has to go to......

Flying Objects

mine lasted about 9 months

I just wish the manufacturers would get rid of the metal zips. It doesn't matter that they are stainless steel (most actually seem to be chrome plated turd steel), if left long enough in the presence of salt they still corrode like mofos. I have 3 board bags and one has plastic zips, it's the only one that works 'as new' today. The other two both have one totally stuck zip and regardless of how much WD40/RP7 - other random chemical I apply stay stuck.

these are plastic zips and look fairly industrial but separate and dont zip up

I had the problem of the steel ones sticking with the salt, but only if i didnt use the zip often. water is one solution to dissolve the salt or more sailing and surfing so you unzip it more!

agreed. I would have thought it's plastic coated but haven't looked that close other than cursing it. They should use the big nylon wetsuit type zips, or at least something with bigger teeth than the current ones have. All other board bags I have owned used bigger zip teeth and I never had a problem with them.

The bags look awesome, nicely balanced, good placement of materials and have good durability but those zips really suck.

quote:

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Originally posted by mkseven

agreed. They should use the big nylon wetsuit type zips

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Yes, yes, yes. Why is this so obvious to everyone except the manufacturer. Surely the concensus between every wetsuit manufacturer in the world on what zip works best in this environment would help make this clear. Flying objects HELLOOOOOOOO......!!!!!

Hi Guy's,

Thank you very much for your feedback on the Flying Objects board bags. We have been making these bags now for over 10 years with mixed results in R & D regarding the Zip debate.

From our perspective we have had way less complaints and warranties using the metal slidders on our bags. The only issue we have ever had is that yes the slidders do corrode after time if no attention is paid to them.

As for plastic / nylon slidders we have now tried them 3 seperate times in full production and countless times in R & D sampling. We always come back to the same result that the plastic flex's under load and eventually pulls off the teeth, they break and or jam up.

We do agree that a plastic slidder is the way to go but until we have confidence that we will not have the same issues again we are going to continue using the current metal slidder.

Should you have a Flying Objects board bag and it has plastic slidders than we would be more than happy to replace the slidders for you if it is a concern. Simply take the bag to your shop and we will arrange the replacement for you.

All the best,

Flying Objects

Auswind,

What about using the big chunky wetsuit type zippers? I've got wetsuits that are almost 20 years old and the zippers still look and run like new!

Regards,
Harrow.

Hi Harrow,

We have looked at this style of closure before but have still found that the failure rate is about the same as other plastic sliders. The problem is that people tend to try and fit their board into the smallest possible bag to reduce excess and flapping. This tends to place the slider under alot of stress and they still flex and pull of the runner.

Unless you go with high end brands such as YKK you still end up with the same result. Unfortunatly these brands are fairly expensive and add cost to the overall product. We try to aim our products at a reasonable price range and still offer good quality.

So far the overall warranty rate / issues have been minimal but is still something we would like to improve upon should we find a better solution.

Thanks for the positive feedback

Flying Objects

What about a strip of velcro around the opening, never wears out but maybe a bit of pain to hold open to get the board in




Telecom Greg

hi aus wind
i have 4 flying object board bags and they all seem to be of the highest quality i for one would pay the extra for the best quality zipper as i plan to keep the bags for a long time surely in a commercial operation the cost of the best zip available would add minimal cost to the ones you already use. far cheaper for the consumer than zip replacement after a few years.
cheers ian

Maybe a bit more care/maintenance will prolong the life of zips? fresh water wash once a month, spray with iknox or wd40?

maintenance wont help the plastic type zips from separating under a small amount of load. the plastic zips although look chunky and industrial are really not very strong.
the bags are excellent except the zips just separate
(once you get the right shape - which wasnt available for an evo when i bought mine) I'm still looking for the receipt but I dont think I will have any luck finding it. since its not the best fit I'm chasing a new one.
cheers
poida

I bought a pro limit bag about 12+ years ago. A nicely padded coffin bag with with really tough material, similar to quality luggage. It had handles on front, back and both sides. Made it east to handle from any direction. The standout feature was the zip. It was big chunky metal thing. It must have been stainless as there was no sign of rusting or corrosion of any type. My mate is still using the bag today and it's in perfect condition. On the other hand I have replaced about half a dozen since then. Unfortunately Pro Limit don't make them like this anymore. I'd be prepared to pay a premium for a bag like this. I have a flying objects, and my only complaint so far is that it doesent have an attachement for a shoulder strap. Being a 70cm wide bag it's a bit awkward to carry by your side.Handles on both sidee would be good too.

Hi Poida,

The offer still stands for replacement and you do not require a receipt for us to replace the slidders. Simply take it to any FO stockist and we will organise pickup and return or alternatively drop in at Auswind. Its a 5 minute job and your on your way.

Unit 4 / 11 Howe St
Osborne Park

Cheers

Auswind

thanks Auswind

I'll bring it on down
the bag is still perfectly ok so with a fixed zip
my board will be happy again

cheers
Poida

quote:

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Originally posted by TelecomGreg

What about a strip of velcro around the opening, never wears out but maybe a bit of pain to hold open to get the board in




Telecom Greg

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Exactly what I've done with a couple of bags. I'll never have another stuck fly on my bags. I was going to try large nylon press studs to get around the problem of holding the bag open in the wind, but they don't seem to be available at retail level.

Hey Poida,

have you taken your bag in yet ? I should take mine as well. (it was funny when we had them both on the car at the same time and both the zips were stuffed in the same way !

Hi, I've found if your metal zipper corrodes and sticks...soak it in vinegar (straight) and it will come free !

i have a aerotech board bag, and the zips still work fine. But one of the two plastic zippers actually broke off. So i guess there is the issue with plastic, it aint as strong

Jammed zippers.....

Out of all bags I've used only one has been fit for purpose and that is a top of the line FCS bag for my surf board. I've had it for years and it still works. I have not seen any FCS bags for windsurfing gear though.

All other windsurfing and surfing quiver bags have had zippers that self destruct within a year or so regardless of how much WD40 they get.

I found a shop called Spotlight (in NSW) and they sell really good zippers that actually lasts in a salty wet environment. Rather than forking out for a new bag with a crap zipper I remove the old zipper and put on one from Spotlight. A few meters of zipper from them is about 5 bucks. Down side is that you have to sew it on yourself but it keeps your bank account looking healthier ;-)

Hey staffan I don't do sewing - would Spotlight provide that as well? Still cheaper than a new bag!

Dude - I suppose that depends what you offer the checkout girl in return for doing the sewing for you. For some (me included) that might be more expensive than buying a new bag.....

I've had no problem with the three board bag zipps weve got. They all got like small teeth. However i've alwaysed sailed in fresh water not salt.

Bubs