For all you pack/bag fans out there ... buyer beware

Started by resq1192, March 10, 2020, 01:01:29 PM

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

resq1192

Wanted an EDC shoulder bag and received a "First Responders Utility Bag" from NCStar from my family for Christmas. Fit my size/carriage profile and customizable w/PALS pouches. Great, cool beans, it's gonna be a lightweight day bag for lunch/work stethoscope/flashlight/compact FAK etc. Over the weekend, slipping the strap off the shoulder, one of the fastex-type buckles that secures the shoulder strap to the load-bearing wings of the bag body BREAKS right where it's sewn into the load-bearing wing. Can't do a lasting self-repair. Contacted the company with the issue yesterday, they state they have to fix it "under warranty." I have to ship it back at my cost. Because I don't have the receipt (and the gift-giver no longer does), they're charging me a $ 10.- "shipping/handling fee" to even look at it. I'm sure I'll have to pay shipping to get it sent back to me once it's fixed. I live in New England, they're in CA. A local vendor who sells the bag charges $40. for the bag. Checking shipping costs and the $10. fee, it'll cost me more to have them fix the bag (with <3 full months of LIGHT USE) than to junk it and by a new one. To top it, they call their warranty "America's Best Warranty." Yeah ... don't think so. Not impressed so far. Too bad, as the bag has promise. BUYER BEWARE
"LOAD UP!"

Holding Pattern


resq1192

HP, you're not kidding.  Very disappointed as this was a gift.  The bag has such promise in it's design, too .... just gotta use quality parts and materials.  Ya would think that, in this age where gear makers all over a a dime a dozen, you'd want your product's quality to stand out.  The internet talks, after all ....  8)
"LOAD UP!"

Eclipse

Assuming you haven't, you might try a local tailor - they can be whizzes fixing things in ways
amateur seamstresses wouldn't consider.

"That Others May Zoom"

resq1192

Eclipse,

That's my next course of action .... however, I'm all about making people own their work.  If I can be held to my standard of work, so can they.  :-)
"LOAD UP!"

Rtwentydavid

Tactical Taylor,SPEC OP, Eagle, and SO TECH are American companies and have excellent references. Being SWAT,EMT and disaster team these are where I have gotten items from. One bag from SO TECH is 30 years old and still in great shape.

NIN

I can recommend a couple good parachute riggers in the area who might be willing to give it a look.  You might need to go get a replacement buckle (most skydiving and pilot rigs don't use that kind of hardware). Worth it if you want it fixed.  Might cost you a couple bucks in gas,  $5 or 8 for the buckle,  and maybe $20 or 30 to the rigger... (I pay $75 for a reserve repack without any repairs. So honestly I have no idea if that's a $10 job or a $50 job.  Might take 10 minutes,  could take 45. Who knows. )

Darin Ninness, Col, CAP
I have no responsibilities whatsoever
I like to have Difficult Adult Conversations™
The contents of this post are Copyright © 2007-2024 by NIN. All rights are reserved. Specific permission is given to quote this post here on CAP-Talk only.

Eclipse

Quote from: NIN on January 11, 2022, 03:41:29 AMI pay $75 for a reserve repack without any repairs.

Imagine what you would be willing to pay if you need a repair mid-use!

"That Others May Zoom"

etodd

Someone revived a nearly 2 year old post. I think they probably have the pack issue resolved by now.
"Don't try to explain it, just bow your head
Breathe in, breathe out, move on ..."

NIN

Lol. Totally missed that. That post seemed oddly familiar
Darin Ninness, Col, CAP
I have no responsibilities whatsoever
I like to have Difficult Adult Conversations™
The contents of this post are Copyright © 2007-2024 by NIN. All rights are reserved. Specific permission is given to quote this post here on CAP-Talk only.

CAPJOE

Quote from: Eclipse on March 10, 2020, 06:36:29 PMAssuming you haven't, you might try a local tailor - they can be whizzes fixing things in ways
amateur seamstresses wouldn't consider.
I totally agree with that. My dad was a tailor. He would fix and make everything from clothes to tarps and boat covers.

resq1192

Hi all,

My thanks to everyone.  A local cobbler (and former RI Air Guard rigger) did a fantastic job of the repair and did some customization on the bag for me as well.  Now it's more solid.  I stand by my comments re the OE manufacturer.  Found out the retailer who sold the bag, who was local .... went to talk with them, went over the issues with them.  Stand-up people ... they have discontinued sale and stocking of ANY of their items.  Their comment was "we want people to be happy they parted with their hard-earned cash dollars.  We're a small outfit and want people to come back."  A good ending.  Thanks for y'all and your support!
"LOAD UP!"

SarDragon

I think this can safely be shut off, having served its purpose and been necro'd twice.

Click.
Dave Bowles
Maj, CAP
AT1, USN Retired
50 Year Member
Mitchell Award (unnumbered)
C/WO, CAP, Ret