Kifaru buckle and K clip change I discovered

[mrbillbrown]

This maybe old news but I’ve just encountered it. Wanted to share so nobody else is misled.

Just received a new a Ranger Green Sherman pocket and I’m super disappointed. Ranger green fabric is fine but they’ve switched to some darker brown buckles and some silly snap D things instead of K clips.

Neither Al’s Sporting Goods nor Kifaru mention anything about a color or parts change. Both websites show the Sherman with the older CB buckles and K clips.

Called Kifaru CS and they claim they switched colors and hardware style about a year ago but haven’t updated the website. No option for an exchange or trade for the CB buckles or K clips. However, they’re willing to sell me some K clips but CB buckles aren’t available any longer. No more K clips because they were causing wear and these new style snap clips are “stronger”. (I’d like to see some guys do pull ups with these snap D clips like they did with the K clips). The rep said everything is changing or has been changed to this new hardware and he’ll advise the website people of the needed picture change.

***Yes, I understand buckle color doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme and it really exposes my “matching gear OCD” but….I pay way too much for this stuff to not get exactly what I want in terms of matching colored hardware. I should’ve at least been shown what I was gonna receive and have the option to avoid the initial purchase. Those silly snap D things are just ridiculous and a downgrade from the K clips. IMHO

Al’s was super cool about the refund and offered free return shipping for the mishap. Gotta give them an excellent customer service experience. Kifaru has definitely let me down, possibly for the last time.

Just a heads up for anybody ordering new Kifaru gear and expecting the old CB buckles and K clips.

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[Scotto]

That's a bummer. Your experience doesn't surprise me. I recently went to their site to find the pack specification page they used to have. Couldn't find it. Wrote an email to Kifaru and received a response that went something like...
Hey, I'm sorry for the lack of dimensions. We are working on getting more detailed on the website. What pack are you for and the dimensions of it. I can get them for you.
I didn't want any one specific pack at the time but wanted to shop and see what would work best on my Duplex Tactical frame. Sending emails back and forth for different packs was not what I had in mind.
Subsequently, I bought an EXO K3 and am happy.

 

[chippewawarrior]

I will try not to throw too much shade as this is my most recent experience with Kifaru.

I have a Bikini frame and belt that needed some repairs as a mouse decided to make it a personal chew toy while on a bear hunt. I sent them pictures and explained I was fully prepared to pay for the whole process. They told me they would not repair it because the frame was too old and they did not have time. Instead, I was offered a coupon to purchase a new frame. I did not take it, yes that was a personal choice.

The frame is fine; I just do not possess the equipment or skill to sew what needs to be fixed. In my past experiences with Kifaru, this was never an issue. Patrick or Aron just solved the problem. Patrick was always a pleasure to talk to. Now, I completely understand things change. They are gone from the company and that level of customer service has clearly disappeared with them. I'm not angry or disgruntled, this is just fact.

I too have gone with an EXO for both of my kids. If nothing for the level of service. If I have a problem, I can talk directly to the owner. There is something to be said about that for the amount of money these packs cost. I'm sure that may change someday as well, but for now I'll gladly support "cottage" brands.

 

[Wrench]

I will try not to throw too much shade as this is my most recent experience with Kifaru.

I have a Bikini frame and belt that needed some repairs as a mouse decided to make it a personal chew toy while on a bear hunt. I sent them pictures and explained I was fully prepared to pay for the whole process. They told me they would not repair it because the frame was too old and they did not have time. Instead, I was offered a coupon to purchase a new frame. I did not take it, yes that was a personal choice.

The frame is fine; I just do not possess the equipment or skill to sew what needs to be fixed. In my past experiences with Kifaru, this was never an issue. Patrick or Aron always solved the problem. Patrick was always a pleasure just to talk to. Now, I completely understand things change. They are gone from the company and that level of customer service has clearly disappeared with them. I'm not angry or disgruntled, this is just fact.

I too have gone with an EXO for both of my kids. If nothing for the level of service. If I have a problem, I can talk directly to the owner. There is something to be said about that for the amount of money these packs cost. I'm sure that may change someday as well, but for now I'll gladly support "cottage" brands.

There's several guys here who can help you with the repair. Pods8 has has made some great stuff.

 

[bigunit]

I tossed all my k clips and went with gate keepers instead. Way easier for my sausage fingers and makes for a less sloppy fit for Sherman's etc. Im not loving the direction kifaru is going though and will probably look at exo in the future. For now though my old duplex lite is still working for me.

 

[deadend88]

I have a bag of straps and old school clips and stuff in my work bench somewhere that I will gladly give anyone if they pay shipping....sadly I jumped of the Kifaru train 3 seasons ago after 10 +
just throwing that out there in case anyone needs spare parts.

Edit. Line formed and clips going to a new home.

 

[mrbillbrown]

I have a bag of straps and old school clips and stuff in my work bench somewhere that I will gladly give anyone if they pay shipping....sadly I jumped of the Kifaru train 3 seasons ago after 10 +
just throwing that out there in case anyone needs spare parts.

message sent

 

[doncarpenter]

I've got about 350 aluminum k-clips that are anodized bronze/brown. If anyone wants some to stock up, send me a message.

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[doc holiday13]

I've got about 350 aluminum k-clips that are anodized bronze/brown. If anyone wants some to stock up, send me a message.

350

HAHA couldn't order 26 so you had to order 500 and you've managed to sell off 124 of them? The slots seem bigger than the plastic clips. Any pictures of them in side X side comparison with plastic clips?

 

[doncarpenter]

350

HAHA couldn't order 26 so you had to order 500 and you've managed to sell off 124 of them? The slots seem bigger than the plastic clips. Any pictures of them in side X side comparison with plastic clips?

No, I make custom gear on the side and someone was selling a bulk order of these, so I picked them up. I'll never use all of them so I thought I would make them available.

See the pics for reference, the slot in the aluminum version is slightly larger.

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[ChrisAU]

I love my Echo/Sherman setup for a daypack but I often wonder what will be next. Just don't have the same feeling for Kifaru that I used to. New logo sucks. Constantly read reports of poor CS. Those clips in the OP are ridiculous. Probably work fine, but so did K-clips, which are low profile and unobtrusive.

 

[mrbillbrown]

I love my Echo/Sherman setup for a daypack but I often wonder what will be next. Just don't have the same feeling for Kifaru that I used to. New logo sucks. Constantly read reports of poor CS. Those clips in the OP are ridiculous. Probably work fine, but so did K-clips, which are low profile and unobtrusive.

My feelings are identical

 

[Huntingfarandwide]

Ever since they moved.......

 

[MtnMuley]

I've been using those snap clips long before Kifaru introduced their style to replace the K clip. They were called condor clips when I bought a 10 pk. off Amazon for cheap. I actually prefer them and have had them under some serious stress with zero issues.