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Topic: Naughty Topper |
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rob |
Posted: 05-Sep-05 10:08 |
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I have held off posting this until my dispute with Topper was over. But now I think it is worth a quick note to say if you order a new Kite from topper ensure that it is a sobstad one. I recently received a Topper Kite which looks, feels and is cut completely different. I realise that the regular racers will notice but if I had received this kite when I first bought the iso I would not have known the difference. Easiest way is look for the big Sobstad Logo. Or better still don’t buy from Topper go to wet and windy as I did in the end, they are also cheaper.
When I last spoke to Topper they had no Spinnaker to send me which is another down fall on their part, but that is another matter.
I know at least one other Iso sailor has received the wrong kite already so get checking.
Rob and Barry
P.S. Before you all rush to reply I have sent an official letter of complaint to Topper and forwarded it to Bob for future ammunition.
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Ian Moss |
Posted: 05-Sep-05 10:53 |
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Topper did have some non Sobstad branded spinnakers that they tried to sell as the real thing. We have never established where they came from or why they were made but the class have certinly let Topper know they are not class legal and should not be sold as a genuine part. As far as I know anyone who has receive one has had it replaced on request. ( I had one replaced )
These spinnakers appear to be thicker material so could well last longer and I guess would make quite good training sails but I wouldn't want to pay anything like full price for one!
As Rob says ,if you do buy a new spinnaker and intend to race with it ask for a class legal Sobstad one and ensure it has the Sobstad Logo on it. Wet & Windy won't sell you one of these as they know all about them not being class legal.
Ian
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Bob Ladell |
Posted: 05-Sep-05 21:11 |
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Unfortunately certain people in Topper are reported to believe the Topper item is Class legal.
As above, they are 100% wrong.
And by now should know better having been told I don't know how many times both at senior management, sales and every other level !!
Topper have also committed to the Class that they will hold stocks for immediate delivery on demand of all ISO, Buzz, BOSS and Spice parts either directly to sailors ( 10% Class member discount ) or to distributors such as Wet & Windy.
Yet again Wet & Windy are leading the way in getting it right. Well done Andy and team. |
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Ben Twist |
Posted: 06-Sep-05 13:30 |
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Bob
I have had my spinnaker replaced immediatly after I delevered it to them. No apology, no explanation and no cheque for postage yet ( but promised)The rusty jib halyard photo's have been sent by Rick Reading to John Manners at Datchet for action. No response yet.
A small point but the new spinnaker does not have the normal identification letters for the clew, head and tack. |
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Pete Lindley |
Posted: 06-Sep-05 13:41 |
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Also please note the new Super Spar booms are coming with monsterous Ronstand blocks and yacht size shackles to attach them to the boom webbing. Correction, the shackles are attaches to the poxy bit of white material behind the main strong webbing. To the unknowlegeable, these blocks would rip off of the boom as soon as some load is put on them. They need to be shackled to the webbing!
Also requested a Buzz daggerboard from Topper on the Tuesday before the Buzz nationals. Topper didn't have any in stock and that it would be at least a week before any arrived. A call was then made to the very helpful Russell Dent at White Formula for a Buzz board and to clear up a few other techi questions. Russell said he could make one up today and get it on the lorry to Topper at Ashford tomorrow (Wednesday). Unfortunately this was going to be too late for us and we had to decline his offer.
Wet & Windy had a daggerboard in stock (damaged but I said I would repair it - no discount was given to me for the faulty item) Board bought at £327!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wet & Windy also had a Buzz boom for me (£172) And they still wouldn't give me discount for the chipped / dented brand new daggerboard!!
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rudee |
Posted: 06-Sep-05 16:35 |
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Hi guys,
Would it be better to have Topper feedback via the Feedback forms on Buzz and ISO web sites?
I just think that potential new members may be put-off eitehr of the classes by these publicly accesible threads.
What do you think?
Jude (859) |
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rob |
Posted: 10-Sep-05 07:55 |
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Rudee
This note was for those people who are new to the class or that are looking at buying a boat. They should be encouraged by the fact that we don’t want them to be ripped off and that we want people to get the right kit for their boats. If I had received this kite even within the first year of sailing I would have accepted it and used it not knowing that at my first race meeting I would not have been able to use it, bang goes £640. New comers should not be put off you can still get the right parts just make sure you check them. The comity are currently working quite hard to resolve the problems that we are having and people should also be encouraged by this.
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