whoa!! Greys Rods made in Taiwan??

sunkistbob · #1 (**permalink**) 03-01-2009, 10:04 PM

Was a bit disturbed to see that Greys rods (and my new Platinum XD) is made in the Far East and not the UK.

Or is/was it only the Daiwa Whiskers that were made in the UK (or Scotland as it were)

Stangely, when i returned a broken but brand new Platinum X reel for repairs, I was informed that the warranty was void for these as they were made in the Far East whereas the XD version was made in house and hence eligible for a 'lifetime' warranty!!!???

Any thoughts/comments?

SKB

Garioch · #2 (**permalink**) 03-01-2009, 10:30 PM

I am supprised you are shocked. Greys/Hardy/Chub moved there manufacturing to the far east a number of years back.

I also do not rate the "lifetime" warrenty. One reason is that on the Greys Missionary rods where sold as a "go anywhere rod perfectly suited to that trip of a lifetime abroad"...BUT, the warrenty was void outside the country of purchase! The other reason is that you get charged for the replacement part, not the full retail price, but enough on the cheaper rods to have you scratching your head and wandering exactly what a warrenty really stands for.

Stick to British or US manufacturers

sunkistbob · #3 (**permalink**) 03-01-2009, 10:55 PM

Indeed, I just noticed the warranty on the new wand and the statement that any claim requires £20 excess per section

Surely that is basically covering the cost of the section and nothing to do with covering 'administration'!?

Although I am sure I will love the rod, I have doubts whether I will ever purchase Greys again. This is based on the saga with my reel, having to pay £20 for a new section of a GRX rod and now finding out they are manufactured outside the UK.

Rather shabby I feel

If Daiwa can do it and they are an Oriental company then why cant Greys?

SKB

rrw35 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-01-2009, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunkistbob

Was a bit disturbed to see that Greys rods (and my new Platinum XD) is made in the Far East and not the UK.

SKB

Any particular reason why?

Is there any difference in quality of a foreign made rod, as opposed to being made in the UK?

#5 (**permalink**) 04-01-2009, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunkistbob

Was a bit disturbed to see that Greys rods (and my new Platinum XD) is made in the Far East and not the UK.

SKB

I have an X-Flite and a mark 2 Greyflex. Absolutely love them. Beautiful rods with lovely actions and great finish. Rods that are a pleasure to own and use. I was also re-introduced to fly fishing with the most amazing value for money G-series. A rod I would still be happy to use.

Are you telling me that I am mistaken and have been kidding myself for the last year and a half?

gunandrod · #6 (**permalink**) 04-01-2009, 09:06 AM

Nearly all tackle companies now either wholly or partially manufacture in the Far East. This includes Hardy's, Greys, Daiwa and Cortland. Even some so called Made in Great Britain tackle is only assembled (built) here the blanks rings etc come from the Far East.

sunkistbob · #7 (**permalink**) 04-01-2009, 09:38 AM

I had been labouring under the misinformation that Greys rods and tackle were made locally and not internationally.

And whilst I wouldnt believe locally made is any better than something from the Far East, I had been informed (by Greys themselves) that their gear was made in Alnwick.

As mentioned, I had a 'lifetime' claim rejected as the (Greys) reel was made in the Far East and that it was only subsequent models that were eligible for claims/replacements.

I guess I feel rather jaded with Greys and my dealings with them. I wont go into details but I was rather shabbily treated by their customer care dept.

And, my local Chiboro was frozen solid this morning so I have had to return home to chores........

SKB

Carlos · #8 (**permalink**) 04-01-2009, 10:11 AM

what was it I read on a another thread 'voseller v Orvis':

You must be joking! I prefer a very well established brand with a long, long reputation of quality with a total no argument back-up that has a reputation for its famous guarantee. Premier League...or First Division? Your choice!

Just to ram home the quality of some of the smaller people. I broke on a branch the tip of my Bloke XL50 9' #5. Popped into see Mick got a new tip section, a free beer, a nice chat about fishing and no admin charge.

I think I understand the premiership class of service I want.

devon flyfisher · #9 (**permalink**) 04-01-2009, 10:30 AM

No surprise there, many companies have their rods etc manufactured in Asia these days.
Regarding warranty, buy Orvis as it is bullet proof, rod's, reel's and waders sorted out without any problems at all.
Cheers
Richard

flyboxfan · #10 (**permalink**) 04-01-2009, 10:30 AM

Richard Wheatley still make their fly boxes in the midlands and I believe are the oldest continuous maker of fishing tackle in the U.K., having been established in 1860 and having made fishing tackle ever since (although not much of it during both world wars). A number of companies started earlier but have not made fishing tackle all the time since their establishment.

I think that we should try to keep tackle makers in the U.k. going if qualitity and price make it possible