Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned angler, you want to purchase a fishing rod that will last for years. However, even high-quality fishing rods can break over time or become damaged. A lifetime warranty can cover the cost of repairs and sometimes even a replacement.
So, what is the best fishing rod warranty? Most manufacturers offer a limited one-year warranty on defects in materials, craftsmanship, and against breakage in normal fishing conditions. Some brands, including Fenwick, Okuma, and Eagle Claw, offer a limited lifetime warranty for all or some of their models.
Warranty coverage and terms vary and may depend on the type of fishing rod you want to purchase. Keep on reading to discover which brands offer the best rod warranty programs.
Do Fishing Poles Have a Warranty?
In general, most brands cover defects in workmanship and materials for one year from the date of purchase. A one-year warranty is more than enough for these types of defects. Any flaw in design or craftsmanship will become apparent after just a few uses of your new rod.
Some rod manufacturers offer limited lifetime warranties. While the lifetime warranty coverage may vary, in most cases, it covers any design flaws and material defects for the lifetime of the rod.
10 Best Fishing Rod Warranties
Are you into fly fishing and are looking for the best fly rod warranty? Or are you into saltwater fishing and looking for the best surf fishing rod warranty – we have you covered. The following brands offer the best rod warranty programs:
Fenwick
Fenwick’s warranty program is designed to get anglers back to the water faster. This brand doesn’t offer repairs or parts for rods.
However, suppose your rod is still under warranty and has failed due to the manufacturer’s defect. In that case, Fenwick will replace it with a new rod or a compatible model.
Even if you accidentally break your rod outside the warranty period, Fenwick is going to give you a great deal on a replacement rod.
Depending on the model of the rod, this manufacturer offers a limited lifetime warranty, a five-year warranty, and a one-year warranty.
Berkley
Barkley warrants that its products are free from manufacturer defects in materials and craftsmanship for one year from the date of purchase.
The warranty doesn’t cover any damage caused by normal wear and tear, failures caused by accidents, abuse, alteration, modification, or improper care.
Okuma
Okuma’s limited lifetime warranty covers defects in materials and craftsmanship for the lifetime of selected Okuma rods. This brand also offers a limited one-year warranty for select Okuma rods and combos, against any workmanship and material flaws.
Besides warranties, Okuma also offers an accelerated replacement program and a high-performance upgrade program. These programs are ideal for anglers who are unsure whether the damage to their rods is covered by a warranty.
A broken or damaged rod can be replaced by a new one for a flat rate with these programs.
Shimano
Shimano offers a one-year limited guarantee and a 30-day guarantee that covers damages caused by workmanship or poor materials. Any malfunction or damage caused by misuse, abuse, or tampering isn’t subject to warranty.
Shimano also offers a replacement program called Shimano Express. The company offers 50% off MSRP and free shipping in the US.
Shakespeare
Shakespeare offers a limited one-year warranty for its products. Suppose the rod fails due to a manufacturing defect and is still under warranty. In that case, the company will replace it with the same model rod or a comparable model.
This company will have to inspect the damaged rod to identify the nature of the defect. Damages caused by normal wear and tear, misuse, accidents, or improper care aren’t covered by the warranty.
Temple Reef
A limited one-year warranty covers all Temple Reef fishing rods. This company warrants to repair or replace a defective rod under warranty at no cost other than the cost of packing, insuring, and shipping the rod to Temple Reef.
Daiwa
Daiwa rods are covered by a one-year, five-year, and limited lifetime warranty, depending on the model of the rod. This company also offers a one-year warranty on a rod reel deemed defective in craftsmanship or materials.
The warranty extends only to the original owner and extends only to manufacturing defects for both the reel and the rod.
St. Croix
Depending on the model, St Croix fishing rods are covered by a two-year, five-year, and 15-year warranty (source). A warranty covers all damages caused by faulty materials or poor craftsmanship.
Eagle Claw
Eagle Claw offers a limited lifetime warranty for Trailmaster rods. A limited one-year warranty covers all other models. Eagle Claw Company will replace all rods that break due to a defect in workmanship or materials.
EDGE Rods
EDGE rods have a limited lifetime warranty for the original registered owner. The limited lifetime warranty covers any damages caused by manufacturing defects or faulty workmanship. A contract doesn’t cover normal wear and tear, accidents, theft, or mishandling.
This company also offers a no-fault, one-time replacement extended warranty at the time of purchase for the extra cost.
What Is the Most Reliable Fishing Pole Brand?
St. Croix is the most reliable fishing rod brand, according to experts. This manufacturer offers a three-tier replacement program for its rods and excellent warranties for any manufacturing defects.
These premium-quality rods cost less than other top-quality fishing poles and come with a superb upgrade plan.
Conclusion
When it comes to fishing rod warranties, most manufacturers offer the same thing, and that’s a one-year limited warranty. This type of warranty is sufficient for any manufacturing defect that usually becomes apparent after a few fishing trips.
However, a limited one-year warranty isn’t everything fishing rod manufacturers have to offer. Many companies are offering limited lifetime warranties for any material and craftsmanship flaws but will also repair damages not covered by a warranty for a reasonable fee.
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