Anyone have Feedback on the NEW UK Survivor Kilts?

[Riverkilt]

Saw a post on the UK board that they were out in Black and Basil...called and they also have tan...in my size!...YIKES!! :o

Now I gotta decide if its worth the cost to have another kilt, just because it has all that survivor stuff on it.

I am hiking down to Havasupai in the Grand Canyon in May...might be a good hiking kilt...

Anyhow, just worried about whether the problems with the first UK survivor kilt have really been fixed...or if its just an original with fancy pockets and mocker pockets...still nothing about it on the UK website...they just make them and sell them by word of mouth and at shows I guess.

No photos of the new model on the website, the photo section hasn't changed since September...

Any help with my decision making appreciated.

Thanks,
Ron

[Yaish]

I've seen them, they looked to be the exact same styling as the first version survivals. I think Kate said something about these not having the nano-care, but that doesnt make sense as the hold up was getting the stronger fabric WITH the nanocare in it.

The Survival is really just a cross between a Mocker, Workmans, and some new features of its own.

Mocker style slash pockets, detachable, gusseted cargo pockets all its own, workman style key snap, and a new modesty system. Rather than the snaps of the workmans, it has a toggle/loop modesty closure system that seems to work much better.

I think it would make a great hikinh kilt, because its a lighter weight than the workmans, but has much better pockets than either the original or mocker alone. In fact, with so many pocket options on this thing (including removing the pockets and putting them on your belt) you should be able to carry most of your day-hike gear without need for a pack at all.

[Raphael]

I like the Survival's style, but I am not sure whether I want to spend that kind of money for it. I am cheap and I think the Original has enough pockets for my needs already.

[Yaish]

I've figured out what I dont like about the originals. Square pockets. Both the workmans and the survival have pockets with a sort of beveled lower edge. To me it just looks a lot better.

[Atticus]

Well so much for the Utilikilt Jones...
Inspired by this thread I called UK to see if they had any kilts in stock in my size. They had several including a few colors of the Workman's kilts and the old and new Survival Kilt in Tan. After some quick debate I went with the older Survival Kilt.

It is aparently a little lighter weight and $75 cheaper than the new one. The real reason I went with the out of date model is that "when they are gone they are gone for good." I figured I could always buy a new model but the old one is going the way of the DoDo Bird...

It was put in the mail today, right after I ordered it. I'll be wearing it next week. I figured I'd jones for a couple of months...

Now, did I make a big mistake going for the older model? Anyone hear bad stuff other than potential ripping of the lighter fabric around the snaps? (I figure if it ripped that warrantee that).

Thanks...Oh this thread cost me $175! Dang...

[Yaish]

The only problem I know of with them is the snaps tearing out of the material, but if you want to ensure that doesnt happen just take out the snaps yourself, reinforce the holes, and replace.

Thats what several people who have the old style have done and they havent had any problems.

[Rigged]

I've repaired one of my UKs when I tugged too hard and pulled one of the snaps (male side) through the material.

I cut a couple of squares of felt about 1-inch square. Poked a small hole for the stem of the snap to fit through. Then I stitched the felt to both sides of the material and put a new snap in. I can't apply enough force the pull the snap through the felt.

[arrogcow]

I ripped a hole about 4" long down the back right by the right rear pocket just by sitting down (and this was my loosest UK so it wasn't too small).

I'm still waiting for my "Replacement" now six months later.
Adam (Who usually has nothing bad to say about UK)

[Riverkilt]

Adam,

I think positive feedback about problems helps UK improve...some people have noticed the messenger being killed on the UK board...but its still worth it to give them feedback and to request/demand reasonable service.

We pay a lot of money for UKs, and often wait a very long time for them AFTER UK has our money. We should receive responsive service for the products we buy and for the money we loan them.

Call me silly, I think being assertive helps them...if they are helpable. I've bought a lot of kilts from UK, but I've bought twice as many from other houses...because of having to loan them money so long up front to buy from them and multiple quality problems ( I can bear the jones, just don't charge me until you ship like most businesses).

But damn...now I'm struggling over that new survival, in my size, waiting to ship...have everything except the funds to pay for it....but tomorrows payday, so who knows.

I love UK as a company. I love the UK product when there are no defects. I just wish I didn't have to loan them money to do business with them and feel like there was something wrong with me when a defect happens.

Jeez...probably ticked someone off by daring to pint out some problems...here we go again eh?

Ron

[arrogcow]

I don't understand about your complaint about loaning them money. I have several UK's, and yes they charged me before they started making them (the few times I haven't just bought one off the rack). For my PK, Jeff charged me the day I ordered and about 5 weeks later I got a kilt. I ordered 9 yards of Tartan woven for me, and was charged when I placed the order not three months later when they shipped it.

Even in non kilt purchases, I have been charged on the day I ordered a product not when the company decides to send it (and almost everybody has the 6-8 week disclaimer when you order).

Where do you buy things that don't charge you when you place the order?

Adam