LL Bean product reviews

Recently entered a very unfavorable review on their Goretex PacLite Stowaway jacket. Had received in exchange for another, previous model jacket that had developed leaks after about 4 months. The new one leaked right out of the package; arms, back, neck - I got soaked in a light rain (with a driving wind) fishing a MT stillwater last week.
A day after submitting the review, I received notice from Bean saying they would not use it because I failed to follow their guidelines. Checked their rules and I can't see where I did anything wrong; pretty much said what I have here.
Next day I submitted another review, this time for my hiking boots, which I absolutely love, and stated as much. That one was published within 24 hours.
As much as I like their business model and some of their products, seems that they're none to willing to deal with a little negative feedback. By the way, that's the last jacket I ever buy from them; may have to bite the bullet and go with a Simms.

Regards,
Scott

Scott -

It's Disappointing to hear about the jacket, and even more disturbing to hear they would not accept your product review. I assume they will take the jacket back and refund your money, but they loose in the long run by not getting factual reviews, either positive or negative, so they can take corrective action on those jackets where needed.

I've never owned a Simms jacket, but have couple Patagonia SST's raincoats, plus another Patagonia rain jacket, and they have always kept me dry, plus Patagonia's customer service is top notch, as I'm sure you know.

John

Never tried to post a review, but had trouble with my waders leaking and sent them in, no problem with an exchange and the new ones have been holding up for about 4/5 years now. Send the jacket back again and I am sure they will replace it.

In my experience, nothing beats the Simms products for quality of construction and the warranty process. Don't have the waders but have
a ton of their other gear, packs boots etc. and it is great stuff for sure.

John,
I had a Patagonia Deep jacket and got 4 good years out of it before it started de-laminating at the neck (hood junction). They couldn't/wouldn't replace it because the model had been discontinued and the SST was a much more expensive jacket; gave me store credit which was fine. I'm going to do a bit more poking around before I make a decision.

Hickory Shad,
I'm sure they would replace it, no questions, but it'd just be another POS like the one that just failed on me. Gave them 2 chances and they came up short both times - fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. Won't make that mistake again.

Regards,
Scott

I just ordered some waders from them, hope my experience is better than yours.

I've had a similar problem with a different manufacturer, where my critical review was not published. I don't trust reviews on a manufacturer's website.