I was told by the Bean rep that if I break my rod they will send a replacement to me wherever I am in the lower 48 by the fastest service provided by FEDEX. Period, no questions. And this goes for Bean rods purchased at the outlets also.
They also stand by their reels and any other equipment. If it breaks, return it. To me this was too good to pass up.
Regarding the local shops. Hmph!! Arrogant is an understatement!! When researching my rod purchase, I looked at a few rods at a few local shops. Noone offered any advice, and the attitudes I was handed were terrible! It was like going into Starbucks and not knowing where your coffee was grown! I fully understand the needs of the small business owner, I am one. And I also know that it is far better to pay a bit more for some quality advice later, but I was given far better service by the Bean reps than I had gotten at any fly shops.
I will not name names, but the Orvis Boston shop was by far the worst! I am not alone in this, my fly fishing buddy was also very surprised at the attitudes. He ended up buying Bean also, for the same reasons!!
Give me service or give me mail order!!!!
Damn the salesman, full flys ahead!!!!!
Nick