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Originally Posted by UMP25
First, I preface this post by saying I'm not trying to rip on Honig's here. I'm simply relaying information and making an inquiry.
Recently, I had to order a couple new shirts and a jacket (the one with the blue shoulder stripes) from Honig's for use in the Midwest Collegiate League. Most of us received our items last week. Well, one of my partners calls me and asks me if I tried on the shirts and jackets. He asked me because of what several of us have noticed:
- The shirts and jackets are now made in China
- The polo blue shirts are of a markedly different material and sized MUCH larger than the original polo blues (I have a few of those)
- The jackets are shorter in the sleeves and tend to run a bit smaller
- The jackets feel thinner and much flimsier; the collars are like paper
So, I was wondering if anyone has experienced the same thing lately. |
5-6 years ago, I felt Honig's was top notch and dealt with them exclusively. Their service was good, their products were good (a few of their HMLS shirts that were made in the USA from about 5 years ago are my favorites) and their quality was "worth it." I cant say the same anymore.
Their HMLS shirts are made in China now and although they are "similar" to the Ump-Attire Ultimate Shirts IMO, they are the same price. How can Jim afford to offer a shirt made in the USA & Honig's has a shirt made in China for the same price? And Im sure Honig's has a much higher volume of shirts ordered, too. Their business model with a significant number of locations adds overhead which results in a more costly product. Jim has touched on it before and said he has no plans to "expand" like Honig's has because of the cost and limited benefits.
In their old made in USA shirts, I wore an XL on the bases and a XXL for the plate. With their new shirts, that has changed to a L on the bases and an XL for behind the plate. I can attest that their sizing has changed.
Quote:
Originally Posted by UMP25
[*]The jackets are shorter in the sleeves and tend to run a bit smaller[*]The jackets feel thinner and much flimsier; the collars are like paper
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During one of their closeout sales last year, I picked up a K17 jacket because it was only $39. I was shocked when I compared the quality to an older K17 jacket I had that was probably 8 years old or so. My observations echoed those in the opening post - much much lower quality and a lighter, paper feeling to the product.
I recently picked up one of their K14 "convertible" jackets and am pleased with the construction and quality. Its expensive too, but a far better value than their K17 jackets.
If you have followed them throughout the years, you will have noticed their prices went up by a dollar or two every single year until their HMLS shirts were around $33-34. Every year there seemed to be a difference in the material and construction (usually a decrease in quality) of their HMLS shirts as well. When they got to a point where they couldnt raise prices anymore, they brought in the shirts made in Pakistan for a year and then these current Made in China "Prosoft" HMLS shirts. I dont understand how a company of their size & "reputation" could even offer those Pakistan shirts? Didnt they receive protypes and test them for a season before offering them? Did they rush at the last minute because of a supplier issue and had to "settle" for those?
I look at the Smitty offerings and see a similar quality product for a much much lower price.
I was frustrated the one time I purchased a pair of Poly Wools and had an issue. If you look on the inside of the pants, the crease is lined with a glue/resin substance that maintains the crease for a long period of time. Well, on the pair I received, the substance was not properly applied and the crease was not straight - there were a bunch of little lines on the legs because the substance was not applied correctly. I had to jump through some hoops but then eventually took them back. I looked on some older pairs and noticed the same thing but didnt make an issue of it with them.
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Originally Posted by dileonardoja
Has anyone noticed the poor design of the Honigs Dry-Lo ball bags. Velcro on the inside pockets (WHY???) and the pockets are ridiculously too deep Getting an indicator or plate brush out of the pocket is a two hand operation. The web site says "Manufactured to our specifications". That doesn't say much about their design team.
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I ordered a pair of Dry-Lo bags from Evans over the winter and have been pleased with them. Mine dont have any velcro on the openings inside, though. They took a little while to "loosen up" ( I found the opening was a little tight on getting baseballs in/out at first) but I really like them and have no complaints.
Are you referring to these?
Honig's Whistle Stop - K40 - LARGE UMPIRES BALL BAG
I have a pair of these as well and they have velcro in them and the tag says "Made in China." I dont like these as much as the Dry Los.