Berkley Customer Service

Post by **Junior24** » Wed Jul 14, 2004 10:06 pm

Hey folks,
Just thought I would post an update on my experience with Berkley. A few weeks back I posted about the busted tip on my Canadian Specialist series rod. I called Berkley and they told me to ship it to them and they would look at it. They replaced it and yesterday I recieved my brand new Canadian Specialist rod in the mail. HOWEVER, I take it out to look at it, put it together, take the tip in my hand and give it a flex and snap it breaks right behind the third eyelet. Now I know rods arent indestructible but I did not bend it to hard. In fact, the rod is rated to 17 poud test line, I am postive that a 17 pound fish would bend the rod more than I did. Anyways, I called them up again, the lady was super nice and I had to ship it back again and they will replace it again.

I am not sure what this says about this rod but I am impressed at the no hassle customer service. They could have just told me off and said forget about it but they didnt and they were quite gracious. If only the rod was a little better. Oh well.

Post by **Markus** » Wed Jul 14, 2004 10:11 pm

With cheap rods selling at good prices, they can obviously afford to put a few extra dollars into customer service.

I'm glad your getting things fixed up with no hassel.

Post by **Rescue78** » Wed Jul 14, 2004 11:13 pm

I hope you get a good replacement and be done with the headache.

I don't know much about their rods and maybe somebody can educate me on this, but to me, it's just not a name I'd got to for a rod. They make great lures, decent line and fishing accessories but ..... Just like I'm not sure about those Rapala reels

. It's kind of like Esso starting to build cars.

Just my two cents. Again, I hope they look after you and that you'll get a rod you'll enjoy for years to come.

Post by **scttsmpsn** » Thu Jul 15, 2004 7:07 am

One thing I have learned from various poeple in retail situations is that rods are not meant to be grabbed by the tip and flexed. Many makers have demonstrated a negative pattern in their ads; i.e. Ugly Stick. They will break. A fish will never bend a rod from tip to handle; that is why they say to never let the rod go past 90 degrees. The safest way is the hold the rod placing the rod on the ground and pressing down so it flexes on the ground like it would when you are fishing.

... as long as your drag is set properly, and the rod help correctly a fish should never break a rod...im my opinion anyways...

Cheers,

Scott

Post by **fishforfun** » Thu Jul 15, 2004 7:09 am

Junior24 rods should only be bent using line through the eyes, bending a rod with your hands is a no no. This is especiall true with 2 pc. rods.

Post by **Big Bass Buddy** » Thu Jul 15, 2004 8:00 am

Over the last couple of years I have my little problems with Berkley. The trilene line for some reason was bad. Every spool I had. Called them and they were very pleasent to deal with. Replaced every spool and gave me an extra one free. no troubles at all.

Post by **Junior24** » Thu Jul 15, 2004 2:05 pm

I know you shouldn't bend them but I didnt take it and flex it, all I did was give it a slight bend and only at the tip. It broke behing the third eye.
Anyways, I am not too confident with this rod.

Post by **CDF** » Thu Jul 15, 2004 9:22 pm

I have 12 rods...

tow of my most favorite are berkleys. They both have to be over 10yrs old. Last weekend, 12 bass in the boat (slop/pad and open water fishing), all using berkley rods.

I have no complaints...

just don't be bending them at the tip...there is no flex there, and I would expect it to snap.

good luck,
Cman

Post by **Moosebunk** » Thu Jul 15, 2004 9:51 pm

Cman wrote: I have no complaints...just don't be bending them at the tip...

I've broke a Lightning rod. At the tip. Got the replacement from their friendly customer service people. I have two Berk Rods. I bought one for a buddy also.

One episode of Adventures North I watched Gary Roach use a Med-Light Sig. Series Berk Rod with an Abu Cardinal Reel spooled with 8 lb mono. (Personally, I like and have both that rod and reel). Gary, the walleye wizard, landed a 22 lb laker and then a 28 lb laker on this outfit. (it took a fair bit of chasing with the boat) I was excited to know that my equipment could withstand that kind of beating if need be, and since, I've had an appreciation for Gary and his Berk Sig Series rods.

Post by **fisher** » Fri Jul 16, 2004 11:19 pm

Broke my Fenwick HMG.AV 2 weeks ago(Fenwick is owned by Berkley or Pure fishing)called them up,no problem they said send it over.today I got a brand new Fenwick Techna AV.which is of greater value(their best and aprox $50 more if you have to buy)no questions asked,no extra cost.didn't even ask for a proof of purchase.now that is a hard to beat deal I think.I am very pleased with their customer service.