Rokslide and Kuiu

[gelton]

^^^ I like this.

I don't own anything from KUIU but what I do suspect is this: the MVR and waterproofing #'s that they put out seem to be entirely unrealistic. If you research this MVR rating thing you will find out that you can basically buy your rating based on the testing company that its sent to. Patagonia doesn't publish MVTR ratings because of this.

I know that several people that were posting here on rokslide under different names regarding how well KUIU products were that all went back to the same IP address that was somehow connected to KUIU.

I know that they sell out their customers as guinuie pigs and when it doesn't work out they sell all the product that people were paying top dollar for at close out pricing.

Now I know that they pulled there ad $$ from rokslide based on a test they didn't want their products to be participating in.

For me that's all I need to know about a company. No KUIU for me. They remind me of the tacticool crowd.

 

[Shrek]

For the guys who dismiss the test I would point to some of my limited experience. Hiking in 8-12 inches of snow and blow downs I fell hard a half dozen times and a couple of the falls I landed on my pack. I want to know that my pack is tougher than me. I don't want a pack designed for manicured trails and fair weather.

 

[bz_711]

Can someone please throw a fu***** KUIU pack off a cliff already!?!

This made me laugh...I agree! Surely someone is driving out to a cliff right now with their pack

Pretty easy to see both sides on this one - no need to sweat it. Hope RS finds another big name to replace Ad $'s - I enjoy this site too much...best of luck to both parties!

 

[fillthefreezer]

Meh...

It's unfortunate because I believe that it's short sighted. I suspect that KUIU has a consultant who strongly recommended that they "actively manage and control their brand in social media" or some other words to that effect. It's the kind of thinking that gets companies to plant cheerleaders on forums and sometimes post negative threads about competitors. In my opinion, those activities are a mistake in the long run.

I can understand why a company would have trepidations about their product being tossed off of a cliff. There are a lot of variables in that experiment, but if you're tossing some packs off the edge, you gotta toss 'em all. Fair is fair.

This site has a good sized chunk of their target market. I think KUIU will recognize that they derive more benefit from participating than by exiting stage left. I think it's in their best interest to return as a sponsor and eventually will. Sometimes it sucks hearing your customers bitch, but you still gotta listen and maybe alter your path.

For Rokslide, the situation still sucks because any reduction in revenue stream, however incremental, sucks. But the resolute adherence to your values and integrity is definitely the path to take. Maintain that course.

And one more thing from the cheap seats...you posted the video of the Ultra pack from the show, load one up and throw it off the cliff.

agreed, and said better than i could have.




in for $1 here... paypal ok?

 

[trkyslr]

Sounds to me like this is about a lot more than just a pack test. The impression I got from Ryan's post is the proposed pack test was what ended the business relationship, but that there was a lot more going on in the background.

Rokslide will do just fine, and so will Kuiu. Just a bump in the road for both, and an unfortunate turn of events.

^^^ this

 

[Jason Snyder]

I would throw my MR Longbow off of a cliff, but I'd probably break the cliff

 

[weaver]

I don't own any kuiu gear and don't plan on buying any. With that said I hope this doesn't mean that they'll get dragged through the mud on each and every thread started on here about them. I just find it unprofessional and offputing on other forums when everyone does nothing but bash a particular company.
As far as the pack test it might not be a big deal to some of you but it is to me. If it failed, so what? It sounds like some of you guys would still buy it. As for the rest of us we now have even more reason to believe that they don't stack up to Kifaru MR SG ect.

 

[kodiakfly]

3) When I talked about the Kuiu sleeping bags on the forums, I said something like "it's basically a Marmot plasma with a couple extra inches at the chest and treated down". I guess the word basically wasn't the right thing to say, because that was a huge point of contention....

Ryan and I spent a few days reading my posts and confirming that I've recommended MANY products from other companies and have stayed clear of the majority of Kuiu threads to keep from causing drama.

3)I've read that in a lot of threads, by a lot of people. "the so-and-so tent is basically a this-and-that tent, but with a larger vestibule..." Heck, I think being compared to a Marmot with some extra room would be a good thing.

I'm new here, but as I was figuring out who everyone is (still am, really) I asked myself a few times, "I thought Aron worked for Kifaru...why is he touting a Stone Glacier feature/quality?...(or other pack, or brand beyond Kryptek and Kifaru)." I think this site is great. I think it's about the most honest, experienced and helpful bunch of guys and gals I've seen on the web.

Also what the dude said about there not being any "use the search function" or "this has been hashed already..." Spot on. Newbs here like me appreciate that. I always use the search first, but sometimes can't find what ya need and you've got to ask. It's nice being able to ask and not expecting to get beat over the head about asking a stupid question.

 

[luke moffat]

I would throw my MR Longbow off of a cliff, but I'd probably break the cliff

MR packs are the Chuck Norris of packs.

 

[Brock A]

I have a KUIU Icon 1850. 2013 model. I'm not sure how someone breaks the frame if used properly. If throwing off a cliff is part of a test, then I don't blame them for not wanting it tested like that. Tests should be real world. Wh not just start running over all the packs with trucks also?

There are 2 sides to every story, but I respect the Rokslide decision. I soley own KUIU now and have never had a single problem with any product.

A pack being able to sustain a fall off a cliff is ABSOLUTELY real world testing. Running it over with 7,000 lb pickup, is not.

 

[Jason Snyder]

A pack being able to sustain a fall off a cliff is ABSOLUTELY real world testing. Running it over with 7,000 lb pickup, is not.

You should hang around with me more. I can back over anything.

 

[Justin Crossley]

This type if behavior is exactly what I've come to expect from Kuiu. I back the Rokslide crew 110% on this situation.

 

[Rizzy]

This has been a Long time coming.....

They seem to get bashed on almost every post, we ourselves may have ruined it for the Rokslide owners on this one.

 

[Vance in AK]

This whole situation is WAY over my pay-grade...
I do want to say just one thing regarding any conflict of interest for Aron.
Not long after I came on this site there was a used Kifaru pack on the classifides. I knew nothing about Kifaru so I wanted to ask someone about the old G1 packs.
I had seen Aron share quite a bit of info on Kifaru so I thought "Here's a guy who seems to have a clue on Kifaru" & sent him a PM. His reply was simple. "Call me. Here's my cell #". When I called his first words after "Hi" were "I need to tell you right up front I work for Kifaru".
I appreciated his honesty. And I am REALLY enjoying my Duplex & Highcamp 7000!

 

[tipsntails7]

This has been a Long time coming.....

They seem to get bashed on almost every post, we ourselves may have ruined it for the Rokslide owners on this one.

Don't come off as arrogant pompous dicks that spout off about how great and innovative your product is. Or don't blame other people for the short comings of a product. Don't talk about transperancy yet cloud the water as much as possible.
Your clothes are great, maybe the best. Your packs have flaws, accept it, make it right and move on. Pretty simple.

 

[WyoBowhunter21]

I have to say thanks to Rokslide staff. I accidently started a thread that turned into a bashing match. That was not my intention and it was cleaned up but allowed to stay on the site. With that said, "it was cleaned up" they supported Kuiu and did not let the bashing continue. That is why I love this site. Thank you guys for what you have done. It is their loss and that is all.

 

[Highcountry_Hellrazor]

I think that's what makes Rokslide so rad. Aron and the gang do reviews on gear with no holds barred. This type of critical reviewing with only promote innovation of products, and drain our bank accounts haha.

 

[Josh Wright]

Just so I'm clear on my part....I am in no way saying Rokslide were the bad guys. I understand it completely. I do wish there had been better communication from KUIU to Rokslide. I think both parties lose a little from this, but both will be just fine. I'm moving on.

 

[fillthefreezer]

You should hang around with me more. I can back over anything.

seriously, i almost posted not to leave his pack lay around me!

 

[Blackcow]

It's an unfortunate situation. I'm sure there's something to be learned by both parties, they'll regroup and move on. Good or bad, it's business, and life goes on.