I thought that the "$45 get-a-new-rod" story might be too good to be true -- particularly since I couldn't find mention of it on the G Loomis website. So I sent an email to loomis@gloomis.com and received a prompt reply from Sherry Bosch (sbosch@gloomis.com) that was so clear I thought I'd post it:

“Thank you for inquiring about G. Loomis' warranty policy. Please take
a few moments to review the following options that are available to you.

Option 1:

Send your rod to us under our normal Limited warranty. We will inspect
the damage and determine whether your rod has broken due to defective
materials or workmanship. If so, we will repair/replace your rod at no charge.
If it is determined your rod has broken due to normal wear or any other
reason (crushed, damaged, regular usage, etc.) we will repair/replace it for a
nominal fee. This fee will be determined based upon your rod model.
You will be contacted before any work occurs, should there be a fee.

Option 2:

A brand new rod to replace your broken rod delivered in just two
working days, under the new GL Xpeditor Service Program (provided that the rod
is in stock).

Now a broken rod will never have to keep you off the water again. With
our new GL Xpeditor Service, you can get a brand new rod to replace your
broken one, delivered to your doorstep in just two days. Even if you’re on a
trip away from home (anywhere in the U.S.). No questions asked about how it
was broken, no waiting around for warranty claims.

Not only does this service put a new rod in your hands practically
overnight, it also saves you the usual hassle of packaging, insuring
and shipping your broken rod. Plus, you avoid any and all warranty fees for
rod repair.

Here's how it works: Call our service department at 800-662-8818 and
request the GL Xpeditor Service. We immediately ship you an exact
replacement rod via UPS 2nd Day delivery. (Sorry, Demo rods may not be
replaced through this program. You must use Option 1 for demo rods).
Then, when you receive your new rod, simply remove it from the
shipping tube, place your broken rod into the shipping tube, and affix the
pre-paid UPS shipping label provided. Once you hand off the package to UPS,
you're done and back on the water. The cost: $45.00, charged to your credit
card.

Please note: Visa/MC are the only means of payment for the Xpeditor
program. Sorry, no C.O.D's or check/money orders will be accepted.

For either option, please make sure to provide the following
information:

Name (first and last)
Address (no PO boxes, please), City, State, Zip
Phone number
Rod model (example: MBR783C GLX)

If you choose Option 1, we will e-mail you directly with a warranty
Return number and our shipping address.

Should you have a model we no longer carry (i.e. IMX Fly rod, IM6,
Premier, etc.) we will replace your rod with the closest comparable model we
currently make. Should you desire a specific model and it differ from
your existing model -- just ask, we may be able to accommodate your request!

Should you have any questions or wish to contact us directly, please
feel free to do so at 800-662-8818 and ask for our Service Department!”

(Thanks Sherry -- another reason to buy Loomis rods!)

I used their $45.00 option just this year. They were absolutley great!! I cannot remember the gals name but she knew I was headed up to the Quinalt (I'm from Oregon) and she expidited my claim and I was able to take my new rod with me!! I was so jacked, I sent her pictures and she e-mailed me back saying "nice fish and thank you for using G Loomis rods! Now that is service!! I think this is your only option though if you have bought the rod second hand, but hey....I'll never by another rod from somebody else