Hi Andy,
If it weren't for my experience this week I would have whole heartedly recomnmend the Prodigy. However, whilst I love my Grey's Prodigy Barbel in terms of performance, I was rather shocked by the poor afterservice I encountered from Grey's this week.
When getting ready for the river season I noted that the tip ring of my Prodigy Barbel was bent. I tried to straighten it but it was too far gone and a replacement was required.
I looked locally for a new tip ring but no joy - no-one knew the ring model or size. No problem, I thought, contact Grey's as they're bound to know. The girl on the 'phone was friendly but said they didn't have that information but would check with the carp boys and call me back. She did - they didn't know. I pushed further and she said she'd ask her boss. She called again and relayed his suggestion that I get a micrometer and measure the internal and external ring diameters and get back to them!
I didn't think this was particularly good service but, after they quite forcefully pointed out that the guarantee on the rod wouldn't be honoured if it wasn't registered (which it was), they offered to honour the rods "guarantee" and if I wanted to cut into into four pieces and send it back with ?20 then they would send me a new top section with tip ring!!!
I thought this ludicrous and pushed back again. This time she offered to put me through to her manager. Within 10 seconds I realised he couldn't give a damn and told him so. However, when I asked for the MD's details along with his own his attitude changed a little and, after looking into my query, he called back with the micrometer readings.
Meanwhile I searched the internet and spoke to Patrick at Hopkins & Holloway. He was really helpful and said that if I sent the ring to them they would try and match it and get a new one with me by this Friday. I sent it, they matched it, it arrived yesterday. Cost? ?2.60 INCLUDING recorded delivery.
Hopkins & Holloway - well done!!!
Grey's - shame on you for a shocking attitude to customer service.
The learning point: think carefully about the after sales issue when buying a rod, particularly if it's an expensive one. Understand exactly what the terms and conditions of any guarantee are. Think carefully about the importance to you of good after sales service and whether or not you are willing to "go it alone".
Patrick of Hopkins & Holloway, may I once again say thanks.
Jonathan.