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I was out in Matlacha Pass FL on Sunday in my yak. I tossed down a mangrove shoreline and hooked a snook. It pulled me into the mangroves before I could get control of him. The fish was on one side of a mangrove branch and me on the other. He crashed me straight into the bushs and I broke the tip section of my Orvis Zero Gravity 8wt that I been fishing with since 2007 or there abouts in two places.

I got online and checked out their warranty and repair policy and got it shipped out to Orvis. So we will see how that goes. Under their 25 year warranty they say they will repair or replace it will equal quality for a $60 shipping and handling fee. Since its a discontinued model and wasnt produced for more than about two years I even wonder if they will be able to repair it. The ferrule on the tip middle section was cracking as well and I included that on the repair order. Its my first time sending a fly rod back to Orvis.

I should have known better than to cast down the mangroves while in a yak. Oh well it gave me a chance to look at all new rods . I did catch a few seatrout on the flats on the way out to the key I was fishing and did land two small snook before the crash.

Well that sucks! The Orvis guarantee is a good one I’ve heard. Have 3 Orvis rods two are over 25 years old and are still used.
Keep us posted on what happens, please. I, for one, would be interested in the outcome.

I will. 4-6 weeks they claim to get it back. Lucky I got another good quality 8 wt to use until Orvis handles this.

Yes. Hope it can be fixed. On the down, their lifetime warranty years back on the early fabric waders was a serious mistake. They had to abandon that one.

Well Orvis notified me they received my 8 wt. We will see how it goes from here.

Despite all the cut-throat business mentality taking over companies these days, I think that Orvis still retains their old school mindset when it comes to both their pride in product and their customer service. Their ability to respond - as quickly as they used to twenty years ago - may not be the same, but I think they will make it as right as they can, and probably more to your benefit if an equal one for one replacement is no longer possible.

Well I got a notice a few days ago that Orvis was able to repair my 8 wt. its on the way back to me. Be glad to get it back. Hopefully its fixed. We shall see this Friday. I may fish Sunday but not sure if Ibwill use the 8 wt. probably hunt tarpon with my 10wt.

Received my rod back from Orvis repair. They were unable to repair my rod so the sent me a new ZG Helios. Which I believe was the next generation after mine. Noticeably lighter.

Sounds like Orvis treated you right. 👍 That is good to know, customer service can be a bit of disappointment nowadays. Let us know how you like your new rod.

I think they did treat me fairly. Not to be taken as a complain in anyway but I would liked to have been told they couldn't repair my rod and given the opportunity to pay additionally to upgrade for their newest top of the line model. But again they honored their bargain and I will probably really like the Helios. I did really love my zero G.

Always been a fan of Orvis for over 25 years.

So for $60.- Orvis honoured their warranty and replaced a rod broken not due to any manufacturing defect but rather through user error? A rod you took pleasure in fishing for 15 years and Orvis sent you a new and improved version?

If it were me I would fish the ZG Helios rod in good health.

I'm still casting my HLS rods from the 1980s and bringing them in on geared 3/4 Battenkill reels from the same era.

ENJOY!

Correct and I will surely enjoy it.

I replaced two HLS with Helios the same way with a new warrantee.

Im about to see how the GLoomis warranty stacks up to the Orvis. I got a broken 8wt 3 piece Cross Current and an about to start the process.

Good luck !

Look at the good side of this.

Most guys break equipment stepping on it, slamming it in doors, and assorted other dumb stuff. You broke yours actually using it. Even if it was 100% completely unsalvageable, I would mount it on the wall, and consider it an example of times living right.

Get another one and go on.

I don't mind scratches, dings, and marks on my gear that have been accumulated in the field. They are marks and reminders that I have been enjoying things that are more important than chasing a dollar.

Oh I’m sure I wont let it hold me back any. One thing I got is plenty of 8 and 9 wt rods.

I was an Orvis dealer some years back, and they always prided themselves on customer service. Good to see they still do.
I still use an old Orvis “all rounder” that I love. Wife has one as well.