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OT........RTIC coolers, visited their office in Houston today

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Photo Egg
Photo Egg Posts: 12,110
in EggHead Forum
.

I just foraged across town in our badly needed rain to visit their Houston office. The 15 minute trip took about 3 hour round trip. Got to love Houston weather and road construction...

I met both John and Jim. They were both super nice and showed me their line of coolers as well as compared it to the Yeti coolers they had in their office so one could compare the quality side by side.

They invited all questions and answered all my questions. In my opinion they were as honest and open as anyone I have every met. John was very apologetic for the production delays but wants to make sure ALL the aspects were perfect before any runs were made.

They showed me a couple very, very, minor changes that were being made to the currant production run. Detail seems very important to them.

These coolers were beautiful in quality and material. The finish on the coolers were perfect as were the components. 
They will in the future offer a wire tray/basket as many others do now.

They openly invite visitors per their web site to visit their office in Houston. I took them up and was very happy to meet them. They do not have stock ready for sale so don't expect to walk out with a cooler. They only had the most recent prototypes.

I will be putting in an order for a 65qt Tan. I feel confident they have made a better cooler for a greatly reduced price.

John also encouraged me to take any photos of the coolers I wanted. I did not take any close ups as I only had my phone but build quality is awesome and solid.

I'm sold.
Thank you,
Darian

Galveston Texas
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«13

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  • SGH
    SGH Posts: 28,791
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    Thanks for sharing my friend. 

    Location- Just "this side" of Biloxi, Ms.

    Status- Standing by.

    The greatest barrier against all wisdom, the stronghold against knowledge itself, is the single thought, in ones mind, that they already have it all figured out. 

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  • bgebrent
    bgebrent Posts: 19,636
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    Great info, thanks for making the trek and sharing!  Excited to get mine!
    Sandy Springs & Dawsonville Ga
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  • Jeremiah
    Jeremiah Posts: 6,412
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    Crap. I'm sold as well. 
    Slumming it in Aiken, SC. 
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  • SGH
    SGH Posts: 28,791
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    Jeremiah said:
    Crap. I'm sold as well. 
    Brother Miah, I'm hurt that my word wasn't enough ;)

    Location- Just "this side" of Biloxi, Ms.

    Status- Standing by.

    The greatest barrier against all wisdom, the stronghold against knowledge itself, is the single thought, in ones mind, that they already have it all figured out. 

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  • SGH
    SGH Posts: 28,791
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    In the words of Mike: To the top^^^^^^^

    Location- Just "this side" of Biloxi, Ms.

    Status- Standing by.

    The greatest barrier against all wisdom, the stronghold against knowledge itself, is the single thought, in ones mind, that they already have it all figured out. 

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  • jtcBoynton
    jtcBoynton Posts: 2,814
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    @Photo Egg   Thanks for braving the weather to check this out.  It is always comforting to know that some internet thing actually exists and is not just electrons bouncing around between computers.  
    Southeast Florida - LBGE
    In cooking, often we implement steps for which we have no explanations other than ‘that’s what everybody else does’ or ‘that’s what I have been told.’  Dare to think for yourself.
     
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  • grege345
    grege345 Posts: 3,515
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    How many beers (cans) can I fit in the little one vs the medium one? This is an important question
    LBGE& SBGE———————————————•———————– Pennsylvania / poconos

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  • Photo Egg
    Photo Egg Posts: 12,110
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    jtcBoynton said:
    @Photo Egg   Thanks for braving the weather to check this out.  It is always comforting to know that some internet thing actually exists and is not just electrons bouncing around between computers.  
    I can vouch for nice people, an office and staff and putting my hands on some nice coolers.lol
    Thank you,
    Darian

    Galveston Texas
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  • cazzy
    cazzy Posts: 9,136
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    @Eggcelsior mentioned that the 20's handle om the Yeti blows balls and pops off.  Can you ask them if their handle works better?  
    Just a hack that makes some $hitty BBQ....
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  • buzd504
    buzd504 Posts: 3,824
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    grege345 said:
    How many beers (cans) can I fit in the little one vs the medium one? This is an important question
    A case in the small one.
    NOLA
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  • auhoe
    auhoe Posts: 25
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    I preordered a blue one, now I only see white and tan?
    Lawrenceville, GA   XL Big Green Egg, Minimax, Flameboss, Maverick
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  • Photo Egg
    Photo Egg Posts: 12,110
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    buzd504 said:
    grege345 said:
    How many beers (cans) can I fit in the little one vs the medium one? This is an important question
    A case in the small one.
    LOL...true enough.
    He did say their 20qt was actually 22qt. The Yeti 20qt was either 16qt or 18qt.
    Thank you,
    Darian

    Galveston Texas
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  • Photo Egg
    Photo Egg Posts: 12,110
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    auhoe said:
    I preordered a blue one, now I only see white and tan?
    I did not ask them about the limited colors now being offered. Sorry
    Thank you,
    Darian

    Galveston Texas
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  • SGH
    SGH Posts: 28,791
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    Photo Egg said:
    LOL...true enough.
    He did say their 20qt was actually 22qt. The Yeti 20qt was either 16qt or 18qt.
    Yeti is shorting us ;)

    Location- Just "this side" of Biloxi, Ms.

    Status- Standing by.

    The greatest barrier against all wisdom, the stronghold against knowledge itself, is the single thought, in ones mind, that they already have it all figured out. 

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  • grege345
    grege345 Posts: 3,515
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    buzd504 said:
    grege345 said:
    How many beers (cans) can I fit in the little one vs the medium one? This is an important question
    A case in the small one.
    Really? A case with some ice? Hmmmm who knew this would be the biggest hurdle to overcome today. I like my beers packed tight when I'm on the side by side. Less movement. 
    LBGE& SBGE———————————————•———————– Pennsylvania / poconos

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  • 4Runner
    4Runner Posts: 2,948
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    If needed cooler I would pull the trigger ASAP.   Sounds like they are a true knock off off YETI and a much lowere price.  They clearly copied YETI so I probably should get one anyway in case things change.   Dang, what to do.  Really want the 65.  I need to just walk away......
    Joe - I'm a reformed gasser-holic aka 4Runner Columbia, SC Wonderful BGE Resource Site: http://www.nakedwhiz.com/ceramicfaq.htm and http://www.nibblemethis.com/  and http://playingwithfireandsmoke.blogspot.com/2006/02/recipes.html
    What am I drinking now?   Woodford....neat
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  • SoCalTim
    SoCalTim Posts: 2,158
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    I'm in, that's for making that trip. Pictures are awesome!
    I've slow smoked and eaten so much pork, I'm legally recognized as being part swine - Chatsworth Ca.
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  • SGH
    SGH Posts: 28,791
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    4Runner said:
    Dang, what to do.  Really want the 65.  
    Just pull out that big fat wallet and get it my friend.  

    Location- Just "this side" of Biloxi, Ms.

    Status- Standing by.

    The greatest barrier against all wisdom, the stronghold against knowledge itself, is the single thought, in ones mind, that they already have it all figured out. 

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  • Hotch
    Hotch Posts: 3,564
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    @4Runner You can't get a 65 without it's little brother 20!!! Right Scottie?
    Large BGE, MiniMAX BGE, 2 Mini BGE's, R&V Fryer, 36" Blackstone Griddle, Camp Chef Dual Burner 40K BTU Stove
    BGE Chiminea
    Prosper, TX
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  • SGH
    SGH Posts: 28,791
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    Hotch said:
    @4Runner You can't get a 65 without it's little brother 20!!! Right Scottie?
    Tell em brother ;)

    Location- Just "this side" of Biloxi, Ms.

    Status- Standing by.

    The greatest barrier against all wisdom, the stronghold against knowledge itself, is the single thought, in ones mind, that they already have it all figured out. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • 4Runner
    4Runner Posts: 2,948
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    Damn you people!   I'm now browsing.  
    Joe - I'm a reformed gasser-holic aka 4Runner Columbia, SC Wonderful BGE Resource Site: http://www.nakedwhiz.com/ceramicfaq.htm and http://www.nibblemethis.com/  and http://playingwithfireandsmoke.blogspot.com/2006/02/recipes.html
    What am I drinking now?   Woodford....neat
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  • XLentEGG
    XLentEGG Posts: 436
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    I put my money down last night . Thanks for the post , I feel much better about it now . :-)
    More meat please !! :-)
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  • Beagle1
    Beagle1 Posts: 37
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    I paid for mine (45) today. 
    Atlanta, GA and Watts Bar Lake, TN
    2 LBGEs
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  • Aviator
    Aviator Posts: 1,757
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    OK, yall got me. Went ahead and paid up. 
    Ty for the trip from all of us. Nothing like a true egghead site visit and report. 
    Priceless.

    ______________________________________________ 

    Large and Small BGE, Blackstone 36 and a baby black Kub.

    Chattanooga, TN.

     

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  • Gamecockeggman
    Gamecockeggman Posts: 1,329
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    I have a 45quart yeti but the pricing on these is making my butthole pucker.  I might need to but one just to test it out.  Thanks for the info.
    Go Gamecocks!!!
    1 XL, 1 MM
    Smoking in Aiken South Carolina
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  • Jeremiah
    Jeremiah Posts: 6,412
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    SGH said:
    Jeremiah said:
    Crap. I'm sold as well. 
    Brother Miah, I'm hurt that my word wasn't enough ;)
    Somehow I think you'll recover.  =)
    Slumming it in Aiken, SC. 
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  • jakebge
    jakebge Posts: 79
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    Thanks SGH, now I'm thinking about preordering another one!
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  • caliking
    caliking Posts: 18,731
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    Darian - count yourself as one of the enablers now!

    I was on the fence when I got the pre-order email. Noted that they were local, and thought about making a trip sometime (which I realized would not happen soon). Your report pushed me over the edge. Damn you! :)


    #1 LBGE December 2012 • #2 SBGE February  2013 • #3 Mini May 2013
    A happy BGE family in Houston, TX.
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  • SGH
    SGH Posts: 28,791
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    jakebge said:
    Thanks SGH, now I'm thinking about preordering another one!
    I add a third 65 today myself in case that hippy in NO wants one. Hope that you enjoy them brother.  

    Location- Just "this side" of Biloxi, Ms.

    Status- Standing by.

    The greatest barrier against all wisdom, the stronghold against knowledge itself, is the single thought, in ones mind, that they already have it all figured out. 

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  • Photo Egg
    Photo Egg Posts: 12,110
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    SGH said:
    jakebge said:
    Thanks SGH, now I'm thinking about preordering another one!
    I add a third 65 today myself in case that hippy in NO wants one. Hope that you enjoy them brother.  
    With the 3rd 65qt...how many are you up to now.lol
    Thank you,
    Darian

    Galveston Texas
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