First Lite Puffy Zipper

[Mtnboy]

I'm on my second FL Puffy in a little over 2 years, the zipper broke on the first one after 10 months and just broke the same way on the second one this past weekend.

Basically it won't "grab" for about the first inch on the bottom and then it starts, so the zipper will come undone from the bottom.

I'm not too impressed and I'm gonna move on to another option. Bummer, because I am a fan of the jacket, but the zipper can't be trusted in my experience.

Anyone else had issues?

 

[River Rat]

I broke the zipper on my puffy and I called FL and they told me to send it back and they sent me a new one.

 

[Mtnboy]

That's what I did the first time, but I think the warranty is only 12 months?

Maybe I should call and ask

 

[colonel00]

Always worth asking. Have the teeth been damaged in some fashion that keeps them from engaging?

 

[Ryan Avery]

I had a zipper put in my, 15 bucks. It's a prototype I've had for three years. It looks like shit, Burn holes, rips and stains. But damn it's comfy!

 

[Mtnboy]

I suppose I could have a new zipper put in. I'm just disappointed that a $200+ jacket has had the same failure more than once.

 

[Ryan Avery]

I suppose I could have a new zipper put in. I'm just disappointed that a $200+ jacket has had the same failure more than once.

I can't argue with that! I would still let them know about it.

 

[dotman]

My buddy had issues daily with his zipper catching the lower fabric inside the jacket, mine didn't have a problem. His zipper also came off track a few times and mine never has.

That sucks but like Ryan said a zipper replacement is cheap and better for a zipper to suck then the fabric tear super easy

 

[Backpack Hunter]

Haven't had a problem.

 

[Mtnboy]

"Thanks for the feedback, that is something we will look in to as we make the product better in the future."

Basically the same exact thing they told me when the first one broke.

 

[colonel00]

Have you contacted them yet?

 

[Mtnboy]

Yes, they told me what I put in quotes up there.

I already can't wear First Lite pants because of sizing and I like Icebreaker Merino base layers more anyway, so it's safe to say I won't be purchasing more First Lite, bummer cause they are pretty "local" to me.

 

[colonel00]

Gotcha. I thought you were just quoting someone else's comment. That is unfortunate for sure.

 

[Mtnboy]

I will say, they have a 12 month warranty and this has been over 12 months, so they aren't obligated to replace this at all. I'm just disappointed to have the same failure twice on a simple thing.

 

[andres3]

I had the same problem, first time the zipper broke they replaced the jacket quick. The second time the zipper broke (still within the warranty), they allowed me to exchange for the Labrador Full Zip Sweater. I am very, very, happy with the Labrador. It is not for brush busting like my filson wool, but as a light jacket or mid layer it is awsome. On a side note I really like the kanab pants and keep hoping they will add a left rear pocket, that is the only thing keeping me from buying another pair.

 

[Dunky]

Not a puffy, but I just sent back a boundary storm tight jacket for same reason. Brand new. Lower part of zipper failed 2 days into a ten day hunt

 

[mtnclimber]

From First Lite's website:

"Q: What's your warranty? Does First Lite stand behind its products?

We have built an outstanding reputation for our customer service--before and after the purchase. We offer a one year manufacturer's warranty for all of our products covering defects and the like. But no matter how old your product is, give us a call. We work hard to take care of our customers and to stand behind the product."


High end companies usually work really hard to satisfy their customers. i would be surprised if they didn't do that for you in this case.

 

[Yellowknife]

I'm on my second FL Puffy in a little over 2 years, the zipper broke on the first one after 10 months and just broke the same way on the second one this past weekend.

Basically it won't "grab" for about the first inch on the bottom and then it starts, so the zipper will come undone from the bottom.

I'm not too impressed and I'm gonna move on to another option. Bummer, because I am a fan of the jacket, but the zipper can't be trusted in my experience.

Anyone else had issues?

I don't have a First Lite Jacket, but it it's like 95% of other puffy coats on the market it has a fairly small YKK coil zipper? Those things aren't the most reliable, and I just had one fail on another brand. Rather than returning it for warranty, I just dropped it off at the local sew shop to have heavier duty #10 toothed zipper installed. Cost me some money, but will now last the life of the coat. Occasional failures are just a fact of life with those lightweight zippers. Some last forever, and some die early.

Yk

 

[Mtnboy]

My buddy just had the same zipper failure on his First Lite rain jacket. Like me, He has also already had one replaced under the warranty for the zipper failing the same way.

He's had this new jacket probably a year and a half. I imagine also like me he is gonna be S.O.L when he calls First Lite tomorrow.

 

[sr80]

I just got my new stormtight jacket and the zippers are so hard to open and close, I'm a little worried to be honest. I think they went overboard on making sure they are watertight.