DarthRider
03-14-2006, 12:18 PM
Allan had asked me about FirstGear's recent change in product naming from the current "I, II, III" version designators to the new "2.0, 3.0, 4.0" etc.
In particular regard to the Mesh-Tex pants.
First a little recent history:
FirstGear belonged to Fairchild Motorsports until we (Tucker Rocky Dist.) bought the brand last year. It has always been a popular "Cadillac" brand but it had been allowed to become a little stale in the market. There is *much* more competition now, especially in performance, or "technical" textile riding apparel. FG is closely identified with our company as we were exclusive distributor so we just bought the line. Fairchild is now devoting their efforts to developing their own, in some instances, competing lines. We are devoting our efforts to developing & improving FirstGear.
OK, here's what I found out about the "2.0" designator for the new Mesh-Tex pants.
First, it's not just a marketing gimmick like I first suspected. It's a logical numbering system similar to software releases. Since we bought the FG line last year we have begun a total "reinvention" of the line, keeping old standards like the Kilimanjaro and variants; dropping tired old designs and replacing them with new, fresh designs. All will become more technical over time, some in very little time. New smaller, lighter, more effective armor, more "rider" driven details like large rubber zipper pulls and pocket tabs easier to operate with gloved and wet hands. Better vent systems. Better textile & other synthetic materials. Real waterproof zippers. More specialized pieces like the updated Kilimanjaro 4.0, the Kilimanjaro Air and the FG jaunt Jacket (think K'jaro light).
Part of this overhaul is the naming/numbering system. Before when they made minor changes to the K'jaro for instance, they either just didn't mention it except in catalog bullets...very ineffective in communication changes; or if it was a major change, called it K'jaro II, III, IV, etc. But that does not allow for recognition of minor updates.
The 2.0 can be updated to "2.1" or "2.a." for minor updates and people are accustomed to the meaning of this (software). Or if it's a major change or total redesign, it would become "3.0".
The new Mesh-Tex 2.0 Pants are due at the end of April but *could* be here earlier *if* the manufacturer can juggle schedules and get then here earlier. It's often that vague with overseas production of high-volume items, compounded by problems inherent to ocean shipping. Sometimes they will air-freight a few containers if we are about to stock-out but there are still plenty original Mesh-Tex pants in stock. There are actually few differences in them. The 2.0's are very similar with only a few styling detail upgrades and slightly more mesh area. And a $10.00 cheaper price.
I'd wait for the 2.0s if possible...a better value. You can go ahead and place an order with your dealer which will go on Back Order then your dealer will be contacted as soon as they are available to approve shipping to him.
Dave
In particular regard to the Mesh-Tex pants.
First a little recent history:
FirstGear belonged to Fairchild Motorsports until we (Tucker Rocky Dist.) bought the brand last year. It has always been a popular "Cadillac" brand but it had been allowed to become a little stale in the market. There is *much* more competition now, especially in performance, or "technical" textile riding apparel. FG is closely identified with our company as we were exclusive distributor so we just bought the line. Fairchild is now devoting their efforts to developing their own, in some instances, competing lines. We are devoting our efforts to developing & improving FirstGear.
OK, here's what I found out about the "2.0" designator for the new Mesh-Tex pants.
First, it's not just a marketing gimmick like I first suspected. It's a logical numbering system similar to software releases. Since we bought the FG line last year we have begun a total "reinvention" of the line, keeping old standards like the Kilimanjaro and variants; dropping tired old designs and replacing them with new, fresh designs. All will become more technical over time, some in very little time. New smaller, lighter, more effective armor, more "rider" driven details like large rubber zipper pulls and pocket tabs easier to operate with gloved and wet hands. Better vent systems. Better textile & other synthetic materials. Real waterproof zippers. More specialized pieces like the updated Kilimanjaro 4.0, the Kilimanjaro Air and the FG jaunt Jacket (think K'jaro light).
Part of this overhaul is the naming/numbering system. Before when they made minor changes to the K'jaro for instance, they either just didn't mention it except in catalog bullets...very ineffective in communication changes; or if it was a major change, called it K'jaro II, III, IV, etc. But that does not allow for recognition of minor updates.
The 2.0 can be updated to "2.1" or "2.a." for minor updates and people are accustomed to the meaning of this (software). Or if it's a major change or total redesign, it would become "3.0".
The new Mesh-Tex 2.0 Pants are due at the end of April but *could* be here earlier *if* the manufacturer can juggle schedules and get then here earlier. It's often that vague with overseas production of high-volume items, compounded by problems inherent to ocean shipping. Sometimes they will air-freight a few containers if we are about to stock-out but there are still plenty original Mesh-Tex pants in stock. There are actually few differences in them. The 2.0's are very similar with only a few styling detail upgrades and slightly more mesh area. And a $10.00 cheaper price.
I'd wait for the 2.0s if possible...a better value. You can go ahead and place an order with your dealer which will go on Back Order then your dealer will be contacted as soon as they are available to approve shipping to him.
Dave