My new Alphakilt... almost

[Makeitstop]

My Alphakilt arrived about a week ago. I would have said something sooner but things have been hectic.

My first reaction was surprise, as I had no idea it had been sent. I guess I've gotten spoiled by automated emails and tracking numbers that allow me to stalk my kilt (or anything else I order online) for days before it arrives. Still it was a pleasant surprise to say the least.

The first thing I noticed on inspecting the kilt was the weight and stiffness. Since I only have a sportkilt and 3 lightweight stillwaters, the contrast was pretty extreme. The thing is practically able to stand by itself when properly arranged, and at least feels tough enough to withstand some serious abuse.

When I tried it on, it was a little tight, but not as much as I had expected since I ordered tight in anticipation of more weight loss than has actually occurred up to this point. Alphakilts does have a free resizing policy, but I don't want to have to use that more than once.

Once I had tried it on, I noticed that the right pocket was unfinished. I could actually stick my hand all the way out the bottom. Not good.

I then went on to inspect the kilt more closely, and found that the under apron pocket was missing, the cargo pockets were sewn on rather than detachable, and length was an inch short.

I contacted Daron and he responded almost instantly. It turns out that the length correction I sent them was lost in a computer error (I believe he said it was actually caused by an attack) and it seems that the website had out of date information, and was taken down not long after I ordered, so the features I thought were standard are actually optional. This all would have been sorted out if I had ordered through email (the way it must be done now that the site is down for an overhaul) rather than the website, or if I had simply asked about my options. The only problem that didn't get an explanation was the unfinished pocket.

Daron immediately offered to make a new kilt for me, and is covering the shipping to return the original. I offered to save him the shipping by keeping it but apparently he'd rather sell it than give it away (though he did offer to sell it to me wholesale and still finish it up for me, which sadly is more than I could afford) Oh well, it was worth a shot.

So now the kilt is in the mail, I'm working out the last little details on the replacement, and hopefully it won't be too long before the real thing arrives.

Overall I still rate the quality of the product as being very high, and the customer service has been excellent. I definitely recommend Alphakilts, and would not hesitate to do business with them again.

Now if you'll excuse me, I must go sit by the door and wait.

[Captain Karrot]

I gotta tell you, Daron has been very good to deal with, in my experience. Somehow, I ripped the seam on the cargo pocket connection piece. Contacted him, sent it back, and it was repaired and sent back as good as new. Quickly.

Plus, you are right that the material is pretty substantial. I actually like that about it. It is very sturdy, and will stand up to anything. Plus, it holds the pleats very well, and seldom holds wrinkles, thus minimal ironing.

[macdoc451]

I've tried to go to the Alpha Kilt website a couple of times. My 'puter says that the page can't be displayed I would really like to view their products and prices, as I've been looking for a good economy kilt in Buchanan Hunting! Seems no one has been able to get that tartan.............. Unless, I want tradtional Scottish Wool, for over $300.00. Family and tight budget, here, dontcha know!

[SexyButler]

I gotta tell you, Daron has been very good to deal with, in my experience.

Me too. Nothing but nice things to say.

[Mael Coluim]

Excellent customer service. I have an Alpha kilt on my short list; after a USAKilts Robertson plaid, Newsome box pleat Malcolm

[Bugbear]

I'm watching these reviews on the Alphakilt closely. It's very interesting... Sounds good so far.

[MuffinMan]

I currently own two Alpha's a Black Glascow and a Olive Edinburgh, both are as said a sturdy fabric. Just last week while wearing one down Havasupai Canyon I was alittle too close to a helicopter landing, forgot I was kilted and look down to see minimum fly up. Daron is great to work with, usually a reply in a few hours.

MM

[Aldisimo]

My problem with AKs is that there aren't enough color and pattern options. I hope they'll be able to add more fabric choices to their line of well-made, durable contempokilts.

[cavscout]

Please share some pics once you get it sorted out. Several folks have these now but I've not seen many photos of them in action.

My problem with AKs is that ...

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...q#faq_faq_abbr

AK's are traditionally Amerikilts. Time to determine a new abbreviation.

[The Barry]

I've read nothing but good things about the service from Alpha Kilts. That many people can't be wrong that much. It's good to hear that he's taking care of you, all too rare in today's world!