Warranty BS from Aus

[Aussie Joe 0]

Hey guys, I recently bought a Vapor XX stick from my LHS. Despite me paying allot more then the avg net shop or even Ebay seller I decided to go with an Aussie purchase. Mainly to do with warranty but also the fact that I was supporting my local rip off merchants, I mean LHS. ;)

Here is the response from the Aus distributors of NBH products when I queried the exact warranty they offer...

congratulations on choosing the Vapor XX stick at Bladeworx. I have used that stick personally and know that you will enjoy the performance this stick has on offer.

Due to the extreme nature of the use of an Ice hockey stick we do not offer a warranty. However we do treat each claim individually as there is some scope for claims if there is faulty workmanship on the stick. Generally you will find that a stick with a workmanship fault will fail on first use. If anything happens to your stick that leads you to believe that you have a claim please return to Bladeworx for inspection.

Matt

Winter Sports Category Manager

Addlon Trading Company

Because of my time on this board I know for a fact that fault's in new OPS's can last out the claimed "first use". The reply, kind of pissed me off considering I forked out the equivalent of $310 USD for a stick that is 2-3 years old. Am I overreacting to this very limited reply? Or should I think more seriously about buying in Aus next time considering one of the main reasons I bought locally was for a good level warranty on my OPS?

How would you guys react if given this reply in the more "heartland" type areas for hockey in North America?

[Chadd 916]

In all honesty, a stick that breaks due to a manufacturers defect will usually break right away. The problem is that most people assume the warranty to be "as much abuse as it can take in 30 days". It sounds like NBH should reconsider their australian distributor. Maybe the new owners of Bauer will care about their international distributors.

[Aussie Joe 0]

I guess I read between the lines to mean "if it breaks 1st time we'll swap it out, anytime after that and you've got a very low chance of a warranty claim being honoured."

Im not assuming they'll replace it if I treat it poorly then on the 29th day make a claim. Im very easy on my sticks and my last OPS (yellow Synergy Grip) lasted 18 mths before the blade split. I guess I just expected something similar to most companys where its a general 30 warranty on breaks that happen whilst in normal use.

[Chadd 916]

To some degree their position is understandable. International distributors often have to handle all returns out of their own budget, with no compensation from the manufacturer. I would imagine that if you sent back a stick that was pretty clean with the exception of the break, that they would probably replace it. If you send back a stick that looked like it went through a war, they probably won't.

[colt45 0]

....The reply, kind of pissed me off considering I forked out the equivalent of $310 USD for a stick that is 2-3 years old....

$310?!?!?!?!

Holy Crap.

[TBLfan 25]

As much as canadians complain about the cost of equipment(please dont further discuss that arguement in this thread), Europeans, Australians and Asian countries pay a LOT more than us North Americans. That's why guys like fatwabbit and say sven are willing to buy stuff from us on the board and pay $30+ shipping for a shaft we're selling for $40. It seems like a rip off to us but to them they're saving a lot of money. This is why it's totally worth the extra effort to sell to guys across the pond, not only can they get something good for them but for their friends... I'm all for helping fellow hockey players out.

[TomMc#4 0]

my friend had a warranty problem over here in the UK. he had an rbk 6k the one with the snake grip, he took a slash from a goalie and the shaft basically snapped in two. although slashes dont count on warranty he took it to the LHS at the rink we play at, with it being the first time he'd used it the stick was immaculate and he told the owner he broke it on a slap shot in training(a bit naughty but hey he'd jus got it). Now heres the funny/weird/annoying bit. Her response was this "yeah thats a text book slap shot break im afraid that doesnt count for warranty". to which me and my friend looked at each other as in ur talking out ur butt saying that is a slap shot break but let her role on with useless banter saying it wasnt a manufacture defect if it breaks on a slap shot in his first training session and that its his technique. so we told her if its his technique then how had it only happened with that stick when others last him ages and that if a stick breaks on its first use then surely it is defective. anyway after long talks and a few raised tempers she didnt sort out the warranty which imo is ridiculous.

Do you guys reckon its just she was being stingey?

also on the note of equipment prices. a stealth cnt grip in one of the major hockey suppliers for the UK is 270pounds which at the current average is about 540dollars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hence i never buy sticks in the uk or other equipment really because its usually about double price or more

[TBLfan 25]

Did he contact THC?

I broke my v120c on a freaking backhand and they replaced my stick. I don't see why the replacement policy is soo much tougher in Europe and other non-North American countries.

[Chadd 916]

Did he contact THC?

I broke my v120c on a freaking backhand and they replaced my stick. I don't see why the replacement policy is soo much tougher in Europe and other non-North American countries.

Outside north america you have to deal with the distributor for that country, not the manufacturer.

[Aussie Joe 0]

Correct Chadd, the NBH distributors here are generally very good. Despite the reply I received I still beleive they are very good as far as distributors go. The hell stories I have heard about the Easton/Mission distributor here are unbeleivable. Hanging up on customers who make simple queries, next to no after sales support warranty or not, flat out refusing to budge on RRP when selling to teams and my favourite talking complete shit to me about the Easton product after reading the exact opposite two days before on MSH.

For these and many other reasons I now flat out REFUSE to buy Easton in Aus. Im already put off Mission for life after 95% of the products I have bought fell apart or in the case of my 10K's busted my toes.

PS: As a foot note I've noticed the grip on my Vapor XX OPS has already started to flake off after three uses! I'd say about 30% of the grip has flaked off on general use. I wonder if this is counted under the warranty? ;)

[fatwabbit 93]

Hey Aussie, I am trying to get a trip to the US earlier next year. If it happens, I can try to bring some gear back for you. My office HQ is in Melbourne, and you know how we all love to go visit HQ... ;)

[Aussie Joe 0]

By HQ do you mean Crown Casino and Goldfingers? ;)

Seriously but, I might have to take you up on that offer. Just don't fly Qantas, man they whinged about my Ultra Lite shaft that I bought back from NYC.

PS: Ross from Puckhandlers is taking a number of teams over to San Jose in July for the NARCh tourny. The first year they've allowed non elite level senior teams in. Im trying hard to save up and go but its gonna be tough. Maybe you should give it a thought I hear the Ballantynes are going.

[jimmy 194]

I actually agree with the way they are handling Warranties. There is WAY to much cheating and fraud going out there with consumers who break their sticks and try to scam a warranty. Slam it in car door, slam on ice after duffing a shot, two hand it over the crossbar, someone falls on it, the list goes on. Rarely does a stick break from a manufacturers defect. Someone who takes a two-handed slash/chop on their stick, then in the next shift breaks it on a wimpy wrist shot does not deserve a warranty claim. Sometimes they don't know what caused the break, they only remember what they were doing when it broke. I wish there were zero warranties on sticks. I hope the manufacturers are listening. Lets see cheaper sticks with no warranty. The whole warranty thing is a PITA.

[fatwabbit 93]

Have been flying Qantas (it is our prefered carrier) for some time. I've got FF Gold, so they rarely give me the shits about my luggage. The last time two times I went back home to Singapore, I brought my sticks along and they didnt say anything.

Btw, I lost too much $ at the crown, wont go back unless there are skimpies there...

Let me know and I'll try to arrange something if I do go.

[Aussie Joe 0]

In LA Qantas ground staff had no idea where my connecting flight was taking off from. They simply couldn't locate the info and me and the missus were running through LAX like a couple from the Amazing Race yelling and screaming at each other. We made it (just!) only to have found that once we arrived back in Melbourne all of my luggage was left in LA. Three days delay till it arrived safely back home. That experience drained my soul of quite allot. ;)

I actually agree with the way they are handling Warranties. There is WAY to much cheating and fraud going out there with consumers who break their sticks and try to scam a warranty. Slam it in car door, slam on ice after duffing a shot, two hand it over the crossbar, someone falls on it, the list goes on. Rarely does a stick break from a manufacturers defect. Someone who takes a two-handed slash/chop on their stick, then in the next shift breaks it on a wimpy wrist shot does not deserve a warranty claim. Sometimes they don't know what caused the break, they only remember what they were doing when it broke. I wish there were zero warranties on sticks. I hope the manufacturers are listening. Lets see cheaper sticks with no warranty. The whole warranty thing is a PITA.

Jimmy, you're nuts, ;)

Its hard enough to deal with some companies. Can you imagine trying to get your products in a shop and saying to the retailer "Oh we don't do warranty coveredge anymore". I can fathom most LHS owner/retailers would love to deal SOLEY with yelling and screaming customers in regards to faulty equipment.

[mrciv 0]

narch has always allowed non elite level mens teams in there tournaments its called mens gold and silver which always has about 20 teams each.

[Aussie Joe 0]

But generally you have to qualify to make finals right? Our teams are being allowed straight into the finals, so Im lead to beleive.

[ssst123 0]

my friend had a warranty problem over here in the UK. he had an rbk 6k the one with the snake grip, he took a slash from a goalie and the shaft basically snapped in two. although slashes dont count on warranty he took it to the LHS at the rink we play at, with it being the first time he'd used it the stick was immaculate and he told the owner he broke it on a slap shot in training(a bit naughty but hey he'd jus got it). Now heres the funny/weird/annoying bit. Her response was this "yeah thats a text book slap shot break im afraid that doesnt count for warranty". to which me and my friend looked at each other as in ur talking out ur butt saying that is a slap shot break but let her role on with useless banter saying it wasnt a manufacture defect if it breaks on a slap shot in his first training session and that its his technique. so we told her if its his technique then how had it only happened with that stick when others last him ages and that if a stick breaks on its first use then surely it is defective. anyway after long talks and a few raised tempers she didnt sort out the warranty which imo is ridiculous.

Do you guys reckon its just she was being stingey?

also on the note of equipment prices. a stealth cnt grip in one of the major hockey suppliers for the UK is 270pounds which at the current average is about 540dollars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hence i never buy sticks in the uk or other equipment really because its usually about double price or more

Well to be honest i own a hockey shop in the UK and if a costumer buys a stick and breaks it on the first practice then yes i would replace it, unless the costumer is lying and hasn't broke it i.e slapshot for example and hit it around the cross bar or post this is a chance i have to take. ( but the grape vine would normally tells us how the stick got broke any way)

But generally the UK suppliers are pretty good on warranty's with my self, but every shops relationship with the suppliers is different.

As to the UK shops being to expensive mine must be cheaper than the rest as we ship equipment back to North America on a regular basis for our internet orders.

I actually agree with the way they are handling Warranties. There is WAY to much cheating and fraud going out there with consumers who break their sticks and try to scam a warranty. Slam it in car door, slam on ice after duffing a shot, two hand it over the crossbar, someone falls on it, the list goes on. Rarely does a stick break from a manufacturers defect. Someone who takes a two-handed slash/chop on their stick, then in the next shift breaks it on a wimpy wrist shot does not deserve a warranty claim. Sometimes they don't know what caused the break, they only remember what they were doing when it broke. I wish there were zero warranties on sticks. I hope the manufacturers are listening. Lets see cheaper sticks with no warranty. The whole warranty thing is a PITA.

you can get sticks with no warranty's they are pro stock, (thats what they are called in the UK )supposed to be made to a higher standard as they are made for the pro teams every supplier has them the last batch i had where Sherwood TXD momentums 95 flex very good stick and they retailed at £88 pound sterling not a bad price for a full one piece stick.

[colt45 0]

...... Lets see cheaper sticks with no warranty.........

Thumbs up on that one.....i've been saying that for a while...like down 75-100$$ and no warranty...i'd b fine w/ that

[Aussie Joe 0]

Because CNT's are over 200 because of the extensive warranty in place? RIGGHHHT!

[TBLfan 25]

Yes but I doubt that you'd see the stick for $75. Probably $120-$150 without warranty is more realistic.

[mrciv 0]

qualify for narch is for the junior and under divisions. i remember a few years back in florida a aussie team was supose to play in mens platinum but they didnt show.

[yeahnar 0]

As much as canadians complain about the cost of equipment(please dont further discuss that arguement in this thread), Europeans, Australians and Asian countries pay a LOT more than us North Americans. That's why guys like fatwabbit and say sven are willing to buy stuff from us on the board and pay $30+ shipping for a shaft we're selling for $40. It seems like a rip off to us but to them they're saving a lot of money. This is why it's totally worth the extra effort to sell to guys across the pond, not only can they get something good for them but for their friends... I'm all for helping fellow hockey players out.

At least now with the AUD doing much better against the USD we can order gear at roughly the same price. Yes we have to pay extra for the shipping but its nothing compared to what LHS charge over here.

I bought a new set of goalie gear two years ago and with a new mask purchased a year later and new sticks all up i've spent close to $8000 AUD (off the top of my head the trapper was in the $700 range). On the flip side the other week i ordered motocross gear from the US and all up i saved at least $400! I will be making all of my orders with NA stores thats for sure.

[Aussie Joe 0]

Love the username dude, I have seen 1st hand with my best mate how difficult it can be to get sizes etc for a goalie right in AUS. Just have to get some experience up and start ordering via icewarehouse and ebay. I think its hard for him as a he's a Vaughn freak who I had to spend an hour with last year convincing him to buy a Koho chest plate on closeout (75% reduced).

[TomMc#4 0]

As to the UK shops being to expensive mine must be cheaper than the rest as we ship equipment back to North America on a regular basis for our internet orders.

you can get sticks with no warranty's they are pro stock, (thats what they are called in the UK )supposed to be made to a higher standard as they are made for the pro teams every supplier has them the last batch i had where Sherwood TXD momentums 95 flex very good stick and they retailed at £88 pound sterling not a bad price for a full one piece stick.

where is your shop? do you have an online catalogue or site?

all the sherwood ops that i have tryed that are guys on my teams have come up short imo. poor feel and whimpy release. i am a total easton freak tho :P