KPSquared
Well-known member
Quality retractables cost a helluva lot more than $15. You can easily pay $300 for one but they are high quality and actually look like it. A cheap reel in a working shop WILL cost you.
- Thread starter Ryan
- Start date
Quality retractables cost a helluva lot more than $15. You can easily pay $300 for one but they are high quality and actually look like it. A cheap reel in a working shop WILL cost you.
I have never seen a decent self retracting reel for $15. In fact, if I did I would have one in my workshop. I have a reel that is not motor wound that cost $250 new (although I bought it used). There are plenty of industries that wouldn't see spending this kind of cash on a reel a stretch.
If you forget a mechanic shop for a minute where most things are pretty robust and think of a prototyping lab or an electronics workshop. How many of these places would appreciate the potential havoc a whipping electrical lead could cause. Our electronics workshop won't have spring retractables, all the reels are hand wound. I would imagine our labs would be very interested in this if it had European plugs.
Paul.
KPSquared
Well-known member
Ok. . .I've still never, in my entire life, seen a cord reel go rogue and cause the cors to whip across the shop. Who the hell would ever let go of the cord?
Who would ever crash a car? Who would ever soil their drawers? Accidents happen. This is an insurance policy that would be welcome in a lab environment.
Paul.
Vegaman_Dan
Well-known member
I think you can find that out any time you hear the phrase, "Hey, watch this," by another human being.
geoffg
New member
That's a complete waste of money for the average home DIYer. I wouldn't pay 25% of that.
oilslick
Well-known member
I love this thread it is cool.
KPSquared
Well-known member
What's a "Robo Reel" ?
Todd.Brock
Well-known member
90% of my tools are Snap on.
oilslick
Well-known member
Like I said please put this thread back to the front.
KPSquared
Well-known member
That's it! Make it red, put a Snap-on logo on it, charge $600 foe it and you'll sell one to every addict on here. . .
rustyfords
Active member
I have a spring loaded one that self-winds....got it at Sears 25 years ago....for $19.99.
Don't see why an electric one at $300 would be any better (yes, I looked at the website and know what else it does).
Maybe around $100 I'd think about it....but $300 dang man...there's a looooooonnnnnnnnng list of tools I need for my garage before I'd lay out that kind of money to replace something that I'm pretty happy with already.
Don't see why an electric one at $300 would be any better (yes, I looked at the website and know what else it does).
Maybe around $100 I'd think about it....but $300 dang man...there's a looooooonnnnnnnnng list of tools I need for my garage before I'd lay out that kind of money to replace something that I'm pretty happy with already.
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CaseyJoes.
Well-known member
I would never buy one. I dont think I would buy it even if it was $30. Props to the guy who invented it since there is nothing wrong with tinkering and making gizmos. But I would be 110% satisfied with a high quality USA made cord reel that worked every time. I have never let go of a cord while it was winding back up and in the once out of a million times my hand does slip... I dont think it will be the end of the world.
Oh and yes I am a SnapOn tool owner, about 90% of my tools are. No I would not buy it if it was sold under the SnapOn name even if it was way cheaper. It would just be another tool I would criticise them for selling as its not a serious very high quality tool for professionals (which is what SnapOn is all about).
Oh and yes I am a SnapOn tool owner, about 90% of my tools are. No I would not buy it if it was sold under the SnapOn name even if it was way cheaper. It would just be another tool I would criticise them for selling as its not a serious very high quality tool for professionals (which is what SnapOn is all about).
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Well Bill Elliott of NASCAR fame came into our booth while at NADA. He was blown away at our technology and instantly said he could see the savings you'd amass as a result of using the reels in the shop. He also loved the safety features and would be getting me contacts into NASCAR. This was the last day of a show whereas GM, Ford, Chrysler, Kia and Nissan all stopped by and had tool reps at the show. Toyota et al, did not as they were simply stocked with sales guys. Everyone of the car companies wants to offer our reels to their mechanics. Thanks for the support here guys.
KPSquared
Well-known member
I don't remember much support. . .maybe you were reading a different thread?
NASCAR = More money than sense. The perfect customer for this product.
NASCAR = More money than sense. The perfect customer for this product.
Dan in Pasadena
Well-known member
Oops, screw up. Nevermind.
James E
Well-known member
Happy to hear you found a market, but that last sentence reads like sarcasm. I'll reserve comment until the OP clarifies.
A**holes Garage
Banned
If I just had a dollar for every person that came to my booth stating they were going to buy from me I'd be retired, sipping Mai Tai's in Bora Bora.
There is no sarcasm in my tone here. There has been some good points made and that is very valuable to us and our development. The success of our reel is centered around ease of use to the shop owner or someone who, over time, realizes the savings in walking a cord back and forth to its resting place. Three Snap On reps came by our booth and expressed further interest as well. People who understand quality tools are drawn to this device and it keeps being proven to us over and over. Whether or not the car companies truly act upon their feverish interest remains to be seen and we also understand that but it was really fun to see their excitement over a product that was called "the greatest invention we've seen in the industry in 20-30 years" by more than one of them.
We will be at the Miami Boat Show this weekend demonstrating our products, primarily focusing on the hose reel audience though. The power and air reels will be on display as well so if anyone is curious, we invite you to come and demo the product. Booth 3961.
We will be at the Miami Boat Show this weekend demonstrating our products, primarily focusing on the hose reel audience though. The power and air reels will be on display as well so if anyone is curious, we invite you to come and demo the product. Booth 3961.
Ok, this is really getting to be a problem... I have read this entire thread and I have to say if you really are the voice of your company you are doomed. Whether you realize it or not you just insulted anyone and everyone that disagrees with your product, saying they have no understanding of quality tools...
You really need to re-read what you post before you hit that button.
Your criticisms are something no one need to hear from another salesman... I think you have forgotten the fact that the customer is always right...
And if your market truly is NASCAR, Toyota, etc. Then what are you doing posting here, besides insulting people that is...???
MPowered this is a quote from one of your posts. "I reorganized my tools... Moving all my old, cheap, chinese tools that I bought, 20 years ago, out onto the peg board to make room in my rolling tool cabinets for all the new Craftsman I have coming in this week...
Those old tools make great garage art. Its just about all they are good for!"
Seems you care about quality.
Ryan was given a reel and he liked it and that just flat out angered a lot of you. I don't understand why. I've not come on here to do anything but counter the negativity over a reel that is a hard value proposition for the lay user. It's hard to understand until you see it for yourself. The internet is filled with forums like this that spout a lot of unfair and unfounded opinions without any basis. We just want a fair shake even if its deemed too expensive for the majority on this forum. Thank you.
Those old tools make great garage art. Its just about all they are good for!"
Seems you care about quality.
Ryan was given a reel and he liked it and that just flat out angered a lot of you. I don't understand why. I've not come on here to do anything but counter the negativity over a reel that is a hard value proposition for the lay user. It's hard to understand until you see it for yourself. The internet is filled with forums like this that spout a lot of unfair and unfounded opinions without any basis. We just want a fair shake even if its deemed too expensive for the majority on this forum. Thank you.
countrytech
Well-known member
So swimbody the inventor of Robo Reel is basically saying...
All that in just his last 2 posts.
Hint: maybe the insults are why you're finding GJ to be a tough crowd... well, that and the fact that a lot of us are simply too dumb to know that we really want to spend $300 for a 50 ft windup electric reel.
- The members of GJ are angered that Ryan got a free robo reel.
(um why??) - Those who don't see a need for the robo reel do not understand quality tools because they aren't drawn towards it.
(which is why we see the snap-on buyers clamoring for it. oh, wait...) - The Garage Journal is just like all the other forums on the internet which won't give him a fair shake...
(simply because we haven't all fell for his marketing) - The Garage Journal members spout a lot of unfair or unfounded opinions.
(despite the huge amount of valuable knowledge found in the 10's of thousands of threads) - GJ'rs are too dumb to understand what they are seeing without seeing it in person.
(yeh, well we'uns is jawst a bawnch a plane bakwuds no'count hillbillies)
All that in just his last 2 posts.
Hint: maybe the insults are why you're finding GJ to be a tough crowd... well, that and the fact that a lot of us are simply too dumb to know that we really want to spend $300 for a 50 ft windup electric reel.
I'll tell ya....I could give a rat-lick about someone receiving a free Roboreel.
Nor did it shock me that it went from "not that positive" to a glowing endorsement once one was received.
This may be a great device, but the high cost combined with (what I consider) a not so great warranty takes it off my "must have" list. I guess I'll have to trundle along with my horribly inefficient, dangerous and crudely made Craftsman reels. (One of which is over 20 years old.) I give the inventor credit for coming up with something new...and getting it into production. Kudos for that.
Nor did it shock me that it went from "not that positive" to a glowing endorsement once one was received.
This may be a great device, but the high cost combined with (what I consider) a not so great warranty takes it off my "must have" list. I guess I'll have to trundle along with my horribly inefficient, dangerous and crudely made Craftsman reels. (One of which is over 20 years old.) I give the inventor credit for coming up with something new...and getting it into production. Kudos for that.
I think you need a PR person because all you are doing is making it worse for yourself. I think it's great that you invented the device. We need more of this in the US. More production as well... And yes I do know quality, but that wasn't my point, your posting statements were. The way you post! ...Whew! That is what I am concerned about. You are not doing yourself any favors in your approach to GJ members. Perhaps you should step back and do a rethink. Never hurts to look at an issue from a fresh perspective.
Personally I don't believe I need a reel, either manual or your unit, because I have many outlets in my 2 car garage and will add even more with my third bay construction project. So I am likely not your design market anyway and wouldn't have posted had I not read your posts...
And as to who got what for free I am not concerned as you can give them to whomever you decide to as they are your devices. Your price seems high to me, but the market will take care of that. Either you succeed and sell enough or you don't and you fail. Simple equation...
Higgins
Well-known member
Agree with you 100%
Over the years I've collected a stash of GOOD extension cords and am happy with them. I'm happy with my garage configuration and I don't have any open room for something else to hang on the wall. And, last, it's too $$$. Just my 2 cents...
Over the years I've collected a stash of GOOD extension cords and am happy with them. I'm happy with my garage configuration and I don't have any open room for something else to hang on the wall. And, last, it's too $$$. Just my 2 cents...
Big A
Active member
Well, I haven't read the 10 pages of drama, but I just installed a $50 Craftsman reel on my ceiling and I'm pretty happy with it. In my unheated garage my cords tend to stiffen up and are a pain to put away, the reel seems to be unaffected. I plan to buy another Craftsman for the other end of my garage and that will pretty much do me, for $100.
$300 for an electric reel? I'm definitely not in that snack bracket, and if I was I'm more of an analog/mechanical/manual guy. This ain't for me. This is for the people that need a TV in the front of their ice maker and a GPS guided toothbrush.
$300 for an electric reel? I'm definitely not in that snack bracket, and if I was I'm more of an analog/mechanical/manual guy. This ain't for me. This is for the people that need a TV in the front of their ice maker and a GPS guided toothbrush.
I'm wondering why (sarcastically) that out of everyone that was saying negative things about the RoboReel it was the owner of the site that got a free sample? I would think that sending it to one of us "average Joes" under the condition that he/she gives a reoccurring report to the board would have been a more honest approach. I think a few companies on here have given out free samples for posted reports, seems to have worked well for them.
That being said, I think the RoboReel looks kinda cool and yes the built-in safeties are cool too. But let’s look at those for a second:
1. "RoboReel is the only reel that thinks to protect you by immediately shutting off power if the cord is accidentally cut or is overloaded."
Besides the fact that a correctly rated breaker-outlet pair would trip if you cut a power cord with anything metal (like a saw or knife), it wouls also trip if overloaded. A replacement cord for the RoboReel is $79.99 on amazon. A replacement plug for a regular power cable is like 5 bucks available anywhere.
2.Have you ever seen the dangerous whipping action that occurs with spring-loaded reels? RoboReel solves this problem using our two-speed retraction that slows the cord to a safe docking speed.
Now that is pretty cool and I got nothing bad to say about that.
3.RoboReel intelligently stops the motor from retracting if it senses that the cord is being obstructed.
So... it stops and stays that way or will it try to reel itself back in every-so-often? (aka after the guys foot or motorcycle tire is no longer stopping it?)
4.Frustrated by constantly replacing your spring-loaded reels? RoboReel is built to last. And that’s not hype.
No. I've never had one of my spring powered reels go out on me. That’s not to say that they won't die on me (I know they will die at some point) But, I wonder what will go first? My reel's spring or the AC-DC converters and motor in the RoboReel?
5.RoboReel's integrated 15-amp circuit breaker prevents the danger of electrical shorts
So does my 25$ barco power cord reel from HD.
6.RoboReel's dual thermostats will sense if the unit overheats and turn off the power to help prevent fire hazards.
This is nice but I think this is because it’s a bunch of electronics and an "180v DC" motor stuffed into a basketball. If there wasn't 10lbs in a 5lb bag you wouldn't need to monitor for overheating motors and electrical boards. This isn’t an added “plus” it’s mandatory because of your design.
Talking about how all of these professional shops are using RoboReel and how we wouldn't get the most out of it because we don't run large shops kinda goes against the fact that your website shows nothing but (what looks like) homeowners in their garages using your product... kinda odd marketing strategy no?
I also think it’s kinda cocky to compare your product to Snap-on. Snap-on has had a long tradition of making top quality AMERICAN MADE tools. (I hear that now some of their line has been moved overseas but they have a solid history of quality). Your product is made in china (can’t fault you on the Asian electronics as almost all electronics are made overseas) and constructed in Mexico, so there is no patriotic aspect to your product what-so-ever.
I couldn’t care less with how many multibillion dollar car companies have had some of their roving minions swing by your booth… These are the same companies that had to get bailout money from the government to keep from cutting off thousands of American jobs and going belly-up. The fact that they are interested in an overpriced reinvention of the proverbial wheel does not surprise me.
An interested side note for you…. If every speed shop in the world bought 5 of your reels that number would still be a drop in the bucket compared to the number you would sell if you effectively marketed and sold to the average garage owner and handymen / handywomen.
That being said, I think the RoboReel looks kinda cool and yes the built-in safeties are cool too. But let’s look at those for a second:
1. "RoboReel is the only reel that thinks to protect you by immediately shutting off power if the cord is accidentally cut or is overloaded."
Besides the fact that a correctly rated breaker-outlet pair would trip if you cut a power cord with anything metal (like a saw or knife), it wouls also trip if overloaded. A replacement cord for the RoboReel is $79.99 on amazon. A replacement plug for a regular power cable is like 5 bucks available anywhere.
2.Have you ever seen the dangerous whipping action that occurs with spring-loaded reels? RoboReel solves this problem using our two-speed retraction that slows the cord to a safe docking speed.
Now that is pretty cool and I got nothing bad to say about that.
3.RoboReel intelligently stops the motor from retracting if it senses that the cord is being obstructed.
So... it stops and stays that way or will it try to reel itself back in every-so-often? (aka after the guys foot or motorcycle tire is no longer stopping it?)
4.Frustrated by constantly replacing your spring-loaded reels? RoboReel is built to last. And that’s not hype.
No. I've never had one of my spring powered reels go out on me. That’s not to say that they won't die on me (I know they will die at some point) But, I wonder what will go first? My reel's spring or the AC-DC converters and motor in the RoboReel?
5.RoboReel's integrated 15-amp circuit breaker prevents the danger of electrical shorts
So does my 25$ barco power cord reel from HD.
6.RoboReel's dual thermostats will sense if the unit overheats and turn off the power to help prevent fire hazards.
This is nice but I think this is because it’s a bunch of electronics and an "180v DC" motor stuffed into a basketball. If there wasn't 10lbs in a 5lb bag you wouldn't need to monitor for overheating motors and electrical boards. This isn’t an added “plus” it’s mandatory because of your design.
Talking about how all of these professional shops are using RoboReel and how we wouldn't get the most out of it because we don't run large shops kinda goes against the fact that your website shows nothing but (what looks like) homeowners in their garages using your product... kinda odd marketing strategy no?
I also think it’s kinda cocky to compare your product to Snap-on. Snap-on has had a long tradition of making top quality AMERICAN MADE tools. (I hear that now some of their line has been moved overseas but they have a solid history of quality). Your product is made in china (can’t fault you on the Asian electronics as almost all electronics are made overseas) and constructed in Mexico, so there is no patriotic aspect to your product what-so-ever.
I couldn’t care less with how many multibillion dollar car companies have had some of their roving minions swing by your booth… These are the same companies that had to get bailout money from the government to keep from cutting off thousands of American jobs and going belly-up. The fact that they are interested in an overpriced reinvention of the proverbial wheel does not surprise me.
An interested side note for you…. If every speed shop in the world bought 5 of your reels that number would still be a drop in the bucket compared to the number you would sell if you effectively marketed and sold to the average garage owner and handymen / handywomen.
Vegaman_Dan
Well-known member
Visually, this reel looks like a toy and not to be taken seriously. Sorry, the design just screams "Plastic," and "Gimmick". It would have done well in Sharper Image catalogs or even in Skymall magazines.
It won't be in my garage. It doesn't serve a need for me. Mechanical reels work great for my garage.
It may be a great gadget in itself. But that's all it will ever be for me. It's hard to improve over the basic standard cord reel and there's good solid reasons for that.
Now if you take that same technology and apply to it to a standard reel, drop the price by half, and you might have a product people may really want in large enough numbers to warrant it.
It won't be in my garage. It doesn't serve a need for me. Mechanical reels work great for my garage.
It may be a great gadget in itself. But that's all it will ever be for me. It's hard to improve over the basic standard cord reel and there's good solid reasons for that.
Now if you take that same technology and apply to it to a standard reel, drop the price by half, and you might have a product people may really want in large enough numbers to warrant it.
onewaydave
Well-known member
Ok, I feel a whole lot better now. The Doc said it was only a minor case of whiplash. I've got my brace on and am ready to chime in.
Now that's sarcasm! IMHO the GJers have thrown a whole lot more sarcasm than swimbody.
But I do feel like I have whiplash after reading this thread.
So how many here have tools from Dewalt, Porter-Cable, Kobalt, Masterforce, Craftsman and yes, Snap On? In there are some of the most egregious examples of poor taste in color choice I have ever seen. What about the thread on machinery painted something other than black or gray?
I do see the offense taken in the tone of swimbody's posts. Kinda like when I call my Senator's office and get lectured to as to why he did what he did and I just need to understand. If anybody receives/reviews/collects criticism/feedback/input for/of my work, they had better keep their mouth shut and listen to what is being said.
I also respect swimbody for coming round to talk to GJ.
My shop is 36 x 30 so one unit would service the whole shop. Not. What happens when I need 3 outlets 30' apart at the same time (like that would ever happen).
I actually take pride in not rolling up my extension cords, although there is a zen feeling I get when I do. I'd miss that zen feeling at my age.
When I pay $300 for a tool, it better weigh over 300 lbs (usually 1200) and be made of cast iron (computers excepted).
Is there a video of a side by side test of a $300 spring reel, a $300 crank reel, and this unit showing that the 5-minute claims can be substantiated? BTW, I have never seen anyone walk a spring reel as it is retracting.
Ryan is a great guy (Thank you very much for your fora, Ryan, they are truly appreciated.) but I don't always agree with him nor take his recommendations. Or most of you guys recommendations. I usually make up my own mind on the need or not of a product. So just because the consensus is that this product is not for the average GJer (whatever the heck that might be), a lot of advertising is in this thread and I don't think it is all bad.
Dave, thinking of taking the brace off now.
Now that's sarcasm! IMHO the GJers have thrown a whole lot more sarcasm than swimbody.
But I do feel like I have whiplash after reading this thread.
So how many here have tools from Dewalt, Porter-Cable, Kobalt, Masterforce, Craftsman and yes, Snap On? In there are some of the most egregious examples of poor taste in color choice I have ever seen. What about the thread on machinery painted something other than black or gray?
I do see the offense taken in the tone of swimbody's posts. Kinda like when I call my Senator's office and get lectured to as to why he did what he did and I just need to understand. If anybody receives/reviews/collects criticism/feedback/input for/of my work, they had better keep their mouth shut and listen to what is being said.
I also respect swimbody for coming round to talk to GJ.
My shop is 36 x 30 so one unit would service the whole shop. Not. What happens when I need 3 outlets 30' apart at the same time (like that would ever happen).
I actually take pride in not rolling up my extension cords, although there is a zen feeling I get when I do. I'd miss that zen feeling at my age.
When I pay $300 for a tool, it better weigh over 300 lbs (usually 1200) and be made of cast iron (computers excepted).
Is there a video of a side by side test of a $300 spring reel, a $300 crank reel, and this unit showing that the 5-minute claims can be substantiated? BTW, I have never seen anyone walk a spring reel as it is retracting.
Ryan is a great guy (Thank you very much for your fora, Ryan, they are truly appreciated.) but I don't always agree with him nor take his recommendations. Or most of you guys recommendations. I usually make up my own mind on the need or not of a product. So just because the consensus is that this product is not for the average GJer (whatever the heck that might be), a lot of advertising is in this thread and I don't think it is all bad.
Dave, thinking of taking the brace off now.
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ChargedUp!
Well-known member
I've read most of this thread as it's gone on and can say when I originally saw this on I Want That on DIY, I said, "I gotta have that!" But then I saw the price and said no thanks. Looks awesome and seems to perform well. It's just out of the range of what I would be willing to pay.
As far as his "attitude" on here, some guy are being e-thugs IMHO and it is putting him on the defensive for a product he cares deeply about. I respect his inginuity wih this product as well as his others. Now, just cut the price in 1/2 and I'll buy it!
As far as his "attitude" on here, some guy are being e-thugs IMHO and it is putting him on the defensive for a product he cares deeply about. I respect his inginuity wih this product as well as his others. Now, just cut the price in 1/2 and I'll buy it!
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CaseyJoes.
Well-known member
100%. This is all that needs to be said, this is what it boils down to.
sxk122
Well-known member
Send me one for free, and I'll give you a glowing review to help quiet all the doubters
You are the worst sales person I have ever seen. You alienate everyone that doesn't agree with you.
If you would take the time to read some of the threads here, you would see there are a lot of people with money here. A lot with more money than the company you are selling for. We aren't a bunch of rubes.
For you to say "even if its deemed too expensive for the majority on this forum" is down right insulting.
I'll show you my bank statements if you show me yours?
Ryan might very well like your product but that doesn't mean it's a great product. It means Ryan likes it. Nothing more.
If your market is NASCAR owners and billionaires then why are you here?
soj
Well-known member
To you guys who think $299.00 is high for a cord reel (include me in the bunch)...don't even look at the water hose reel... available soon for $649.00
jp
jp
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lolHiggins
Well-known member
Touche'
PetesPonies
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2010
- Messages
- 120
You know this country is setup so if you don't want to buy something, you don't have to do so ( at least so far, I'm worried we may change ). But wow, you guys are a bit over the top. I see it as a piling on mentality. And no one is going to confuse me with a "nice guy" . . . but after reading all the scathing responses, you would think each one had bought one and been snookered out of their last $300. But unless I missed it, most had not purchased one or even used it right? Jeesh . . just say "no thank you" and move on
passatryde
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 27, 2012
- Messages
- 49
You know this country is setup so if you don't want to buy something, you don't have to do so ( at least so far, I'm worried we may change ). But wow, you guys are a bit over the top. I see it as a piling on mentality. And no one is going to confuse me with a "nice guy" . . . but after reading all the scathing responses, you would think each one had bought one and been snookered out of their last $300. But unless I missed it, most had not purchased one or even used it right? Jeesh . . just say "no thank you" and move on
Ditto
IndyGarage
Well-known member
I understand why folks are lashing back - I felt a bit of a sting with this one too.
Perhaps I missed it, but I don't recall any anger at all in this thread because Ryan got a freebie. We all know why you gave him one - it was smart marketing - and he gave you a glowing review in return.
I personally took the time to give you my best advice for reaching this group to market to, and I see that many others did too.
Certainly you got plenty of "gut feel" comments about the cost and the look, however you've gotten a pretty fair shake from this group. And I think if you found a way to make the product right for them, you would sell quite a few.
I think you are being a bit defensive and missing the important points being made about your product.
Those that accept the facts win and those that don't lose - it's as simple as that.