nice sing of the click. I will sell for $43.00 shipped anywhere 48s. If you want photos email me. tight lines, Jonezee
[This message has been edited by Jonezee (edited 26 May 2006).]
[This message has been edited by Jonezee (edited 27 May 2006).]
Back from the lawn. The GRX casts just fine! It’s a darn fine rod for the price. Cortland probably spent more replacing rods that I broke than I ever paid them for rods in the first place. Though they made it back from me in fly line…
DAN
Cortland is indeed one of the best companies out there when it comes to customer support / service.
danbob, the GRX line of rods are quite amazing for the price aren’t they. I currently use the 8’ 5/6 wt 4pc model and love it, it is also one of the best local selling rods i carry, it is a perfect fit for brookie fishing here in the Maritimes.
I have bats in my barn here on the farm J.C. I would just like to see someone who appreciates Cortland gear provide it a good home. Still a deal at $42.00 shipped, minus the bat poop.
Ok, come on, one of you new guys. Step up and treat yourself to a good deal. I have more reels than Jonezee or I would buy it myself.
Jonezee, here is the deal. Raise the price a dollar a day for a week. It is worth way more than that. If it doesn’t sell, keep it for the ‘swap’ table at the Michigan Fish-In.
Hey Jonezee,
I’ll give you 4,000 yards of gold chenille for that reel–STRAIGHT UP!..All ya need now is some navy blue & you’ve got a dandy sweater!
See you at the Fish-In…or possibly at our next Fish-In planning meeting.
Mike
You can call me Mike & you can call me Mikey…Just remember that this site’s about sharing!
Thanks tuber…the Tribe bowed down to the Tigers again today. Just got back, a great game, great weather and a full house.
I’m really not a rump sprung chenille bathrobe kind of guy…I will leave that for you buckeyes…how on earth did you ever fall pray to such a huge amount of the stuff?
I understand there is a up an coming Cabala’s pre-Michigan fish-in meet? When is it? Do I look for the guy with the maize yellow hand knitted chenille toga? I know, we can wear Detroit Tiger hats… that way we will be recognized in a crowd and be able to identify each other…nice try eh?
Neighbor just bought his third Cortland reel and had the dealer put on the new 555 line, Dyna Tip. He wants to try it out during the weekend in some of the cold waters (lots of run off now and some campgrounds still closed). He had one of the 444 on his other reel (can’t recall which flavor of 444 at this hour), and was certainly happy with it.
Jonezee…Chenille is rated “yards per pound” & thats how I bought it…you know…2 lbs here, 2 1/2 lbs there. At any rate, what I have is more gold than yellow, but come to the Michigan Fish-In & it’s FREE! However, due to limited quantities, I MUST limit individuals to 500’ apiece.
Detroit Tiger Hats?..AKA porta potties!
Mike
You can call me Mike & you can call me Mikey…Just remember that this site’s about sharing!
