I've used Fone for a while and after trying best Roca I decided to switch to it thinking that build quality has improved - was that a mistake!
I purchased barely used 2016 12m roca and unused 2015 bar with it.
After barely using the bar - stopper came off, it was the one they glued together so I contacted Best and they sent me one free of charge. Maybe on the 8-10th session i noticed that red plastic bar cuff (quick release cover) is cracked - and here fun part begins.
I contacted Best again and i got this :
I understant that you have problems with the quick release cover
Please notice that warranty applies only to Best products purchased from Authorized Best Dealer or www.bestkiteboarding.com and is valid for the original purchaser only if registered latest 30 days after purchase.
Can you please send to me the invoice and the email address you used to register the product.
If we cant apply this case as warranty, I can advice you to buy this product to repair the quick release.
Now, I don't know a single person who after buying registers their products, neither have I.
What I do know that large number of respectful manufacturers stand behind their product, for instance when my original Fone bar handles delaminated they replaced with newer model of the bar no questions asked about place or time of purchase - who cares, you made it, it broke, sorry for inconvenience it caused you.
After I expressed my thoughts about this to warranty department, reluctantly they offered to replace part for free, however asking me to wire 18$ for shipping.
This is the part http://www.bestkiteboarding.com/en-us/bar-cuff-on it probably weights 4-5 ounces, and 18$ is not for overnight shipping also. And yes, WIRE money, the whole $18 - got forbid they take a credit card or paypal with 3% charge.
I understand perhaps making such call not to replace for free on a wear and tear part - but this cover isn't, unless u're releasing your kite constantly, which I have not done once.
This was never about the money, the part as you can see is only $25 - its about how they treat customers.
Yes I did purchase bar second hand if you can call it that, and yes I don't have proof except email from person whom i bought it from and picture that show bar having tags on it, but really Best ? Best at what exactly?