Klim aquired by Polaris

[obrianmcc]

Originally Posted by IdahoRenegade

Well, bummer. Didn't know that...might as well shop Walmart. I was thinking about buying their gear, even though it's out of my budget, to support an Idaho company.

China or not it currently is very well made and IMO worth the $$$

Kind of sucks to hear….. another solid biz being bought up by another larger entity…. Hopefully they can maintain their direction and culture and don’t dumb down the product.

[Scott_PDX]

Originally Posted by IdahoRenegade

Well, bummer. Didn't know that...might as well shop Walmart. I was thinking about buying their gear, even though it's out of my budget, to support an Idaho company.

The company is still an Idaho company.
- They still pay US taxes
- They still have 40 Americans earning a living in this US based company, that contribute to the economy
- Their goods get shipped with American companies, sold through American stores, often with sales taxes that go to American companies.
- They pay American advertisers to advertise in American Magazines sold to Americans all of which contribute to the economy
- Etc.

Just because something is manufactured in China, doesn't mean you aren't still supporting a local company. Also just because something is made in China it doesn't = crap. China can make anything to the customer's specifications. The customer just has to keep them on a short leash, and keep the quality up.

That being said...way to go Aerostitch.

[byways]

Klim is an authentic American success story (although the China part does suck). Not only is it the brainchild of an Idaho entrepreneur, but it is located in rural eastern Idaho, out in the country, where the ADV riding and snowmobiling are world-class. We're proud of what Justin Summers built. Just hope it stays here, and that it retains its friendly small-town Idaho culture.

[Chip Seal]

Many small manufacturers have to sell out.

I would wager, Klim developed their product, began selling it and their reputation grew. Sales grew, and then they expanded the line to cover all bases. Takes a lot of cash. Banks currently are tight assed for any loans. Possibly Klim could not keep up with demand and feared loosing it all. They probably searched for a buyer with certain conditions to apply if they sold.
Polaris, seemingly a deep pockets company, came along and made them an offer. Potentially a win win situation for both parties.

[guns_equal_freedom]

They don't make clothing in extra lard-assed sizes.

[byways]

Originally Posted by Chip Seal

Many small manufacturers have to sell out.

I would wager, Klim developed their product, began selling it and their reputation grew. Sales grew, and then they expanded the line to cover all bases. Takes a lot of cash. Banks currently are tight assed for any loans. Possibly Klim could not keep up with demand and feared loosing it all. They probably searched for a buyer with certain conditions to apply if they sold.
Polaris, seemingly a deep pockets company, came along and made them an offer. Potentially a win win situation for both parties.

I'll wager that Polaris simply made the founder an offer he'd be crazy to refuse. A fella only lives once ...

[acesandeights]

For US made riding gear I'd try Filson http://www.filson.com Their tin-cloth chaps, pants and jackets are pretty slick. They offer no armor and are not made specifically for riding, but they're US made and look old school.

[mtbdemon]

I understand the economics of a sale, but I hate to see the "mom and pop" shops close or bought up. Bookstores, drug stores, coffee shops etc all taken over by big corporations....I just like the little guy.....

[Wallowa]

Hey, they make good gear ...but get a grip, $1,300 for a motorcycle riding jacket? To each their own...but this is like defense department prices...

[DAKEZ]

The stuff I tried on was made in Vietnam. There was no way in hell I was going to pay that much coin for where it was made.

[OlyRider]

Originally Posted by DAKEZ

The stuff I tried on was made in Vietnam. There was no way in hell I was going to pay that much coin for where it was made.

In other words, "Dont mind me, I'm a narrow-minded buffoon that only wants to deal with like-minded others."

No wonder I put you on my *Ignore* list long ago.

[Steve G.]

Originally Posted by 81husky

There is almost zero riding wear made in the USA.

http://www.sledmi.com/forums/index.p...american-made/

The above link is internet info, so take it for what it's worth, but I believe Klim is made in China. I've seen this other places too, but don't remember where.

Pretty sure Motoport still has alot of their stuff U.S. made. And, if nothing else, the stuff they make is extreme heavy duty, like friggin' bear proof!
http://www.motoport.com/

[obrianmcc]

Originally Posted by Wallowa

Hey, they make good gear ...but get a grip, $1,300 for a motorcycle riding jacket? To each their own...but this is like defense department prices...

For the record I was referring to their Dakar and Mojave pants, and most recently their Stow Away jacket .... All under $200.00 ea.

.... if you don't like the price... don't buy.

[oregoncoast]

Well the purchase by Polaris has some benefits, they are selling their inventory pretty cheap right now. Atomic has some pretty sweet pricing on the off-road stuff from Klim:

http://www.atomic-moto.com/Klim-Daka...m_medium=email

I never understood the price of their adventure suit, but their normal off road gear was reasonable and is very good stuff.

[tvbh40a]

My understanding is that Klim approached Polaris. They need to grow their product into the European market where there is more money to be made. That takes millions of dollars. They make a great product with a warranty second to none. If anything the Idaho site will grow with a consolidation of Polaris clothing in Idaho. win-win especially for Polaris.