5.11 CEO Dan Costa writes me back...wow!

[KDOG3]

Never thought I'd get an email back from "the Man" himself. I wrote them and told them about some of the comments people had to say about thier products and he had this to say:

Dear Kev,

I am very concerned that we are giving off the impression that 5.11 has decreased it's quality. We are constantly striving to improve our products. We use the best fabrics and trims in all of our products. The change that we have made to the 5.11 pant is the add cordura nylon to the pocket edges to keep from having the edges breakdown from knife and flashlight clips. Also, we lined the spare mag pocket with cordura as well as moved it to the left pant leg. The fabric is the same however we treated it with an easy care finish. We were getting complaints that they were hard to iron and to get a nice pressed look. We definitely do not have the "we don't care" attitude here at 5.11. We take everything very seriously. These changes to the 5.11 pant have come after 5 years the customers asking for these changes. If you ever have a 5.11 product that you feel does not meet the high standard of quality in 5.11, please let me know personally and I will replace it. Have you seen our new catalog? We have lots of new great stuff. Please email me your address and I will send you one. Also, don't hesitate to call me any time to talk further.
1-866-451-1726

Kind Regards,
Dan Costa
Chief Executive Officer


I would have put his extension with the number, but I don't think he intended for it to be all over the internet. What do you think? I may try the 5.11 pants after all and see if what he's saying rings true... anyone care to comment?

 

[KevinL]

I'm impressed. The fact that the CEO has personally taken the time to address your concerns and provide you with a direct contact number shows that he cares. That's always a good thing.

I bought a 5.11 polo T recently and it looks pretty good /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Xrunner]

I'm also impressed... I think I'll have to try out a pair of 5.11 pants next time I find a dealer who has them in my size.

-Mike

 

[daloosh]

I've only recently discovered 5.11, so I have no past clothes to compare with. I got a Surefire polo at SHOT, which is terrific, and I bought a pair of pants with the old pocket layout, and have been pleased so far. They are not super tough, but durable and comfortable, if a little baggy for my frame.

daloosh

 

[turbodog]

A link to their web site would be nice.

 

[lightemup]

http://www.511tactical.com/

I saw all of the new 5.11 gear at SHOT and I was very impressed! Daloosh modelled the shirt particularly well /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

1. Now that the phone / mag pouch is on the left hand side of the pants, the only issue I have is with the thigh pockets, they're a bit small compared to what i'm used to on other BDU's. I think the large and easily accessible back pockets are great! I've shoved everything from mags to waterbottles in them. Very handy!

2. The boots look good: I'm eventually going to get a pair to try out. The only thing amongst its features is that there's little toe protection (i.e. if someone stomps on your foot you'll know about it /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif )

 

[Steve C]

Interesting response. I guess that attitude didn't trickle down to the customer service type who handled my complaint, because the store owner who made the actual call was told basically, "No obvious defect? Tough bananas." And for those who might suggest I call this fellow, why? The best he can do is exchange what I've got for another pair just like it... and there's nothing really wrong with them, except that they are not the same level of quality I have come to expect.

And while I'm no millinery expert, I can tell the difference between heavy-duty canvas cloth and something different. They have changed the material, period; regardless of what spin the CEO puts on it.

Anyway, this is not an anti-Royal Robbins crusade. I have almost a dozen pairs of 5.11 pants, like them, and will wear them until they are no longer serviceable.

I'm simply not going to buy any more, unless I can find them at prices comparable to less well-known, but equally (or better) utilitarian trousers.

 

[KDOG3]

Well, I just ordered them along with the new pads ( to get the free shipping - still came out less believe it or not ) and a Spec Ops BDU style belt. I let you all know how it comes out.

 

[sween1911]

That's great to hear, Kev! I had my eye on one of the black 5.11 polos with the SF logo. My 5.11 pants and shorts (they both still say Royal Robbins) are holding up like they were made out of stainless steel. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[KDOG3]

As I stated in my original post, I believe Dan Costa may be looking at these topics regarding their products, maybe we can sticky them?

 

[03lab]

[ QUOTE ]
KDOG3 said:
As I stated in my original post, I believe Dan Costa may be looking at these topics regarding their products, maybe we can sticky them?

[/ QUOTE ]
I'm sure he knows how to bookmark a webpage. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[K-T]

KDOG3, did you ask for permission to post his email here in public? If not I kindly ask you to remove it as posting private conversations in public without letting both parties know is sort of unpolite. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

You did remove his extension number didn't you - I wasn't sure for a second.

 

[KDOG3]

Yes, I removed the extension, the number is just the company phone number thats listed on their website...

As for the email, I wrote back and told him that I would let people know what he had to say, and he said "Great!" so I think that covers the email.

 

[K-T]

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif That's all I wanted to know. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Thanks.

 

[phantomspook]

kdog3, Ask Dan Costa if they would make another version of the 5.11 cotton pants with the extra front pockets on each side of the uppder thigh and exterior subload cargopocket? IT would be awesome to have 5.11 crank out something like this but keep the current design.

http://www.qmuniforms.com/Prod_Images/pS22-65_ss.jpg

 

[Mike Dedrick]

I seen Dan last night and Wish I would have Paid the $100.00 to speak to him . I am out of work at the moment but have a idea for a product that could be nation wide, But would Love his advise, any chance on that???
I couln't sleep very well last night, cuz i didn't get to talk to him. But for
Modesto he is our Hero.... my email is [email protected] phone is 209-342-7042