Home » Blog BIFL Was A Lie | Ten products that are not Buy It For Life Anymore BlogBuyer's Guide BIFL Was A Lie | Ten products that are not Buy It For Life Anymore

Buy it for Life BIFL brands can sometimes take a tumble when it comes to quality. Just because a company made excellent quality products once upon a time, this is not a guarantee that this will continue being the case. It is actually quite common to see successful companies move production to China and start using inferior production techniques and materials. Unfortunately for the consumer, they still think they are buying the old bullet prooft BIFL items. Well, we’ve gone ahead and called a spade a spade with our list of ten products that are not Buy It For Life Anymore. These once kings of quality products are now simply just consumer grade products that are no different from much cheaper alternatives. Below we will explain why each company isn’t BIFL anymore as well as recommend an alternative product that we still regard as Buy it for Life BIFL

Doc Martens shoes and boots

Doc Martens used to make an excellent pair of boots Unfortunately they have shifted much of their production out of the UK to Asia. Also, their lifetime guarantee only applies to a small fraction of their shoes and boots now. You can probably still find some really good quality Doc Martens that are manufactured in the UK, but unfortunately these will be few and far between.

What to buy instead: We wholeheartedly recommend Red Wing boots as a great BIFL alternative to Doc Martens. These are truly durable and repairable boots that will last years and years.

Pyrex dishware

Pyrex dishes used to be the best possible cook ware you could buy. But now that assertion just isn’t true anymore. You see, old Pyrex dishes used to be made of Borosilicate glass which is incredibly durable under hot temperatures. Now they have mostly switched to normal old soda-lime glass which is prone to cracking and even exploding in the oven. You still can find shatter-proof Pyrex but it is a bit complicated to ensure you are getting the best. Check this infographic out in order to make a good decision.

What to buy instead: Oxo actually makes a really great oven baking alternative to Pyrex.

Coach bags and purses

Coach is synonymous with high quality purses and bags. But did you know that most of their stuff is totally not BIFL anymore? The quality of the leather and craftsmanship has gone way down. The easiest way to make sure you get a good Coach bag is to simply buy their older models. They do offer a few good ones still, but steer clear of any outlet mall Coach stores which sell essentially plastic crap.

What to buy instead: Get a used Coach bag from about 7-10 years ago or the one below which is pretty good quality still and is made in the USA.

Timbuk2 bags

A sign of a company that has taken a dive in terms of quality is a bad warranty. That is totally the case with Timbuk2. They use pretty terrible quality fabric and stitching and owners consistently complain of bags failing within a year of owning them. Mostly we see issues with the seems coming loose. And unfortunately Timbuk2’s warranty is restrictive and not up to the task.

What to buy instead: If you’re into messenger bags, a great alternative is Chrome bags. Or check out Osprey for amazing quality bags of all kinds which still have their legendary awesome life time warranty.

Ray Ban sunglasses

Don’t even get us started on Ray Bans. Ever since they were bought out by Luxottica, their quality has been pretty much garbage. And the price is still so high!

What to buy instead: We recommend checking out Randolph Engineering sunglasses instead.

Product

Features

Photos Randolph Men's Aviator 55mm Bright Chrome/Gray Gradient Nylon One Size Fashion meets function with these elite Randolph™ aviators.

Hand-inlaid, premium Mazzucchelli acetate lends a fashion-forward spin.

Military Issued: HGU4/P, MIL-S-25948.

Metal frames and signature bayonet temples designed for military pilots. Usually ships in 1-2 business days Last update was on: September 17, 2020 10:54 pm CHECK IT OUT Fashion meets function with these elite Randolph™ aviators.

Hand-inlaid, premium Mazzucchelli acetate lends a fashion-forward spin.

Military Issued: HGU4/P, MIL-S-25948.

Metal frames and signature bayonet temples designed for military pilots.

Mineral crown glass lenses provide 100% UV protection. Anti-reflective coating. Brand logo at upper left lens. Adjustable silicon nose pads. Protective case included. Made in the U.S.A. Measurements: Eye Size: 42 mm Bridge: 16 4⁄5 mm Temple Size: 137 mm Weight: 1.2 oz This product may have a manufacturer's warranty. Please visit the manufacturer's website or contact us at warranty@support.zappos.com for full manufacturer warranty details.

Keen shoes and boots

Another case of a shoe manufacturer riding on an old reputation for quality. Keen’s hiking boots and sandals simply aren’t built to last anymore. The soles on these shoes will be worn down within a year. Add to that that they really aren’t repairable and you have a very non-BIFL item.

What to buy instead: You can’t go wrong with Merrell Moabs which are still made to very high specs even though they are so popular.

Gerber hasn’t made good knives or multitools for a long time. Sure, they have sponsorships with Bear Grilles, but they aren’t particularly well made or durable. Theu multitools frequently break and the steel used on most of their knives is soft and prone to breakage.

What to buy instead: Leatherman makes some absolutely amazing multitools and knives.

Product

Features

Photos Leatherman - Wave Multitool, Stainless Steel with Leather Sheath READY FOR ANYTHING: The Wave is hands down our most popular multitool. With larger knives, longer wire cutters, and all-locking blades, the redesigned Wave is perfect for any job, adventure, or everyday task. Usually ships in 24 hours & Free shipping Last update was on: September 17, 2020 10:54 pm CHECK IT OUT READY FOR ANYTHING: The Wave is hands down our most popular multitool. With larger knives, longer wire cutters, and all-locking blades, the redesigned Wave is perfect for any job, adventure, or everyday task.

FIT MORE FUNCTIONALITY: The Wave is equipped with 17 tools, including knives, pliers, screwdrivers, a small bit driver for eyeglasses, wire cutters, a wire stripper, scissors, bottle and can openers, files, a saw, and a ruler.

LET'S BE PRACTICAL: Sometimes you only have one hand to spare. The Wave only requires one hand to open and use all the tools, even the ones that aren't accessible from the outside. And with all-locking blades, you can cut with confidence.

ALWAYS ON HAND: With its compact size and lightweight design, you can stash your Wave in your pocket and always have it when you need it.

GUARANTEED: Our 25-year limited warranty ensures that your Leatherman will give you many years of dependable service. Just send it in and we'll fix it up. All Leatherman multitools are made and repaired right here in the USA.

Maytag washers and dryers

Once upon a time you couldn’t get a better washer and dryer than a Maytag. No more! Their failure rate has ballooned to the point where we can’t recommend them anymore.

What to buy instead: Check out Speed Queen for washers and dryers that have just the necessities and can be fixed easily.

Product

Features

Photos Speed Queen TR5000WN 26 Inch Top Load Washer with 3.2 cu. ft.... Time Remaining Display eliminates guesswork by clearly showing when your laundry will be finished.

Full Tub Wash & Rinse fills the entire tub with water to achieve maximum cleanliness.

210 Agitation with 68 strokes per minute provides a better clean that's gentle on your clothes. Usually ships in 1-2 business days Last update was on: September 17, 2020 10:54 pm $ 999.00 CHECK IT OUT Time Remaining Display eliminates guesswork by clearly showing when your laundry will be finished.

Full Tub Wash & Rinse fills the entire tub with water to achieve maximum cleanliness.

210 Agitation with 68 strokes per minute provides a better clean that's gentle on your clothes.

Durable Stainless Steel Tub is gentler on your clothes and ensures long-lasting, dependable performance.

No Lid Lock lets you open the lid to stop a cycle at any time.

Sony products of any kind

Remember when Sony was the highest quality electronics brand in the world. People would swear by Japanese built stuff and Sony rode that reputation for decades. However, now Sony make just as much high volume garbage as anyone.

What to buy instead: For TV’s we actually highly recommend LG’s OLED line. Sony’s high end stuff is actually still good, but not at the price they are asking.

Samsonite luggage

Samsonite is probably the most recognizable brand in luggage. Unfortunately it is simply not good. They cheap out on everything from zippers to roller wheels and fabric. And their warranty is just meh.

What to buy instead: Briggs and Riley’s luggage is amazing and has one of the best warranties of any product on earth right now.

Product

Features

Photos Briggs & Riley Baseline Domestic Carry-On Exp Spinner, Black, One Size Ballistic nylon outer fabric resists wear, moisture, dirt and abrasion

CXTM expansion-compression system increases packing capacity then compresses back to original size for easy overhead storage

Hybrid fiberglass frame is lightweight and provides flexibility, durability and shape retention and Case dimension 19.5 inch height 14 inch width and 8 inch depth Usually ships in 3-4 business days Last update was on: September 17, 2020 10:54 pm $ 579.99 $ 599.00 CHECK IT OUT Ballistic nylon outer fabric resists wear, moisture, dirt and abrasion

CXTM expansion-compression system increases packing capacity then compresses back to original size for easy overhead storage

Hybrid fiberglass frame is lightweight and provides flexibility, durability and shape retention and Case dimension 19.5 inch height 14 inch width and 8 inch depth

Outsider® handle for wrinkle-free flat packing provides greater interior capacity and increased packing space

Aircraft-grade aluminum handle system with 4 stop heights;Ergonomic zipper pulls

Consider buying these BIFL products instead (they’ll last)

Here is a list of all of the products that we can safely say are BIFL: