Thanks to those who replied.. I fish pretty hard myself, and i have
other rods i can use at this time, but i guess my point of being upset
at things here was that when i laid down the money (my understanding has
always been you get what you pay for) i was not only getting a fine
casting rod, but world class customer service as well. I spoke with my
friend this morning who is a full time guide and outfitted his clients
with Sage last i knew. Come to find out, he had 2 rods break thus far
this steelhead season, and was left with out 2 rods for over a month,
and was forced to purchase 2 new rods (as you hinted at in your post).
So, then it comes down to why the high cost of the rod in the first
place? 2 seasons ago the dealer at the shop told me it was mostly to
cover the cost of replacing it if it ever broke.. "unconditionally".

The financial cost of a fly rod is one thing, but being stuck with
out one when the hendricksons are starting, feels like making snowmobile
payments in a winter with no snow. Maybe it would not seem so bad if the
lady from Sage i spoke to at least SEEMED sympathetic.. She apparently
had no care whatso ever that i really wanted (needed?) this rod in 10
days. Maybe you don't always get what you pay for ? LOL...

Congrats on the 36 " catfish!

--------

It seems about average. I fish pretty hard and I have broken more rods
than I care to admit to in public. Orvis runs a full six weeks
turn-around in my many experiences. So does St. Croix. The fastest
turn-around ever for me was on a Bass Pro brand that cost all of $120.
Brought it into the store and walked out with a new one. No questions,
no delays.
I think they do this (long turn around) deliberately as a measure of
control. You're going to be a bit more careful if you're without the rod
for a couple months. Also, as in the case of Orvis with me, I ended up
purchasing a duplicate of my favorite 9' six weight so I always have a
back-up. I mean, what are the chances I'll break TWO rods of the same
weight on the same trip? (I did break three rods on one trip to
Minnesota, but a 36" channel cat and a very windy day in a boat had a
lot to do with that!)