Though it happened years ago, the whole mess remains fresh in my mind: Two weeks after I rolled the L&T’s Toyota Forerunner in an Idaho wheat field (twice), a recall notice – warning of a “potentially dangerous” loss of traction due to something wonky in the rear suspension – arrived.
Timing, it seems, is everything.
Given my sensitivity to just-not-in-time product recalls, you can understand why I’m immediately posting this news release from Simms about a flaw in their wading staff:
BOZEMAN, Mont. (For immediate release) – Simms Fishing Products is voluntarily
recalling certain models of Simms 2010 Wading Staffs. The affected wading staffs
have a detent button that may not engage or can become dislodged making the staff
inoperable.These staffs, offered in two sizes (52″ & 56″), are sterling silver in color and are
identified by Simms item numbers AWS101152 or AWS101156 (UPC numbers 94264-
10102 or 94264-10103). Affected Wading Staffs are visibly identifiable by a silver cable
connector (see photo).The staffs were sold through authorized Simms dealers from March 1, 2010 through
June 17, 2010. About 2,000 affected products were sent to retailers. Simms estimates
about 1,000 have been purchased by consumers.The issue was identified through company testing and customer use of the wading
staff. No injuries have been reported in conjunction with the defective wading staffs.
Wading Staffs meeting the above criteria should be returned for replacement or refund
by contacting Simms directly at 877-789-6555, by contacting an Authorized Simms
Retail or by email at recall@simmsfishing.com.
See you in the orthopedic ward, Tom Chandler.
Its good to see that Simms recalled these things before someone fell into a ‘dark hole’ man swallowing hydraulic. Its disconcerting when a leg suddenly shortens up on ya.
parker james(Quote)
Just remember: Simms made money on the thing, and is recalling it to cover their ass. The Underground reported it because our only concern is your wellbeing. [sfx: heavenly choir]
Tom Chandler(Quote)
I’m thankful to the Underground, the heavenly choir and trout that rise when asked politely.
parker james(Quote)
That’s an excellent perspective.
Tom Chandler(Quote)
I bought one of those in May for my son … reckon I’ll be sending it back
Thanks!
Gary(Quote)
Aren’t you supposed to do your product testing BEFORE you ship it?
C
Doh!(Quote)
But then the world would never have experienced the Ford Pinto…
Tom Chandler(Quote)
No, one well pipe shear is enough!!
Pete(Quote)
Ouch. But true.
Tom Chandler(Quote)
I pretty much always use a wood wading staff; they don’t “bong” away on the rocks, which has *got* to spook trout.
Tom Chandler(Quote)
I don’t use a staff, but the way I’ve been stumbling around the last few months, I may just need to start. I’ve got some dandy hiking staffs that my son and I made many years ago sitting in the corner.
Good thinking, Tom.
I’m going to link TU at my blog.
parker james(Quote)
i’ve been through at least 4 of these sticks..average life expectancy has been one season. the price for these staffs is right around $100. an old ski pole works just fine…
mike rich(Quote)
I had a folding staff years ago (before I moved up here) – which didn’t survive even a weeklong trip on the McCloud and Pit Rivers.
Wood ages nicely and costs a lot less, but doesn’t fold up when you don’t need (or, meet your new hiking staff).
Tom Chandler(Quote)
At least Simms is trying to rectify an obvious problem. I think I’ll stick with my 25 year old Orvis one piece ash wading staff. It has served me faithfully all these years.
Bill Anderson(Quote)
Wood is good.
Tom Chandler(Quote)