Tips For Buying Used Rods;

[moucheur2003]

Originally Posted by ausablebrown

After seeing some of these rods and reels that get torn up by that stuff, why would anyone use it? Anyone got an explanation for this? I would expect them to discontinue it once this started to happen.

There had been a lot of discounted sharkskin on the market lately, so maybe they have.

[popperfly]

Ard, excellent advice, thanks for sharing.

[Hardyreels]

You're welcome Keven,

Where have you been? The forum isn't the same when people fade away for too long

[thewalker1013]

Great post... I've bought two used rods on eBay in the last year and got both for about $100 less than I should have. This post gives me good insight as to the "why" behind my savings. I did not realize certain parts of what was causing me to get such good deals (although I will say that patiently watching for months helps a great deals with savings as well... I waited for six months to find that Z at the price I was willing to pay, and the guy had a buy it now option so after some quick inquiries, I bit within the first day it was listed)

One rod, a Sage 599, had been a little beaten up on the blank (which was fine by me, I planned on it getting a little beaten up by heavy nymphs, weight, etc.). The other, a z axis which I got in great shape for about $315, was missing the original sock and tube (apparently they got left on a riverside never to be seen again). I decided that I wanted it badly enough for my everyday rod that I didn't need those, though I might just pony up and have Sage send me a tube one of these days.

I've been doing the eBay thing for about as long as its been popular, but only in the last year did I begin to get fly gear this way. If I have anyone who asks me about fly gear on eBay, I'll direct them here!

[Rip Tide]

Thanks thewalker.
After reading your post above, I thought that I'd have a look at Craigslist just to see what I was missing out on.
Well I just bought 4 rods and a reel
My wife better not find out

[Hardyreels]

Being patient; not jumping on the bidding - buying wagon is a real key for on-line rod buying. I can't say it enough, ask questions, lots of questions about the condition of the rod. When buying old fiberglass I learned a new hidden danger; split cork rings! The full flexing rods flex all the way into the grip and sometimes this will split a handle. I don't just mean separate the cork rings where they were glued, I mean break them in places where the old contact cement that was used has lost its bond.

So.....when after an old glass rod that is a thousand miles away......ask about the cork. Ask the seller to examine it and to flex it a little to look for splits. If they don't reply or act as if you're crazy, you may not want to deal with them.

[derelict]

Glad I found this thread. Here is a question for you: What about warranties? Im in the market for an 8 weight and have been checking eBay for weeks to find different rod options. My question is about the different companies and how they would treat, say a broken tip, coming from someone who is not the original owner? I know that it varies from company to company but am curious. Buying used can get you a better rod for less money but even the best rod can break. Would I then be stuck with a $300 wall hanger?

[FrankB2]

I was looking at a used Sage, and the warranty card had already been sent in. I called Sage, and asked how much they would charge for a new tip section if I broke it. They said $150 w/o a warranty. With a warranty, they still charge $50, so if the price is right, you might be getting a deal (especially if it's a discontinued rod and not available new). I've only broken one rod in 35 years, and that was in a truck door (18 yrs old, and no case ).

As far as ebay, I'd look at the person's feedback, as well as the other items they're selling. I've seen sellers with a feedback score in the thousands, but they're mostly selling plates and salt shakers. If a seller is mostly selling fly fishing gear, I'd feel much more comfortable.

A strong light and a magnifying lens should be used once you receive the rod, and run along every inch of the rod. That's what I do with new rods. You never know....

P.S. Ard Wrote:
One more thing, do not get caught up in bidding when the price is spiraling upward. Know what the rod is worth and stop there.
I found myself doing that a couple of times, determined to win at any cost. I have a max amount now, and won't go a dime higher. I don't buy collectible gear, and the stuff I'm looking for comes along regularly.

[chi flyfisher]

Originally Posted by FrankB2

I was looking at a used Sage, and the warranty card had already been sent in. I called Sage, and asked how much they would charge for a new tip section if I broke it. They said $150 w/o a warranty. With a warranty, they still charge $50, so if the price is right, you might be getting a deal (especially if it's a discontinued rod and not available new).

I use this logic quite a bit when looking used.

The key to bidding on Ebay is to know what you want, have a maximum you will spend, and not bid until the last 30 seconds or less.... Some people call that sniping, but if the other bidder has bid their maximum amount they are willing to spend, and so have you, and you win, who cares? All is fair in love and Ebay...