Old Rio windcutter welded loops?

[James Mello]

I've got an older Rio Windcutter and the welded loop just plain fell apart where the weld ends. This line is essentially new as it's only been used maybe a dozen times. Was this a known problem with the older windcutters? One of the newer ones that I have are welded with what appears to be a softer silicone tube, where the older line has a more "rigid" kind of feel. If this is an issue, would it be out of line to ask Rio to replace it? If it can't be replaced, what sorts of fixes can one do?

-- Cheers
-- James

[ChrisW]

I had a small fissure near one of the loops on my "tip 2" The line was a little over a year old but well used. The section was replaced no Q's asked by Rio through my local fly shop, the Avid Angler.

Excellent Service!

C

[Red Shed]

I agree with Chris. I would give Rio a call @ 1-800-553-0838 and ask to speak with Zack.

[Les Johnson]

If the line is still good why don't you just put on your own loops from 30 lb test Cortland braided mono? It works great and slides through the guides very nicely. I've had to do this with several lines that had the early welded loops after a couple of years. You can get a hundred feet of the Cortland material for about $10; enough to loop your way right into late-life fishing.
Good Fishing,
Les Johnson