Best Service by Fin-Nor

[dondkim]

I bought a Fin-Nor Ahab #8 reel a couple years ago for light surf on the Cape and it has served me well. I bought a spool thru eBay three weeks ago but the spool came without washer, lock-ring and knob. Long story short, I called the service department of new owner of Fin-Nor in Wilmington, NC. and Greg, the service manager, shipped me right away a brand new spool (complete) plus three missing parts for the spool I bought. I am really impressed by the service and goodness of the new owner of Fin-Nor. Bless you Greg!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Quicksilver]

First positive feedback I have ever heard for their customer service.

[dondkim]

Here is the address:

Work: 910-350-0494, Service Dept - Greg
Address: Fin-Nor
302 A Raleigh Street
Wilmington, NC 28412-6365

[uncle4]

Fin Nor and their Ahab reels are crap.

Their product and customer service was so bad when I
bought the Ahab's (1998) I threatened to (and probably
should) toss the junk into the drink.

I paid a TON of money for these reels. They malfunctioned/
broke (with KNOWN MANUFACTURING problems) and I had
to pay for the repair and wait MONTHS to get the reels back.
After paying a premium for these reels, I spent that
amount AGAIN in repairs and shipping.

Cusomter service people lied, didn't return calls and were so
completely disreputable I stopped trying to get any satisfaction
out of 'em.

I know Fin Nor has changed hands a couple of times, but
from my MISERABLE and UNSATIFACTORY experiences, I'd
recommend some one else's reels.

Lemme know if you'd like a copy of the letter I wrote to Neils
Stenhoj (then president): I'd be happy to email you a copy.
I was gypped then, and as the reels continue to be
unservicable, am still gypped today.

+ They sold a known defective product for BIG BUCKS.
+ They didn't stand behind their warranty.
+ My (now dust-collecting) reels STILL don't work.

Be VERY, VERY careful

Uncle4

[dondkim]

Uncle4, Sorry to hear all the trouble you had to go thru. I too had a problem with my #8 initially. I left the reel unwashed with fresh water one day two years ago and the anti-reverse was locked up and I had to take it apart. I called Fin-Nor and told them about the problem and their answer was that because it was made in Bangladesh and the quality of metal was inferior. I still could not understand why stanless steel pin would froze. I ended up making my own pin out of stainless steel Mustad hook shank. I ruined two plyers from cutting the fook shank. I put very heavy grease on all the gears and pins. I have had no more problem since. I suggest that you give a call to the new comapny if they would give you a replacement.

[uncle4]

Congrats on the MacIver approach to reel repair... pretty
clever!

For two (small) examples of my problems...

I broke the drive shaft of one of the Fin Nor's (when they
were new). It was a $40 part or so... the (local) repair
person said "its not covered under warranty, and this is the
6th once I've seen -- its because they're using cheap parts".
Uncle4 shells out $40 plus labor.

I had the entire mechanism of another reel replaced. The
gears STILL grind and there're rubbing and scraping sounds as
you crank. The CERTIFIED repair person said "gee.... I've
replaced EVERYTHING in this reel and it still isn't right. I
don't know what's wrong with it, and I can't repair it any
more".

And, after my terrible fiasco with thier customer service,
service manager and president.... I'd rather cut my losses
and stew on it: When I have a charter, and my tackle
fails, _I_ fail --- I can't afford to have it happen any more,
and thus I've gone to other manufacturers. I've squandered
enough time and money it. I'm happy to move on, but it
will NOT be with Fin Nor.

I know a lot of people like their Fin Nor reels.. I know a lot
of people have no problems with thier products. I don't
want to rant any more.... but let me sum up with: I was sold
a product that didn't work. I wasted time and money trying
(in good faith) to get it worked out. It wasn't worked out,
and it still isn't worked out.

Again, if you want me to send you a copy of the letter I sent
back in 2000, let me know: I'd be happy to.

Uncle4

[dondkim]

Uncle4, I would love to receive the copy of your letters. Please e-mail me so I can give you my address.

[GBurns]

I am in the middle of dealing with Fin-Nor on a reel problem. Just sent the reel to them for repair or hopefully replacement. One year old Ahab #8, reel locked up completely. Took a look inside hoping it was something simple, sheared pin and some damage to gear teeth. Uh oh!

Uncle4, Can you sent me a copy of your letter to Fin Nor? I want to as prepared as I can. Gburns9866@aol.com

These reels cost big dollars. I hope they stand behind them. I'll make a post if they come through on this for me.

Another point, I really like this reel. It has performed great until now. We'll see how Fin Nor handles this.

[dondkim]

I fished few days on the Cape past weekend. I used Fin-Nor #8 and it was ok. Make sure you put heavy grease and oil after good rinse.