Monday, October 10, 2011

Just Wondering...

It came up in small talk while paddling this weekend. Seems a few of us have purchased NRS gloves in the past and experienced poor workmanship. In particular, the stitching came out in different places on nearly every pair. Have others had the same experience?

Just back from a weekend at Pottawatomie State (Wisconsin) Park with some CASKA (Chicago Area Sea Kayak Assoc.), and had a fine time with them and a few of their young children. Also got in some rolling with the Greenland stick. Pics to follow.

Paddle safe...
DS

6 comments:

JohnB said...

Nothing lasts forever, especially gloves that are worn for paddling. Think about it, fabric, stitching, water--duh! Add to that the friction created by the paddle shaft in the web of the thumb and you're going to experience failure. Now, what's the expectation and what's the finding? Are they lasting a season? Most people I know that wear gloves all the time end up losing them (or one of the ones to a pair) before they'd wear out. I've got gloves from NRS, as well as other manufactures that I've had for over 5 years, some I've had for 15+ years. Some I've reinforced with wetsuit patch material and seam grip/aqua seal at wear points. Careful and thorough drying of them helps too.

So, what's the expectation and how are they not living up to it?

Silbs said...

I expect them to last as least as long as other manufacturers gloves and they do not.

Bill Burton said...

I had a pair of NRS Attack shoes whose rubber soles (both feet!) partially detached and started "talking" after ONE DAY on the water. Not wanting to carry wet shoes home and then ship them back for the refund, I pitched them at the trailhead. But at the following year's Canoecopia I talked to the NRS rep, and he sent me a new pair that has so far held up. So yes, QC issues, but honorable customer service.

Hether H. said...

Had a great time in Door Co. It was great to have such a great mix of personalities. I am so lucky to be in this Midwest paddling community!

HeidiH said...

Had a great time hanging with some generous paddlers!

RussJ said...

Dick, it was a pleasure having you join us in Door County!

The problem that I had with NRS gloves was that the stitching would not hold in the neoprene seams. In one season, NRS warrantied 2 pair that were basically new. When the 3rd pair came apart a few weeks after receipt, I gave up on NRS gloves.

This was 2 years ago, and I would hope that by now they would have fixed such a blatant QC problem.