Posted: 8/26/2009 1:33:27 PM EDT
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Ya'll feel free to tell me whether I am being unreasonable or not. But I just don't see that I am.
I'm a loyal Comp-Tac owner. I have a number of their holsters, mag carriers, and have multiple friends who own Comp-Tac gear based solely on my personal recommendation. Ive always liked Greg's gear. Anyway, last week the belt loop on my Gurkha Strut broke. The loop terminally cracked across the bend (rendering the strut useless) while I was removing the holster from my belt. I do NOT believe I placed undo stress on the part nor was I in any way abusing the holster. I emailed Comp-Tac. To their credit, I got a quick and courteous response: because the strut was over a year old, I was free to buy a new one (plus shipping, handling, and tax). No further recourse. While I understand the Comp-Tac warranty is limited to a year, I was still disappointed at the response. It's a $13 part, so I'm not going broke buying a new one, but the whole episode does not sit well with me. The holster still works without the strut and I think I'll just keep it as is at this point. Anyway, you guys out there making decisions on plastic holsters might find my experiences mildly useful. Edit: Just dawned on me this might be in the wrong forum. If so, mods, do what you do bestest. 
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i feel you sir; i too love comptac gear and propmt customer service, but i'm just as reluctant to shop w/ em as much simply b/c of the "1 year warranty"...which i completely understand
but when small, high-er stress parts break, it breaks; sometimes, its an easy fix and sometimes its not. So, i tend to pass on comp-tac stuff now and go to other manf/dealers who DO offer just a good, if not better product w/ the same CS and a vastly superior warranty/repair service––a company that will unconditionally stand by thier product imo is worth it 
as a note, i do still use and recommend folks i know comptac gear...i just also remind em about the limited warranty time and my quirks w/ that ETA: i've had 2 of the old C clips break and one of the old-school pro-undercover holster clips break off; i fixed em all myself, abet having to order spare parts from comptac |
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hmmm. What gun was this holster for? Crossbreed doesn't use plastic clips! I have a hoslter from both manufacturers... I'm happy w/ each, but I use the lil Comp tac w/ a 'light' glock 19... I chose the sturdier crossbreed fro my 5" 1911. G19. Although I also have an Infidel for my Warrior. AlphaGhost is right. Good gear, but caveat emptor with regard its durability and/or warranty support (or lack thereof). |
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I'm of the opinion that if you think a 1 year warranty is not good enough, you shouldn't be buying Comp-tac. As you admitted, you knew of the warranty up front. So, they wouldn't replace a broken out of warranty part. Not a big surprise. Would it be an advisable business decision for them to do so to make you happy? Maybe, maybe not. I'm not their controller. I don't know how many requests like these they get or how much it would cost them to satisfy everyone with a broken out of warranty part. Would the benefit of satisfying out of warranty customers outweigh the cost of the parts they're giving away? I don't know. Do you?
How many other companies (think outside of the gun world, too) fix out of warranty merchandise for free? Cars? Electronics? Appliances? The list goes on. I'm a very satisfied Comp-tac owner and would not expect a free belt clip in your scenario. |
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hmmm. What gun was this holster for? Crossbreed doesn't use plastic clips! I have a hoslter from both manufacturers... I'm happy w/ each, but I use the lil Comp tac w/ a 'light' glock 19... I chose the sturdier crossbreed fro my 5" 1911. G19. Although I also have an Infidel for my Warrior. AlphaGhost is right. Good gear, but caveat emptor with regard its durability and/or warranty support (or lack thereof). lol. fudge. I figure it would be 'safe' to try out the comp tac, since the G19 I use it for isn't as big and heavy... + you can switch out the kydex for multiple guns... looks like I may have made the same mistake. my comp tac is only about 2 month old and still ok... |
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Got to admit the 1 year thing has soured me on them. I lost the little rubber O ring behind my clip and couldn't get that.
I completely understand the limitation but I don't like it. Probably going to buy from another company because of it. Somebody that stands behind their product longer. |
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How many other companies (think outside of the gun world, too) fix out of warranty merchandise for free? Cars? Electronics? Appliances? The list goes on. Indeed. (Hell, I seem to be the only person who actually had to pay for parts for my Dillon 550, which I didn't complain about even knowing their vast reputation...) It's a business decision - one has to weigh warranty service against the opportunity for false claims as well as how extended support can affect normal production and operations. The fact that anyone offers extended or lifetime warranties on holsters is really pretty amazing, IMO. (Somebody mentioned Raven, and I know that CrossBreed has a lifetime warranty). Holsters - especially EDC ones - are pieces of gear that are generally run pretty hard, and it's expected for them to wear out or break eventually. |
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I recently read a thread with multiple posts about Raven clips breaking. so i'm not sure I'd say they are the end all, be all of holsters either. I love my Comp-Tac infidel's for my PM9 and G19. I also have a CTAC for my 21SF. Never had a problem with mine. Most of the stuff I buy has a limited warranty. Why would I expect Comp-Tac to replace a broken part for the lifetime of the holster. That could be a long time.
While I can understand the frustration, I'm not sure it's completely fair. If it's such a hang up for you it sounds like there are other manufacturers who do offer lifetime warranties. It's your money, spend it how you like. |
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I'm of the opinion that if you think a 1 year warranty is not good enough, you shouldn't be buying Comp-tac. As you admitted, you knew of the warranty up front. So, they wouldn't replace a broken out of warranty part. Not a big surprise. Would it be an advisable business decision for them to do so to make you happy? Maybe, maybe not. I'm not their controller. I don't know how many requests like these they get or how much it would cost them to satisfy everyone with a broken out of warranty part. Would the benefit of satisfying out of warranty customers outweigh the cost of the parts they're giving away? I don't know. Do you? How many other companies (think outside of the gun world, too) fix out of warranty merchandise for free? Cars? Electronics? Appliances? The list goes on. I'm a very satisfied Comp-tac owner and would not expect a free belt clip in your scenario. It is absolutely true that I made the decision to purchase a product with a one year warranty. However, the fact (and the point) is that Comp-Tac's product broke shortly after the warranty expired and under much less than severe treatment. Comp-Tac had an opportunity to earn major customer service points and/or good will by making this right. Either their business model does not allow them to do so or they simply chose not to do so. Either way, a loyal customer who has brought them repeat business was left with a broken product that did not fulfill the customer's reasonable expectations. I think some missed the point of my post. While I am disappointed by Comp-Tac's response, I do not believe I in any way disparaged or trashed the company. I simply relayed my experiences so that others who are about to invest/spend their money on a plastic holster/gear can make educated decisions on which company they will chose to patronize. As previous posters have alluded, there are many other companies out there offering similar products that will NOT put the cost of replacement for broken parts on the customer. There is nothing unreasonable about choosing to go elsewhere based on empirical data. |
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I purchased a Ghurka in about 2002. 2004 or 2005 the exact same part snapped on mine. I sent them an email, and they mailed me a replacement the same day, no questions asked, or charge. The new part was of a better design than the old part that broke. Maybe they used to have a longer warranty, or better service? |
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I have broke the clips, lost the screws, and just about everything short of destroying the leather or kydex body. I never thought twice about buying replacements. Matter of fact I stocked up on the parts I have worn through regularly. I don't hold it against CompTac. |
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I see it as penny wise and pound foolish. As some have suggested, "we don't know how many requests they get to replace broken parts."if they get many requests, maybe they need to look at the design. If they get few requests, then establish some good will.
also, some have suggested to look at other industries to help refine our expectations. So, here is my short list: ]Tripp Research, Inc.: I had an issue with a safety on a 1911 they worked on 4 years before I purchased it. I sent it to them to look at and they REFUSED to charge me. I never asked for a "freebie" and even argued with Virgil about letting me pay for the time! He said "no." I think I will work with him again. Escort Radar Detectors: I recently bought a pre-owned Passport 8500 radar detector. I noticed one of the three retaining screws had vibrated out of the casing. I called Escort to purchase a new set. They sent them overnight, no charge. Personally, I think a company who has a reputation of making it right will outlast one who says, "You need to read the fine print." |
| Clips break. I have broken a few myself. Comp tac is a small operation and I can underdand that they will not replace the clips after a year but I do not hold it against them. I now only buy holsters with clips that can be replaced. I also have a bunch of spare clips I bought from them a few years ago and even use them on other makes of holsters. |
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I'm of the opinion that if you think a 1 year warranty is not good enough, you shouldn't be buying Comp-tac. As you admitted, you knew of the warranty up front. So, they wouldn't replace a broken out of warranty part. Not a big surprise. Would it be an advisable business decision for them to do so to make you happy? Maybe, maybe not. I'm not their controller. I don't know how many requests like these they get or how much it would cost them to satisfy everyone with a broken out of warranty part. Would the benefit of satisfying out of warranty customers outweigh the cost of the parts they're giving away? I don't know. Do you? How many other companies (think outside of the gun world, too) fix out of warranty merchandise for free? Cars? Electronics? Appliances? The list goes on. I'm a very satisfied Comp-tac owner and would not expect a free belt clip in your scenario. It is absolutely true that I made the decision to purchase a product with a one year warranty. However, the fact (and the point) is that Comp-Tac's product broke shortly after the warranty expired and under much less than severe treatment. Comp-Tac had an opportunity to earn major customer service points and/or good will by making this right. Either their business model does not allow them to do so or they simply chose not to do so. Either way, a loyal customer who has brought them repeat business was left with a broken product that did not fulfill the customer's reasonable expectations. I think some missed the point of my post. While I am disappointed by Comp-Tac's response, I do not believe I in any way disparaged or trashed the company. I simply relayed my experiences so that others who are about to invest/spend their money on a plastic holster/gear can make educated decisions on which company they will chose to patronize. As previous posters have alluded, there are many other companies out there offering similar products that will NOT put the cost of replacement for broken parts on the customer. There is nothing unreasonable about choosing to go elsewhere based on empirical data. I don't think you've been disparaging. You stated your issue and I hear you. My only point is that you can't really be mad if they didn't replace a non-warranty part. You can, however, take your business elsewhere if you find the product faulty or the warranty unacceptable. That sounds like the decision you've made.
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Quoted: Ya'll feel free to tell me whether I am being unreasonable or not. But I just don't see that I am. I'm a loyal Comp-Tac owner. I have a number of their holsters, mag carriers, and have multiple friends who own Comp-Tac gear based solely on my personal recommendation. Ive always liked Greg's gear. Anyway, last week the belt loop on my Gurkha Strut broke. The loop terminally cracked across the bend (rendering the strut useless) while I was removing the holster from my belt. I do NOT believe I placed undo stress on the part nor was I in any way abusing the holster. I emailed Comp-Tac. To their credit, I got a quick and courteous response: because the strut was over a year old, I was free to buy a new one (plus shipping, handling, and tax). No further recourse. While I understand the Comp-Tac warranty is limited to a year, I was still disappointed at the response. It's a $13 part, so I'm not going broke buying a new one, but the whole episode does not sit well with me. The holster still works without the strut and I think I'll just keep it as is at this point. Anyway, you guys out there making decisions on plastic holsters might find my experiences mildly useful. Edit: Just dawned on me this might be in the wrong forum. If so, mods, do what you do bestest. Replace the clips with the ones from Crossbreed; they're much better, and cheaper.  |
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I'm of the opinion that if you think a 1 year warranty is not good enough, you shouldn't be buying Comp-tac. As you admitted, you knew of the warranty up front. So, they wouldn't replace a broken out of warranty part. Not a big surprise. Would it be an advisable business decision for them to do so to make you happy? Maybe, maybe not. I'm not their controller. I don't know how many requests like these they get or how much it would cost them to satisfy everyone with a broken out of warranty part. Would the benefit of satisfying out of warranty customers outweigh the cost of the parts they're giving away? I don't know. Do you? How many other companies (think outside of the gun world, too) fix out of warranty merchandise for free? Cars? Electronics? Appliances? The list goes on. I'm a very satisfied Comp-tac owner and would not expect a free belt clip in your scenario. It is absolutely true that I made the decision to purchase a product with a one year warranty. However, the fact (and the point) is that Comp-Tac's product broke shortly after the warranty expired and under much less than severe treatment. Comp-Tac had an opportunity to earn major customer service points and/or good will by making this right. Either their business model does not allow them to do so or they simply chose not to do so. Either way, a loyal customer who has brought them repeat business was left with a broken product that did not fulfill the customer's reasonable expectations. I think some missed the point of my post. While I am disappointed by Comp-Tac's response, I do not believe I in any way disparaged or trashed the company. I simply relayed my experiences so that others who are about to invest/spend their money on a plastic holster/gear can make educated decisions on which company they will chose to patronize. As previous posters have alluded, there are many other companies out there offering similar products that will NOT put the cost of replacement for broken parts on the customer. There is nothing unreasonable about choosing to go elsewhere based on empirical data. I don't think you've been disparaging. You stated your issue and I hear you. My only point is that you can't really be mad if they didn't replace a non-warranty part. You can, however, take your business elsewhere if you find the product faulty or the warranty unacceptable. That sounds like the decision you've made. Oh, I'm not upset. Just disappointed. But I think we are communicating now.
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OP,
Thanks and I appreciate your post. I have been contemplating a MTAC purchase for a few weeks for my G-30. Another family member recently bought a Crossbreed and really likes it, and tried to sway me to that one. I think I will review my options a little more and not jump on the MTAC. I don't discredit the company for their warranty, but for $80 you would hope the holster would last at least a couple of years under normal use without having to buy parts. |
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OP, Thanks and I appreciate your post. I have been contemplating a MTAC purchase for a few weeks for my G-30. Another family member recently bought a Crossbreed and really likes it, and tried to sway me to that one. I think I will review my options a little more and not jump on the MTAC. I don't discredit the company for their warranty, but for $80 you would hope the holster would last at least a couple of years under normal use without having to buy parts. FWIW, Comp-Tac has undergone at least two iterations in their clip design. If the OP had the older style, it is somewhat understandable that they gave out. |
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I'm of the opinion that if you think a 1 year warranty is not good enough, you shouldn't be buying Comp-tac. As you admitted, you knew of the warranty up front. So, they wouldn't replace a broken out of warranty part. Not a big surprise. Would it be an advisable business decision for them to do so to make you happy? Maybe, maybe not. I'm not their controller. I don't know how many requests like these they get or how much it would cost them to satisfy everyone with a broken out of warranty part. Would the benefit of satisfying out of warranty customers outweigh the cost of the parts they're giving away? I don't know. Do you? How many other companies (think outside of the gun world, too) fix out of warranty merchandise for free? Cars? Electronics? Appliances? The list goes on. I'm a very satisfied Comp-tac owner and would not expect a free belt clip in your scenario. This I've got a ctac myself and expect the clips to break eventually, its a normal wearing part. Just like you expect the breaks on your car to wear out eventually. On their website i believe they state that they can flex so many thousand times before breaking, kinda like the aluminum in an airplane wing they have a stress life. Tho I think they have an improved clip now that supposed to last 10,000,000 flexes without failure |
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OP, Thanks and I appreciate your post. I have been contemplating a MTAC purchase for a few weeks for my G-30. Another family member recently bought a Crossbreed and really likes it, and tried to sway me to that one. I think I will review my options a little more and not jump on the MTAC. I don't discredit the company for their warranty, but for $80 you would hope the holster would last at least a couple of years under normal use without having to buy parts. FWIW, Comp-Tac has undergone at least two iterations in their clip design. If the OP had the older style, it is somewhat understandable that they gave out. I am not sure what iteration of clip design I have. What I can tell you is that it is less than two years old and was not part of my everyday carry gear. The holster would typically see use on the weekends, if at all. It may have failed sooner if I used it more often, but I have other guns in the rotation. The bottom line is the part failed prematurely and it is Comp-Tac's avowed policy that, for better or worse, under this set of circumstances, I am the one responsible for the cost of repair/replacement. Southrnshooter...you are quite welcome. Good luck with whatever you decide. |
| It would be nice if they had sent you a new one since they cost them next to nothing, but then again, it's a holster you've had for over a year. I don't expect my MTAC clips to last forever and when they break, I know I'll have to buy new ones. Just part of it. |
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The ghurka is an old design. Eventually the clip Epoxied on the holster will break. I would check to see if comp-tac is stll accepting trades in for a ctac. The holster in question is actually an Infidel. The part that broke is the Gurkha strut. The clip snapped at the bend not at the backing. The clip was neither old, abused, or even really used all that much. I was happy with the combination (Infidel +Gurkha strut), and at this point, I think I will choose to look elsewhere for my plastic-fantastic-holster needs. But thanks for the suggestions nonetheless. |
| I use the V-clips, by design they wont break because nothing flexes. I have used the V-clips everyday for 5 years on my CTACs no breakage. My hardware did rust through and I let them know this when I purchased my second CTAC(with V-clips) 4 years later and they sent me an extra set of new hardware and leather tabs free of charge with my new holster; I didn't request it be free. |