NEW Kifaru Frame & Suspension Review

[Markdjr]

Can someone confirm the difference between the Tactical and Hunting Frames is only the thicker frame sheet and the additional attachment points on the Tactical frame? What are the additional attachment points for on the Tactical? Thanks.

 

[NVCHUKAR]

They told me a bunch are shipping on Monday

Haha just like they were shipping a bunch this week, sorry for all you early season hunters that were depending on this pack. Where Kifaru screwed up IMO is emailing unrealistic ship dates to everyone. It would of been better to put Sept 11 instead of Aug 11 that way if it shows up early you are excited instead of the current situation where everyone is angry/dissapointed/frustrated.

 

[JP20]

Yeah it doesn't seem like they planned this whole frame launch very well. Seems like a smarter thing would've been to have an inventory of frames built before launch so that orders could be filled in a more timely fashion. One week behind wouldn't be that bad but I see it being more like 3-4 weeks

 

[slim9300]

Yeah it doesn't seem like they planned this whole frame launch very well. Seems like a smarter thing would've been to have an inventory of frames built before launch so that orders could be filled in a more timely fashion. One week behind wouldn't be that bad but I see it being more like 3-4 weeks

This is the fastest turn-around time Kifaru has ever had on a new product from order date to shipment. The only mistake they have made is being off roughly 1-2 weeks on some orders. If you ordered anything from Kifaru in the past you would realize they don't stock inventory. Gear is made after you order and normally takes a couple months.

 

[rhunter424]

It would of been better to put Sept 11 instead of Aug 11 that way if it shows up early you are excited instead of the current situation where everyone is angry/dissapointed/frustrated.

Yea that's a strategy for sure. Set lower expectations for your customer so you can far exceed them later

 

[dreamingbig]

I am not too worked up over it. I still have my current frame.

 

[NVCHUKAR]

This is the fastest turn-around time Kifaru has ever had on a new product from order date to shipment. The only mistake they have made is being off roughly 1-2 weeks on some orders. If you ordered anything from Kifaru in the past you would realize they don't stock inventory. Gear is made after you order and normally takes a couple months.

Yep 1-2 on some of the lucky guys and i am guessing atleast 3 on most the early orders. Its pretty close to 2 weeks for the august 11 ship dates. I have ordered several packs from kifaru and understand the waiting. Just saying in the past three orders including the brand new bikini there shipping was on or before the date that was sent to me. Those previous orders were closer to 2 month lead times. As a consumer I would prefer they sent out a ship date that they could easily achieve and ship it ahead if they exceed the deadline. As a small business owner I completely understand the struggles of meeting projected dates that have a lot of variables. That said I like Kifarus products and will still order from them even though they are still unable to predict actuall production deadlines.

 

[Shrek]

I posted it earlier but it isn't so much bad planning as it is bad order timing for Kifaru. They started the order rollout and then got a pretty large military order unexpectedly. I was talking to Aron at the time and he was hoping they could handle it all at once and meet all the orders in time but that obviously was more than they could pull off. I hope they can get caught up quickly.

 

[NVCHUKAR]

I posted it earlier but it isn't so much bad planning as it is bad order timing for Kifaru. They started the order rollout and then got a pretty large military order unexpectedly. I was talking to Aron at the time and he was hoping they could handle it all at once and meet all the orders in time but that obviously was more than they could pull off. I hope they can get caught up quickly.

Read your other post, to me thats not really an excuse thats just a company decision on who they favor. Obviously the military as a customer is a priority, but not a military individual. Again I like their products and will still buy from them but a lot of companies would get their ass handed to them if they put another customer ahead of someone else.

 

[dotman]

Haha just like they were shipping a bunch this week, sorry for all you early season hunters that were depending on this pack. Where Kifaru screwed up IMO is emailing unrealistic ship dates to everyone. It would of been better to put Sept 11 instead of Aug 11 that way if it shows up early you are excited instead of the current situation where everyone is angry/dissapointed/frustrated.

I don't see a single angry or frustrated post, maybe disappointment because everyone wants to get their hands on it. My bikini frame took 8+ weeks from order date and was a few day late. This has been their best/quickest new product release I have ever experienced. A 1-2 week delay isn't horrible just sucks cause I want it now but the good thing is I don't have to wait another 4-5 weeks.

Also sounds like only the people that ordered within the first week will be delayed possibly and that later ship dates should be either met or a few days off. Guess it could be worse and on backorder for six months like some other companies goods.

What would of been nice is an email or posting with modified expected ship dates.

 

[Shrek]

Not saying it's ok just what may be happening. For all I know that may not be the issue. It was 3 weeks ago I spoke to him so I don't know what is going on now for sure. I do know that they don't take missing promised ship dates lightly. I'm hoping everyone gets their packs soon.

 

[Weekender]

It always comes down to communication. Sales always need to inform their customers good, bad, or indifferent. Most people are forgiving if informed.

 

[NVCHUKAR]

It always comes down to communication. Sales always need to inform their customers good, bad, or indifferent. Most people are forgiving if informed.

Agree with this 100%

 

[COlineman78]

Read your other post, to me thats not really an excuse thats just a company decision on who they favor. Obviously the military as a customer is a priority, but not a military individual. Again I like their products and will still buy from them but a lot of companies would get their ass handed to them if they put another customer ahead of someone else.

Sorry, but I'm going to have to call BS on this. I think Aron or anyone at Kifaru would go out of their way to make sure service members have what they need to get the job done. That being said, I don't think any of their customers should/would mind the decision to put the military first especially with the minor impact this has caused. Do I wish they had been a little more proactive about letting customers know they were running behind and maybe be more open about the whole situation? Yes. But do I mind that my pack was delayed a little from a shipping date that I didn't even know before making my order initially? No. It kinda sucks that the pack won't get to a lot of customers in time for early season hunts, but I think a lot of people have older duplex's that they knew enough to hold onto until they got shipping notifications. Unfortunately I'm not in that situation and already sold my Kuiu packs, so may be stuck using a pack from the 70s this weekend if I don't hear something this week.

 

[Shrek]

COlineman78 , you're in town dude ! I'd be camped out on their front door until they came off my pack

 

[COlineman78]

COlineman78 , you're in town dude ! I'd be camped out on their front door until they came off my pack

I'm expecting to hear from them tomorrow. I can always just go shopping at the loading dock I've been trying so hard to be patient and not call and bug them, but I may have to call if I don't get an email tomorrow.

 

[NVCHUKAR]

Sorry, but I'm going to have to call BS on this. I think Aron or anyone at Kifaru would go out of their way to make sure service members have what they need to get the job done. That being said, I don't think any of their customers should/would mind the decision to put the military first especially with the minor impact this has caused. Do I wish they had been a little more proactive about letting customers know they were running behind and maybe be more open about the whole situation? Yes. But do I mind that my pack was delayed a little from a shipping date that I didn't even know before making my order initially? No. It kinda sucks that the pack won't get to a lot of customers in time for early season hunts, but I think a lot of people have older duplex's that they knew enough to hold onto until they got shipping notifications. Unfortunately I'm not in that situation and already sold my Kuiu packs, so may be stuck using a pack from the 70s this weekend if I don't hear something this week.

I definetly worded that wrong, I agree that they would do everything they could to help an active military member.

Colineman you should just camp out in their showroom floor until they get tired of you and expedite your pack so that you leave.

 

[dreamingbig]

Anyone get a shipping email today?

 

[Mike7]

I don't have a pack on order, so it may be easy for me to say, but Kifaru taking care of the military first is what I would expect out of them personally!

If in a moment of haste, I sold my prior hunting pack before being shipped a new one, then that would be my fault. Anyway, I always have an early 1990s Kelty frame pack laying around for family to use or that I could use...and which would be a tiny inconvenience compared to what our military guys go through. Our military guys deserve the best, and they are already not getting it from some of their current leaders. I'm hoping that backcountry hunters as a group are tough and patriotic enough to not whine too much about something so trivial in the big scheme of things.

 

[rhunter424]

Anyone get a shipping email today?

Nope. In my experience Kifaru sends out shipment notices around 4/5pm EST. So there is still hope