Tirade About Molle Panel Cost

GN4HIR · Nov 9, 2024

Before you start.. I know I'm being a whinner with a first world problem but I'm going to do it anyway. And, I'm sure someone will say, if you feel like that.. just don't buy it. But at some point you have to push back.

I've accessorized my IG with quality products from the name brands, Bison, Leitner, Owl etc. Some of it required the manufacturer to invest in costly development and testing and for that they should be compensated. However, I'm drawing the line at molle side panels. There is no way they should cost $500 to $600 per side for what they are. I understand and support capitalism but I feel the companies selling molle panels are gouging us because we drive IGs.

I hate to use Bison as an example because they are a great company but the problem is well illustrated on their website. Compare what a molle panel for a Jeep costs compared to the IG. The IG mount is stainless and a bit more complicated but not $300 more. So.. talk among yourselves, appoint a spokesman, and reply with the alternative point of view. I will go find some frozen margaritas with salt and come back when I'm slurring my words when I type.

Cheshire cat · Nov 10, 2024

Well done for bringing this topic up again. Bison may be a great company but as they are based in Poland, surely their manufacturing costs would be much lower than the US, or definitely Germany and Switzerland. Doesn't make sense to me.

AWo · Nov 10, 2024

That part is most probably done by a machine. Some bends only, no weldings from what I can see. These costs are nearly the same everywhere.

However, I already mentioned another example here somewhere else of this price politics, the lightbar. Ineos takes roughly about 10 times more than than the same lightbar is sold under different brand names.

However...if you use Apple you're charged more sometimes, as well. We saw that with the Eurotunnel and some online shops, already.

AWo

DenisM · Nov 10, 2024

Where sales are concerned in business, it's never been about what's reasonable or fair. It's about what the "market" will bear....

AWo · Nov 10, 2024

Exactly...but you can achieve higher prices when there are no cheaper alternatives are available.
When it is obvious that you get ripped off it becomes difficult....

My company produces parts for cars/trucks, also metall parts, so I'm somewhat into that business.

AWo

landmannnn · Nov 10, 2024

If you have signed up for Bison's newsletter the current discount on molle panels gets you much nearer the Jeep price.

Jiman01 · Nov 10, 2024

landmannnn said:
If you have signed up for Bison's newsletter the current discount on molle panels gets you much nearer the Jeep price.

Which kinda reenforces @GN4HIR point, if they can discount that much and still make a profit….I’m assuming they’re still making a profit

Tom D · Nov 10, 2024

I think there’s a couple of reasons.
Firstly( the kind explanation) the grenadier is not as common as other vehicles. And most owners won’t accessorise. So the market is small. Therefore development costs are a higher percentage of overall cost.
Secondly ( the cynical explanation) the grenadier is an expensive vehicle, owners have plenty of money……..

Commodore · Nov 10, 2024

GN4HIR said:
Before you start.. I know I'm being a whinner with a first world problem but I'm going to do it anyway. And, I'm sure someone will say, if you feel like that.. just don't buy it. But at some point you have to push back.

I've accessorized my IG with quality products from the name brands, Bison, Leitner, Owl etc. Some of it required the manufacturer to invest in costly development and testing and for that they should be compensated. However, I'm drawing the line at molle side panels. There is no way they should cost $500 to $600 per side for what they are. I understand and support capitalism but I feel the companies selling molle panels are gouging us because we drive IGs.

I hate to use Bison as an example because they are a great company but the problem is well illustrated on their website. Compare what a molle panel for a Jeep costs compared to the IG. The IG mount is stainless and a bit more complicated but not $300 more. So.. talk among yourselves, appoint a spokesman, and reply with the alternative point of view. I will go find some frozen margaritas with salt and come back when I'm slurring my words when I type.

View attachment 7876930 View attachment 7876931

I had one the earlier "new broncos" and we called this the "Bronco Tax". Everything was twice the cost of the same thing for a Jeep. The Bronco accessories are finally coming down to Jeep accessory prices. I suspect the same will happen with the "Grenadier Tax" but it will take a few years.

Tom109 · Nov 10, 2024

TBH, I can think of at least five places I would put gear, more secure and better located than a mole panel. I think they are 100% a money grab.

Tazzieman · Nov 10, 2024

Tom D said:
Secondly ( the cynical explanation) the grenadier is an expensive vehicle, owners have plenty of money……..

A rich fool and his money are easily parted.

Cheshire cat · Nov 11, 2024

Tazzieman said:
A rich fool and his money are easily parted.

Fool and Money, I can identify with. The Rich bit is the sticking point.

Clark Kent · Nov 11, 2024

Cheshire cat said:
Fool and Money, I can identify with. The Rich bit is the sticking point.

This is not you?

Tazzieman · Nov 11, 2024

Cheshire cat said:
Fool and Money, I can identify with. The Rich bit is the sticking point.

You man you didn't heavily invest in bitcoin last century?
Rich people aren't ever really happy.
What is it that every rich man wants, but no rich man wants to lose?
- a lawsuit

GN4HIR · Nov 11, 2024

I'm still trying to figure out how a fool gets money to begin with.

As AWo noted, the molle panel isn't a labor intensive part. I have a desk job, so I'm going to reach out to a friend with a metal fabrication shop to find out what is really involved and get a quote from him.

I assume it is a matter of 1.) creating a design in CAD, 2.) sourcing the 3/16 aluminum plate, 3.) cutting it on a plasma table, 4.) a bit of time at the bending brake 5.) possibly some polishing/buffing to smooth edges, 6.) send it out for powder coat.

Anyone have thought about layout/design. I assume it should have not only a molle design but also holes for mounting rotopax carrier. Might leave a corner for vehicle name, or some phrase. I don't know how fine a cutout the plasma cutter can do.

Tazzieman · Nov 11, 2024

GN4HIR said:
I'm still trying to figure out how a fool gets money to begin with.

It's called the lucky sperm club. And there are <other ways> for people who don't try very hard at school, etc.

landmannnn · Nov 11, 2024

GN4HIR said:
I'm still trying to figure out how a fool gets money to begin with.

As AWo noted, the molle panel isn't a labor intensive part. I have a desk job, so I'm going to reach out to a friend with a metal fabrication shop to find out what is really involved and get a quote from him.

I assume it is a matter of 1.) creating a design in CAD, 2.) sourcing the 3/16 aluminum plate, 3.) cutting it on a plasma table, 4.) a bit of time at the bending brake 5.) possibly some polishing/buffing to smooth edges, 6.) send it out for powder coat.

Anyone have thought about layout/design. I assume it should have not only a molle design but also holes for mounting rotopax carrier. Might leave a corner for vehicle name, or some phrase. I don't know how fine a cutout the plasma cutter can do.

I think it is likely that a CNC water jet cutter is used to cut the squares, much neater than a plasma and intricate designs can made.

trobex · Nov 11, 2024

I am not investing 1c in anything that can otherwise be made in China eventually, for 1/4 the price. I am done with Europeans (and their colonies) taking the piss on costs.

Here is another example, a 16 foot tinny (a small aluminium boat/punt basically) sells for $25K in Oz, new. What... with a 40hp Tohatso - you got to be kidding.

trobex · Nov 11, 2024

landmannnn said:
I think it is likely that a CNC water jet cutter is used to cut the squares, much neater than a plasma and intricate designs can made.

Some shop metal work associates are going to cut me a panel for a project, custom design (nature scape) - CNC/Laser cut ally being 3.0m long x 1.5m high x 3mm plate, - powder coated black = $790 inc GST - total cost. These vehicle ally accessories are for cashed up tradies, doctores, real estate agents and Aussie small business owners if you ask me... just saying.

Zimm · Nov 11, 2024

Its harder to get appropriate size boxes for shipping made, than to design, send out the sheet to the shop, and start production on these idiotic things. I wish IKEA would get into the market. The cost would be 200 buck plus bad swedish meatballs.

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Tirade About Molle Panel Cost

GN4HIR

Cheshire cat

AWo

DenisM

AWo

landmannnn

Jiman01

Tom D

Commodore

Tom109

Tazzieman

Cheshire cat

Clark Kent

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