This post is to describe my personal experiences and interactions that all occurred in the past month with the companies of Fenwick, St. Croix, and Two Brothers Innovation. These experiences do drive my current and future purchase plans, but it’s up to the individual to make their own decisions as people have different experiences, I’m just sharing mine in regards to companies and products most of us engage with regularly.

The fenwick and st. Croix rods were brought and used on my June bwca trip and other past trips.

Background: Through multiple fishing trips in the spring and early summer my family had some rod issues that required warranty/repair/replacement. I handled them all over an open weekend I had and describe the experiences below.

Fenwick: Interior of the last rod tip was cracked and fraying line. HMG rod was more than a few years old, I didn’t have my proof of purchase any longer. Filled out the online form for warranty or repair options, sent three pictures in for review. Was contacted within 10 days letting me know a replacement rod was being shipped, but the new rod would not carry a warranty as I didn’t have the original proof of purchase. Great customer service experience and I will continue to be a customer in the future. Have 3 of their rods currently.

St.Croix: Interior of the last rod tip was cracked and bent. Premier rod was approximately 6 years old, I didn’t have my proof of purchase any longer but the rod had been in for service in year 1 so on their files. Filled out online form, sent in 3 pictures. Within 10 days I was called to discuss options. Amicable solution of $70 for a new rod, keep the old one, advised me to look into local options to fix last eyelet. Great customer service experience and I will continue to be a customer in the future. Have 4 of their rods currently.

Two Brothers Innovation: Purchased two of their Genesis 6’6 ML-F (2 piece) rods on sale for $110 each on April 29, directly purchased from the 2B website. One of the rods broke right where the two pieces connect, strange. This occurred the second time the rod was used, and when my son was reeling in a 12 inch white bass. The bass made a run and the rod snapped. I filled out the online forms, yes, there are two forms, and sent in pictures. One form talks about Accidental Use and asks for the consumer to pay $75 in yr one for a replacement rod that breaks due to misuse or accident. I explained that this wasn’t the case, so I was directed to a “Manufacturer Defect” claim. This requires me to pay to ship the rod in ($20) to be inspected. I did that, paid to ship it to them for the next step. Upon inspection I was told “rod looks to have been overstressed causing it to break in the guide wrap, but that could have been a manufacturing flaw on our end.”, that particular rod was discontinued so options were offered at that same price point for replacement options. I discussed use and came to the conclusion that a rod they offer for $189 would be a better option and offered to pay the difference. That offer was accepted and I was sent an invoice. The issue was the invoice included the difference in price and that applicable tax, plus some additional costs (around $15-20). I asked what this additional cost was and was told it was the cost of a rod tube for shipping. At that point I wasn’t thrilled with the experience and shared with 2B that (1) I had very different experiences with other companies in the same line of work, (2) That I didn’t think I should have to pay to ship a rod in to them that broke on its 2nd use with no misuse and then to be told that it was a manufacturer defect and asked to buy a rod tube to have a new one shipped to me when I paid for an upgrade. I told them to pick an option; send me a replacement in the $110 options they provided or refund the original cost (with their logic I should’ve asked for reimbursement on my cost for sending in a rod that was a manufacturer defect). I shared that I want to be done with the experience and get to a conclusion as this has been a hassle. Very negative overall experience. I have 2 of their open water rods, 4 ice rods, and have positively recommended their products to family and friends that have made purchases in the last year. I will not make any further purchases or recommendations.

I understand that the companies listed above range greatly in size, history, and resources. This is one of the reasons I chose to support a smaller, more local option with similar products with past purchases and recommendations. These differences do not excuse warranty and customer service expectations when purchasing what they market as premium products. I believe this was handled poorly from beginning to end.

To each their own, but these were my recent experiences. Shop wisely and enjoy, especially knowing how things can happen with rods in the bwca.

Makes me feel a bit better about the HMG I purchased for BWCA fishing this year. Thanks for sharing.

I can echo the Fenwick service experience. They had a Smallmouth line back in the day...some of the most favorite rods I ever owned. I really like their blanks...well, them and St. Croix are both great. I build my own nowadays, but I would not hesitate to buy another Fenwick or St. Croix.

I had a terrible experience with Fenwick. I’m never buying any of their products again.

Multiple emails went unanswered, and no one was ever there to take a call. It was surprising, because they had a good reputation. The rod broke too easily, and they weren’t there to support their product or respond to any calls or emails. I am off of them for good.

I’ve had excellent experience with Sage and St. Croix, so I don’t think it’s just me.

Update… Used my other 2B Genesis rod for the second time since purchase. Tip broke on the second cast. Has been stored in a rod tube in my boat the entire time. After the hassle last time I’m not even gonna bother with a return. $189 retail rod that is 2 for 2 with breaks within first two times being used, coupled with very poor warranty/customer service. No thanks, done with these.

Thought I'd add my recent experience with Fenwick customer service here. I bought one of their HMX rods in April 2022, and the rod broke while setting the hook on a little smallmouth bass a few weeks ago. It was only like a 10" fish, and I didn't put that much pressure on it when the rod just snapped about a foot from the tip.

I couldn't locate my receipt of course, but emailed Fenwick anyway and they responded the next day, asking for photos of the break and the serial number of the rod, and when I provided them, they said they'd send me a replacement free of charge, but because I didn't have the receipt, the new rod wouldn't be covered by the warranty. Fair enough. Less than a week later my new rod arrived.

So I was very pleased with their service. The jury is still out on the quality of their rods, for me.