Hats off to St. Croix customer service

[waterfoul]

Bought my first St. Croix recently. A starter model Triumph spinning rod. Used it for the first time yesterday throwing a senko for smallies and largemouth at Croton. Caught one smaller largemouth, lost a decent smallie, then broke the rod on what I though was a fish but ended up being a snag. Gave it a jerk to get it free and the rod simply snapped... about 8" up from the ferrel(sp?). Couldn't believe it!! I didn't yank on it any harder than I had set the hook on the two previous hits. And this rod had never been on the water... never been dropped... never been used!

Well, I called St. Croix just now. They were very nice to talk to, offered to wave their normal $20 return shipping fee, and will be sending me a new rod just as soon as I can get this one to them. It will go out on Monday (I'm fishing all weekend up north... leaving shortly).

I do have to question one thing: Has anyone else busted a St. Croix this easily? I know for a fact this rod was made in China... says so on a sticker right on the butt. Does anyone think these chinese built rods are of lesser quality than the ones they used to make here in the USA? The pamphlet that came with the rod stated that it was made in china to the exacting standards for workmanship and quality of St. Croix. But who can say for sure?

[November Sunrise]

Almost all of our spinning rods are St. Croix Premier models. Never had any problems with them.

Sounds like they treated you right. It's refreshing that at least some companies still provide substantive customer service.

[BoonDog]

I've had a St. Croix spinner for about 4 years now and not one single glitch. Has actually performed better than any rod I've owned. You may have gotten a bad rod or something. The next one will probably be a keeper!

[ALLEYES]

Mike,

I am glad that went smooth for ya. It sure was a bummer seeing it snap in half.:(

[jigworm]

I have 4 St Croix Premier's and have not had a moments problem with any of them. I did have a similar problem to yours with a G. Loomis GL3. It cracked about 8" above the cork.

[gomer]

I have countless st croix and have NEVER had a problem with them (although I haven't fished with those new triumph rods, maybe I'll have to stop at gander and pick one up). Sounds like you got a Lemon to me.

[spikejbrook]

ihave several st croix rods finnaly bought my son one and he took off in my bass boat and its laying on the bottum of the north shore of houghton lake of course he can drive a boat but he doesnt know how to use the gps soo someone is going to catch a new rod and reel this year ... maybe i could call st croix and see if they stand behind that.

[waterfoul]

Well, I finally got to fish with it Wed. night... caught several nice sized bass and a big dog fish and had no more issues with the new rod.