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Teraflex fires a shot across the bow

11K views 98 replies 60 participants last post by  Gary_S 
#1 ·
#2 ·
bwhahahaha...love those guys vids!
 
#3 ·
Dennis Wood for President!
 
#21 ·
Funny video. I understand that Teraflex originated the hinge carrier upgrade, and did all the initial R&D for it from concept to reality. However, playing devils advocate here, any company should realize that a great product will be copied, and sometimes, improved upon. When Teraflex had the market cornered and no one else offered one, their price point made sense. However now that there is competition in the market, at a fairly reduced cost, it seems that Teraflex should come to terms with the fact that they don't own the market anymore. I haven't found any evidence that it is made in the USA, which probably means it's just as cheap to make as the other competitors products that are definitely made overseas. The Rugged Ridge/Taktik utilizes a completely different design for the tire carrier portion, and on paper it seems like a better one to me. I haven't seen either in person.

Who was the first company to manufacture a bumper with a built in tire carrier swing gate? is every other bumper with a swing gate a copy?

Just some food for thought to generate some discussion. ;)
 
#25 ·
Funny video. I understand that Teraflex originated the hinge carrier upgrade, and did all the initial R&D for it from concept to reality. However, playing devils advocate here, any company should realize that a great product will be copied, and sometimes, improved upon. When Teraflex had the market cornered and no one else offered one, their price point made sense. However now that there is competition in the market, at a fairly reduced cost, it seems that Teraflex should come to terms with the fact that they don't own the market anymore. I haven't found any evidence that it is made in the USA, which probably means it's just as cheap to make as the other competitors products that are definitely made overseas. The Rugged Ridge/Taktik utilizes a completely different design for the tire carrier portion, and on paper it seems like a better one to me. I haven't seen either in person. Who was the first company to manufacture a bumper with a built in tire carrier swing gate? is every other bumper with a swing gate a copy? Just some food for thought to generate some discussion. ;)
I hear what you're saying, but I think you've missed the point of the video. Even if it is not made in the US, it certainly does cost more than the others to build because you are the one that designed it, tested it, marketed it. Teraflex takes a LONG time (think a year or more here) to test product before releasing to market. That stuff is not cheap. I would be surprised if this hinge was not made with higher quality material than the others as well.

Teraflex is not the be all, end all brand, but I have used their products with success, and in September I visited their facility where I was treated like an old friend. That gets my respect.
 
#22 · (Edited)
IF I was doing Videos with Her....... My name would be Wood too! :) (whew)

Seriously though, Great video and goes to one of my favorits topics " Dirt ball copy cats that have to steal ideas because they lack creativity, R&D and Balls".
Not a Big Fan of Copy Cats.

I'll pay More for the Original - Quality - the Best.
 
#24 ·
I have had my TF hinge and carrier for 3 years and over 60,000 miles and when I get a new jeep I will be taking it with me. To date I have personally sold 6 of my buddies on the same hinge. I agree about the post who said Dennis has your back. I have called TF 4 or 5 times and always got to talk to somebody not just an answering machine. I have not tried calling RR or SB but I would be surprised if you could actually talk to an engineer there.

TF has some cool stuff coming out and I cant wait for their new driveshaft to hit the market. It will be a must have for me.
 
#27 ·
R&D is EXPENSIVE. We Owe a LOT to the Industry Leaders, Without them - We would have Crap (NaDa) and the copy cat POS's would have Nothing to copy/make cheap and sell on the backs sweat and risk of the Companies who are dedicated to R&D in order to Bring Quality (needed) products to market for Our Enjoyment.
I get Mucho Pissed Off when I get into arguments with idiots about buying chinese crap and copy cat product.

IF WE don't support the movers/shakers innovators - We All lose!
 
#33 ·
I love this video. They have style and humor that I can appreciate.They have the right to defend their innovation. I thought it was funny the play on words he made about the other companies. But showing their logos... Well now you're starting to play dirty and that road is slippery. Name calling is what has the cell phone companies in the mud right now too.



I agree here as well. With one exception. Some companies do invent some stuff and put in the R&D, but you can't be the first one to invent everything. Sometimes another company comes up with a good idea. And its ok to use that idea to create your own version and even improve upon it. Its what helps create healthy competition and even drive the original company to better improve their design too. But I'm not a huge fan of the companies that do nothing but steal and straight up copy someone else's design for every single product they make.

Although, given the competition they now have and how long they've been on the market, I do think teraflex should come off their price a little bit. I will be in the market for one as soon as I go up in tire size and, even though they are more expensive, teraflex is still on the radar. I'd just like to see both theirs and the RR one in person before I make my decision. I certainly respect the innovators, but sometimes "we made it first" will only go so far in my book. Its more about which one I think is the better product NOW.

I'll also admit that like the X shape of the RR better, but I don't like the GIANT RR logo on the back and not afraid to say it may affect my decision. I don't want to be a rolling billboard. While im on the subject, does the teraflex come with that little silver teraflex badge you see in the video? I like that a lot better.
 
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