There Are Pandas, and Then There Are Pandas.
And this isn't either of them! The Pandas we're talking about here, are watches, not bears. And what got me thinking about them (again) was a link posted this morning by @cm.rook who pointed a few of us to the very attractive (and not terribly priced) Yema "Rallygraph" Panda which, in it's most traditional arrangement, looks like the one on the left, but can also be had in the version on the right: The model on the left is a true Panda, while the model on the right is called a reverse Panda. The reason for that distinction is clear--Panda bears, only come in the first arrangement. Now at this point, everyone should be thinking about the most well-know Panda, The Rolex Panda, which is actually a Daytona, and among Rolex Daytonas, the most famous of which is the Paul Newman Daytona, which was famous first, because it was Paul's, and second because it sold at auction for $17.8 million (US Dollars). The story of that auction is well-known so I'll only...
Nov 8, 2019
To turn the question to other brands, does anyone question that validity of Patagonia products, even though the US-based company has everything made overseas? Are the Gorilla and Mariposa still Gossamer Gear backpacks? What about Black Diamond, whose carabiners are made in Utah, packs are made in Vietnam, skis used to be made in Austria by Atomic but are now made in China in their exclusive factory, and so on?
In the end, Enlightened Equipment owns this process, and is merely partnering with an existing manufacturer to increase the supply of their products beyond their current capacity. If they didn't continue to make quilts in the US and offer all the great custom options that they do, THEN we'd certainly have something to talk about :)
I hope this answers your questions, and I'm happy to discuss this as much as you want. I can't speak on behalf of EE, but I can certainly share what I know. Thanks for asking!
I think that it's a valid concern of consumers to question the quality control. Patagonia products are excellent but are nowhere tiered in the same level as the quality and care of EE products. Not dogging on Patagonia at all, love their products and for most of what they stand for, but EE products are on a different level.
Taking a gander at the "warehouse" deals, they have discounted many sleeping bags/quilts every week because of a small minuscule detail like a "discoloration" that runs on for less than an inch. They have an off stitch here or there, or they had a slight scuff that has been well patched.
If you are guaranteeing that all quilts meet or EXCEED EE standards, thats a big promise.
I only say all of this because EE products are excellent, at the pinnacle of quality, and is unwavering in letting a stitch even be out of place. I am skeptical.
Your post is well received and makes some valid points. To say that these quilts will be as good as EE quilts - well, that's saying a lot. But, I believe it to be true based on numerous reasons. As for production flaws, that is another benefit of this production - our factory will make hundreds of the exact same quilt, whereas EE probably never makes two of the same quilts in a row.
Additionally, EE has been working with this factory for a while, and just recently starting selling a few Revelation quilts that are cut and sewn in China, and then stuffed and finished in Minnesota. To be clear, EE only does this for 'on-the-shelf' Revelation quilts, as it helps them meet demand and offer fast shipping.
I appreciate your skepticism as I too am often the skeptic. So, for both of our sakes, let's hope you're wrong :) [edited]
You really cleared some stuff up. I had no idea that they did this process with their on-the-shelf products. Its great to know that they are being sent to MN for filling and finishing, I wasn't aware of that. I thought they were gonna be shipped as finished products from China.
I think you should definitely state that it's being finished in MN for quality control, it surely swayed me towards trying it out.
And yes, I hope I'm wrong! lol
Our quilt here is completely made in China, under EE guidance, with an EE warranty and going through a quality control process. So, it's not like we're starting from zero here. I hope to this clears it up, and trying not to speak on behalf of EE here.
[edited to correct timeline, and that the Revelation is the only quilt that has an option to be made overseas]
I would not hesitate to order a USA made EE quilt, but I have no interest in one made in China, no matter who QC's or warranties it. I do feel it diminishes their brand... I won't buy a GG bag now that they are not made here. Plenty of great makers right here to support who are making fantastic quality stuff.
But that is just me, and everyone has their own focus and opinion and preference, to each their own, I say. Most people don't care where their stuff is made and I am sure this will sell well.
Think my next bag bag will be a ULA...and then Zpacks. I’m too much of a gear junkie to just have one which I understand is ironic with the whole “ultralight”.
For me, I bought one of these because I wanted to get a quilt for someone who might not use it very much. For myself, I will order a custom made in MN one, because I know exactly what I want and will likely use it a lot. I have limited funds, so I must choose carefully. So I buy a mix of US and outsourced products (I think most of us do).
I still think buying a made in China bag by EE is better than buying a bag from a company that outsources 100% of manual labor (most brick & mortar retail sleeping bags).