Andrew
Active member
Spoke with a guy this weekend who had newer Stabilicers and his friend had older well used ones. Same hike together in the Whites and they were of similar height/ weight.
He lost numerous screws off the bottom, his buddy none. They noticed the fact that that the older ones had the Vibram label on the sole, new ones had a "Stabilicer" label. Upon closer inspection the newer also had "Made in China" cast in the rubber.
I had noticed this change in the label on the underside of the soles and wondered- so I guess this is the deal. This is not the first concern I have heard about newly purchased Stabilicers, but this has caused me to look closer as to what any differences might be. I have also noticed that the fit is slightly different between the "Vibram" and "Stabilicer" labeled models, with the fit being a bit larger and more sloppy on the newer type.
If you are seeking a new pair- take note on this difference as a few of the older ones are on shelves, especially on the extreme ends of the sizing. It might be better to look at retailers who have had them in stock for a few years and don't move a lot of stock. Like smaller sportsman shops or NorthCountry hardware/ everything stores.
I hate to drub on the Chinese manufacturers, but they are under so much pressure to reduce their wholesale prices that quality always suffers and lax government controls allow it to happen. 32 Degree North was also obviously looking to cut the overall cost that their consumer (us) demand.
He lost numerous screws off the bottom, his buddy none. They noticed the fact that that the older ones had the Vibram label on the sole, new ones had a "Stabilicer" label. Upon closer inspection the newer also had "Made in China" cast in the rubber.
I had noticed this change in the label on the underside of the soles and wondered- so I guess this is the deal. This is not the first concern I have heard about newly purchased Stabilicers, but this has caused me to look closer as to what any differences might be. I have also noticed that the fit is slightly different between the "Vibram" and "Stabilicer" labeled models, with the fit being a bit larger and more sloppy on the newer type.
If you are seeking a new pair- take note on this difference as a few of the older ones are on shelves, especially on the extreme ends of the sizing. It might be better to look at retailers who have had them in stock for a few years and don't move a lot of stock. Like smaller sportsman shops or NorthCountry hardware/ everything stores.
I hate to drub on the Chinese manufacturers, but they are under so much pressure to reduce their wholesale prices that quality always suffers and lax government controls allow it to happen. 32 Degree North was also obviously looking to cut the overall cost that their consumer (us) demand.
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