Customs, another view

Long ago I made the switch to custom built rods.  I have built a few myself but recently have bought from other builders.  I always see posts touting the benefits of custom rods and I mostly agree.  If your going to spend more than $300.00 on a rod why not get it exactly how you want. 
But, lets flip this:  Guys who are buying these $300-$700.00 Sage, Winston, Scott, ect.... rods right off the shelf, I'm interested in hearing why your not looking into a custom built rod.

1)  would have to say "what about a warrenty?" the name brands have warr. for the life of their rods or at least 25yrs. no questions asked on some. that will be hard to beat
2) the two guys i know who are building rods are real busy, just for them to repair a rod will take a couple months.

i'm not busting on custom rod builders i'de love to have my next rod customed, i always thought they'd be more money than a shelf rod.  ~dt

http://www.tackleworks.org/truth.html

Each builder will have their own way of handling a broken rod.  Some replace outright (similar to a factory) while some are no warranty.  Since I'm not on the market now, I'll share what my policies were.
 
Most of the blanks I used were limited lifetime warranties just like the factory rods.  If it breaks because of manufacturing error (either blank maker or mine) then just get it back to me and I'll take care of the rest.  If it broke from user error, then ship it back to me, I'll see what the blank manufacturer can do, and I'll salvage what I can from the components.  Of the couple rods that were broken, they were all user error and I think every one was a broken tip section between two guides (either high sticking, car door, or ceiling fan).  I was able to salvage all of the guides, so no new charge there.  Past that it was $5 a guide to re-wrap (standard repair rate).  This is inline with the standard industry practices for broken rods.
 
Yes, you'll get hit with resale value on a custom rod except for a very few custom rod makers.  However, if you are having a custom rod made for you, why would you want to sell it?  You don't go with a custom rod if you are just getting into the sport and don't know if you'll like it.  At the same time, I wouldn't be spending $500 on a sage rod if I were just getting into the sport and didn't know if I liked it or not.
 
With build time, yes some builders are very busy some times of the year.  At the same time, a custom rod isn't a spur of the moment, impulse buy.  If you are contemplating spending that much money on a rod, you should have a good idea of what you want, you should have a pretty good need for it, and you shouldn't have a 'need it tomorrow' mentality.  If you can't wait for it, you need to think about whether you really 'need' it or just want a new playtoy.
 
thanks
rick

My next rod is going to be a custom, built by me. One builder I know has given me a book and video, and a lesson on wrapping. I still need to practice a little on the wraps, but they're comming along. The rest will just have to be carefull attention to the construction and choice of adhesives.
 

I build & I agree I will never buy another factory rod, I do it
mostley for family & friends & a few people who have seen my
work & want what I build. I build blanks that have the same lifetime
warranty as factory rods. the big thing is I build a rod to suite me
or whom the rod is for.
    I build rods to fish with not fancy with extra wraps & fancy butt wraps.
to me that adds weight & changes the feel of the rod.
     to those who would like to build a rod (GO FOT IT ) you will
enjoy it & get the rod you always wanted
   Dave

I use a similar statement too.  If you want a warranty, but a Loomis.  If you want the best rod for your application, buy a custom.