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Ahhh, very interesting thread. First it is nice to see both points of view. But if there are some bogus posts along the way...shame on you bad boys.
I think I understand fishcop's point of view and he does have somewhat of a point. Warranty against corrosion, but only certain types. To me, star should honor this request (partially in the name of goodwill) and change the words in the warranty to specifically define corrosion if they continue to want to distinguish between environmental corrosion and chemical property corrosion("gc").
Since the gc is a "known" issue on all rods, my question would be to the manufactures, has the issue been researched and a possible solution been sought? Star rep has stated that they know some charter captains put tape below the seats to break the physical connection with some success. If I made rods, I would be looking into something like the 3M film products that could be added to the seat to break the direct contact. I don't think it would add too much to the cost, change the rod balancing, and could be a point to differentiate the product from competition.
I have some star rods and they are adequate for its intended purpose, all things considered (look, feel, quality and price point). I don't think this tread would discourage me from buying more, however I certainly would not buy one without fully inspecting it first. (That's ok with me though - I understand that in order to hit a certain price point, certain compromises must be made.)
Disappointing to lose a customer (and proclaimed product supporter) under these circumstances.
Since you purchased these rods from my store, I will replace them regardless of what Star does. Please bring them in and I will hand you brand new rods or apply store credit.
Just wanted to give a shout out to ALLTACKLE. I bought the four rods in question from ALLTACKLE last year. As soon as Keith saw this thread he offered to replace all four rods. Another quality vendor with great customer service, courtesy, of THT. Its a shame that Star Rod's cant have the same customer service as their vendors. Its a shame that a local tackle shop has better customer service than a huge company. Thanks Keith at ALLTACKLE, and Wiley for THT!
Since I was the person FISHCOP spoke with, let me set the record straight. I seems as if he is just upset because he did not get free rods. These 4 Aerial rods were inspected by the sales manager (myself), two of our factory rod builders, and the owner of the company. All stated the same thing: the reel seats were not corroded. The seats were damaged and scratched as was two of the rod blanks themselves. Over time, these dings and scratches will corrode because the anodizing has been damaged. That is the nature of metal and salt water. His reel seats did show minor galvanic corrosion under the reel seat hoods (more on this later).
As for the corrosion issue, he has totally misled people on this matter. We all probably have removed a reel to find a white residue under the reel "foot." This is actually called galvanic corrosion that is caused by 2 disimialr metals coming in contact with each other. All aluminum reel seats will do this. As I told FISHCOP, to prevent this you would have to take the reel off of the rod after each use and clean this area. In his case, we simply used a damp cloth and wiped it off. This issue is very different than what he was trying to pull off.
Taking the reel off after every use is not practical. However, if the reel seat becomes damaged (scratched or dinged) more attention would have to be given to this if you want the rod (reel seat) to last a long time and prevent galvanic corrosion from being accelerated. If the reel seat is never damaged, the most that would be needed is to rinse with fresh water and wipe it off. Many types of marine lubricants will significantly reduce this issue as well. If anyone wants to know more details about galvanic corrosion, let me know.
Star Rods has a lifetime warranty against manufacturers defects. Damage caused by the user is not a defect in workmanship. For example, we would not replace a rod for free if it was shut in a car door or the finished was damaged because it had a "fight" with the dock while pulling your boat in. Star Rods tries to promote an "over-the-counter" return policy with the retail stores. This way, if a customer has a problem with one of our rods, they can simply take the rod back to the dealer for an exchange. This gets you fishing again quicker and we make it good with the dealer. However, this decision is up to the store owner/manager and is only valid as per our warranty against defects in workmanship. If the store does not want to replace the rod, you can call us directly. Depending on the issue, you may not even has to ship us the rod, you just get another one via UPS.
To put FISHCOP's situation in perspective, this is only the 3rd warranty claim we totally disallowed in the last 12 months.
I don't take it lightly when folks question the character of a friend...you have lost my business and I will make sure everyone understands what type of business you run
BTW-I just got off the phone with my Graphics guy...wait to you see the new "star rod" stickers for my boat
I've used nothing but Star for at least ten years and have never replaced anything on any of them except the tips. I own 50lb trolling rods down to handmade casting rods. Four or five of my kingfish rods turn milky when I wash them off then they dry clear again. It never bothered me enough to go through the trouble to take them back. I fish with them and expect them to get beat up.
I would like to know if the rumors of the company being sold are true and to whom it was sold to .
Since you purchased these rods from my store, I will replace them regardless of what Star does. Please bring them in and I will hand you brand new rods or apply store credit.
Kieth I appreciate it, you are a class act and thats why so many people continue to support your great shop. However, as a friend The last hing I would want is for you to get stuck with these rods and not be able to turn them in.
I have a couple Star handcrafted stand ups and a spinning rod for a couple years now with no problems and they still look great. I thought it was time to replace a couple of older Daiwa (made in Taiwan) conventional rods so I ordered a pair of B20/307HC rods. Needless to say I was surprised when I received them and saw a made in china sticker on the gimbal cap and no longer the American flag made in the USA next to the Star logo on the rod. I know the Ariel rods were imported but did not realize the handcrafted are now made overseas. To Stars credit the rods are perfect after I peeled the China sticker off.
Star at least for the past few years are part of Seastriker
To starrods- without disputing your points made herein, it would seem appropriate to replace these rods based solely on poor workmanship (which you do not dispute as a basis for warranty exchange). The alignment of the guides on these rods is deplorable and if I were you, I would want them back. Fishcop is known on the water from Chesapeake Bay to the Dry Tortugas. IIRC, he recently fished with one of the Contender factory teams in S FL. He isn't blowing smoke, he's serious about spreading the word about how he feels. This thread has already had almost 2000 views. So far, you can count the people in support of Star Rod products on one hand and a couple of these posters are questionable since they are brand new members. A negative thread like this can go on for days or even weeks and it will come up months from now when someone else has a similar issue. Conversely, I had a custom rod holder built a few weeks ago and got only one measly reply to the post giving kudos to the builder. You should think carefully about your next move. A little good will based on the shoddy workmanship that is so obvious could go a long way. Just thinkin' out loud here........
OK, update on my issue with my rods turning hazy white. Phillip from Star has asked me to send in a two inch section of each rod, and he will replace them. One is a stock rod, the other two are custom (I threw the others away). In Stars defence, I should have contacted them directly, after my local dealer declined a exchange.
I just got my Crowder rod back today. I sent it back to Crowder because of a small defect in the coating. Spoke with Mark, he took care of it no questions asked. A week and a half turnaround door to door. That's customer service. No need for me to buy another brand.
By the way, it looks like Ray Charles worked for Star Rods.
Location: Quebec, Canada and Pirates Cove, OBX, NC
Posts: 17,813
Re: star rods....never again!!!
Quote:
ALLTACKLE - 2/1/2007 10:32 AM Fishcop, Since you purchased these rods from my store, I will replace them regardless of what Star does. Please bring them in and I will hand you brand new rods or apply store credit. Keith Fraser www.alltackle.com[/QUOTE
I can assure you that I will begin ordered from Keith because of his willingness to step up to the plate and back what he sells even though the manufacturer squirms like a "ho' in Sunday School"
Hot Rod - 2/1/2007 6:47 PM To starrods- without disputing your points made herein, it would seem appropriate to replace these rods based solely on poor workmanship (which you do not dispute as a basis for warranty exchange). The alignment of the guides on these rods is deplorable and if I were you, I would want them back. Fishcop is known on the water from Chesapeake Bay to the Dry Tortugas. IIRC, he recently fished with one of the Contender factory teams in S FL. He isn't blowing smoke, he's serious about spreading the word about how he feels. This thread has already had almost 2000 views. So far, you can count the people in support of Star Rod products on one hand and a couple of these posters are questionable since they are brand new members. A negative thread like this can go on for days or even weeks and it will come up months from now when someone else has a similar issue. Conversely, I had a custom rod holder built a few weeks ago and got only one measly reply to the post giving kudos to the builder. You should think carefully about your next move. A little good will based on the shoddy workmanship that is so obvious could go a long way. Just thinkin' out loud here........
After an exchange of PM's initiated by starrods, it seems that he has answered the thread with silence.
For now and evermore- let the buyer beware- of Star Rods. If they won't take care of the regular buyer who constantly buys to replace and update, what will they do for the poor sap who is the occasional buyer?
Here is a copy of a PM sent from Star Rods to FISHCOP:
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From : starrods To : fishcop Date : 1/31/2007 7:10 PM
Subject : guide alignment
You did not mention these rods or return them with the others. If guides are misaligned, that is a manufacturers defect and you would get a new rod(s). Hard to tell from the hazy picture and the angle of the rods but it would be obviuos if looking from one end of the rod to the other.
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Mislaligned guides were not the original issue nor the case of the rods received. If so, he would be fishing with brand new rods this weekend..... not repaired, but new. The offer was met with sarcasim.... but I do suppose he was upset from the original issue..... so maybe it was to be expected. Maybe as time passes, we will get the rods with the stated guide problem back so we can make good on those.
On a side note, we are new to this forum and found out about it because a customer, unknown by us except by a yahoo.com e-mail address, informed us of this post. We have looked around the sportfishing section and have enjoyed the content as many of you have.... very useful information and input. We will continue to visit the site occassionally to see the various subjects discussed though we may not comment on a given topic. In the meantime, tight lines.
I had 5 Star rods (the original USA-made ones), and they were very good. Sold them, along with the reels, last December to be replaced with all new gear this Spring. After seeing the hassles that were handed out to a loyal Star customer, I will not buy any more of their product. There are better choices for my money.
__________________ Capt Will, 2002 G/W 282 Sailfish, F225's
USCG Master, 50 Ton; Towing endorsement
Indian River, De
Mislaligned guides were not the original issue nor the case of the rods received. If so, he would be fishing with brand new rods this weekend..... not repaired, but new. The offer was met with sarcasim.... but I do suppose he was upset from the original issue..... so maybe it was to be expected. Maybe as time passes, we will get the rods with the stated guide problem back so we can make good on those.
On a side note, we are new to this forum and found out about it because a customer, unknown by us except by a yahoo.com e-mail address, informed us of this post. We have looked around the sportfishing section and have enjoyed the content as many of you have.... very useful information and input. We will continue to visit the site occasionally to see the various subjects discussed though we may not comment on a given topic. In the meantime, tight lines.
First paragraph-bad, until the last sentence.
Second one is much better.
Customer service is a tough thing sometimes, one on one you can get away with a little, but in the public forum you gotta watch it. I used to stink at customer service, my mentor has been training me well though. He excels at it and has "earned" a great reputation. Customer service is a difficult skill, not everybody has the knack for it. I think Star Rods is trying to make things right, but maybe not communicating that very well. I personally like to see the manufactures participate in the forum. Starrods (president? ceo? customer service rep?) should probably get another shot here. Some people love their products, others don't. Participation, feedback and ultimately customer satisfaction. Everybody wins.
starrods - 2/2/2007 9:11 PM Mislaligned guides were not the original issue nor the case of the rods received. If so, he would be fishing with brand new rods this weekend..... not repaired, but new. The offer was met with sarcasim.... but I do suppose he was upset from the original issue..... so maybe it was to be expected. Maybe as time passes, we will get the rods with the stated guide problem back so we can make good on those. On a side note, we are new to this forum and found out about it because a customer, unknown by us except by a yahoo.com e-mail address, informed us of this post. We have looked around the sportfishing section and have enjoyed the content as many of you have.... very useful information and input. We will continue to visit the site occasionally to see the various subjects discussed though we may not comment on a given topic. In the meantime, tight lines.
First paragraph-bad, until the last sentence. Second one is much better. Customer service is a tough thing sometimes, one on one you can get away with a little, but in the public forum you gotta watch it. I used to stink at customer service, my mentor has been training me well though. He excels at it and has "earned" a great reputation. Customer service is a difficult skill, not everybody has the knack for it. I think Star Rods is trying to make things right, but maybe not communicating that very well. I personally like to see the manufactures participate in the forum. Starrods (president? ceo? customer service rep?) should probably get another shot here. Some people love their products, others don't. Participation, feedback and ultimately customer satisfaction. Everybody wins.
Exactly the point I was trying to make
Manufacturers who participate in forums like these have a vast opportunity to increase (or decrease) their stature as a public vendor. Along with that opportunity comes an elevated exposure to warranty issues because the public has a forum to make their case.
Ultimately, stepping up to the plate and "eating" a few claims will pay off in the end if the vendor is smart.
I have owned nothing but Star rods for the last 20 years, My bother has used them alot longer than that. Other than me breaking a tip on one I have yet to have an issue with them. All of my rods are Handcrafted one so maybe there's a difference between the ones fishcop owns and the ones I own.
Just my own personnal experience.
Ed
__________________ Wins 2008 1st place FLW Kingfish Series Sarasota 2007 8th place FLW Kingfish Series Mobile
Boats 2007 Black/White Hydra-Sports 2900CC - SOLD 2006 White Hydra Sports 2500CC - SOLD 2004 White Hydra-Sports 2400 Bay Bolt - Sold 1999 Monteray 296 - Sold 1994 Regal 242 - SOLD 1992 Wellcraft Excel 20 - SOLD
I also have a large collection of Star Rods. In the past I have had some problems with them and had them resolved although sometimes not easily. I believe Star Rods are sold through a Distributor in our area so damaged or bad rods can be exchanged from the Distributor. I had a fairly new Star spinning rod break that I bought through Boaters World. I have had a close relationship with our local store in the past. The Boaters World store sent it back to Star. After several weeks no replacement rod came in so the Boaters World Manager called Star. There is a grumpy apparently old guy with an Irish name that might still work at Star. He gave my Boaters World buddy a hard time so he said "Do You Know Who We Are?? I am going to have Don Ritz call your owner. We had new rod in 3 days.
In the past I have solicited donations and discounted purchases for CCA Banquet/Auctions. Star has a program for CCA with a good discount. I dealt with the same guy at Star that
the Boaters World Manager dealt with and he was a pain in the arse.
Overall, I am very happy with Star. If you buy one from Boaters World, Alltackle or Anglers you will not have too much of a problem having them replaced if problem. I believe Star is owned by a sporting goods distributor in the Carolina's. The same outfit had purchased Penn Reels with a partner from the West Coast. They recently sold Penn Reels to Shakespeare. I am not sure if they also sold Star.
Just remembered I think the piece of work that I dealt with at Star was named "Mack". I was told by the former CCAVA State Director to only deal with the owner's son in the future.
Re: star rods....never again!!! 
photob
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