Integrated Combat Equipment (ICE Tactical) - Review

[T_A_N_K]

Well I didn't see a review on these guys so I though I should put one up.

Integrated Combat Equipment or also known as ICE Tactical are located in BC.


Integrated Combat Equipment Inc. (ICE)
2155 ROSSER AVE. UNIT #2
Burnaby, BC V5C 5E2
Canada

http://www.icetactical.com/

On my first purchase, I ordered some Cadpat TW Triple mag pouches. They make their stuff to order, which I didn't know at first which made me a bit peeved for them taking so long. Anyways the product arrives, took approximately a month, however the product was outstanding. Came with Malice clips and the stitching and genuine cad pat material was excellent.

So all in all it was good experience, I got a excellent product at a fair price at an kind of slow turn around time IMO. So a few months later I decided to make another order. I placed and order for a vest and hydration yoke. Sent my money and my order info and expected turnaround time to be again approximately a month.

I placed my order on May 7th 2008, next I received an automated e-mail stating the money and order was received so the waiting game began.

June 5th, 2008. I sent an e-mail inquiring about my order.

June 6th, 2008. Received an e-mail stating that my order was partially done and they were waiting on more fabric to arrive to complete the order and it would be shipped out within a week.

June 8th, 2008. I decided to order some pouches for the vest I e-mailed them asking them if it would significantly delay my order, got a quick replay stating they could make them at the same time. So I placed a additional order.

July 4th, 2008. Sent e-mail inquiring about my order, no reply.

July 15th, 2008. I still don't got jack shit and no news update. I send an e-mail inquiring about my order.

July 25th, 2008. Sent another e-mail to the individual handling my order and their sales e-mail address, still no reply....

July 29, 2008 - Still don't have anything and no reply.



So yeah, Im pretty pissed, no reply and no product. Sure they make a great product but what the hell is the point if I never receive it? If I don't get a reply within the week I plan on calling their office. However, as far as Im concerned Im never buying anything from ICE Tactical again and if I do it will be from oneshottactical because at least their items are IN STOCK!

Anyways will update further IF and WHEN I get my order.

Update:

Aug 6, 2008 - Called the number, went straight to voice mail, left a message.

Aug 30, 2008 - Both phone lines are disconnected, e-mail still no reply. Filed a complaint with 2CO Checkout (paypal equivilant) to see if I can get a refund.

Sept 21, 2008 - After a dozen e-mails through 2CO.Com to icetactical waiting for them to get their act together, I was finally given a FULL REFUND of all amounts. 2CO.Com - Great customer service, and very prompt with reply's.

[Denver Keith]

Came close to ordering some stuff from ICE, lol. I tend not to trust online retailers for gears...I'll stick with local surplus. Sort of funny I feel more secure trading hundreds of dollars for AEGs from strangers. Like I've actually got something against them, or something.

[romeo sierra]

if you live in BC you can go directly to the store/facility and see what they have in stock. i been there and have a bunch of their stuff, the operation is small, i only sen 2 people there, and 1 guy only seemed to drop by. best bet is to call and see what they have if you don't want to wait. Hobey's a good guy, he'll make just about anything you want/need. but yea, his wait times can be a while.

[T_A_N_K]

I don't mind the wait but Im more pissed off at the lack of communication. Yeah a 2 man show is hard to run, but really how hard is it to e-mail a customer and tell them sorry its taking so long because im swamped. If you can't handle the the large amounts of orders you shouldn't be taking their money and making them wait, they as a retailer should at least inform them they the items are made to order and that a wait time will be like 30 days. Now I know a lot of people that do their own business and it can be very stressfull and one thing can lead to another and next thing you know your over your head, it's not communicating to your customers that will break the camels back. As a customer I feel really ripped off, because well I don't know anything so I assume the worst and the facts. They have my money and I don't have my product, basically they took the money that worked and earned and stole it from me. Thats how I see it and thats how everyone else would. A simple e-mail could have prevented this.

[SEALs]

I know how you feel, about 4years ago, me and my team ordered like 12 full multicam bdu and it took nearly 4 month to get it. Some sizing were off the scale for a few of my teammate but mine are just fine. Quality is really nice. Call them thats what we've done for 4 month we called them everyweek so!

[Kokanee]

call their business phone # that is posted on the website

[Farmboy]

We will be stocking the entire ICE line. We hope to be working very closey with Hobey to make sure everyone gets the gear they need quickly.

Right now we do have the items instock that are on our website.

As everyone has said the quality is great, just Hobey is very busy and comms are lacking.

TANK, let me know what you ordered and I'll see what I can do.

[T_A_N_K]

Direct from my e-mail. So spent about $240. I don't even know what the hydro yoke looks like as there was no picture, I bought it on faith on my previous purchase.

Contents of your purchase:
Product ID : 39
Vendor Product ID : HYDROYOKE
Product Description: ICE Hydro Yoke
Product Name : ICE Hydro Yoke
Quantity : 1
Handling Fee: 0.00
Optional color CADPAT TW ( 0.00 )

Product ID : 33
Vendor Product ID : DIRECTACTIONRIG
Product Description: ICE Direct Action Rig
Product Name : ICE Direct Action Rig
Quantity : 1
Handling Fee: 0.00
Optional color CADPAT TW ( 0.00 )

Shipping Cost: 12.65

Total : 181.32 ( CAD )

Product ID : 44
Vendor Product ID : M4DOUBLEWEDGE
Product Description: ICE Double Wedge
Product Name : ICE Double Wedge
Quantity : 2
Handling Fee: 0.00
Optional color CADPAT TW ( 0.00 )

Shipping Cost: 8.55

Total : 59.81 ( CAD )

[panda86]

The Hydro yoke is a longer version of their padded yoke. Externally it's pretty similar (of course you can access the bladder etc..).

IMO: they need to hire more sewers and someone to deal with orders and shipping receiving. Quality is outstanding but customer service / reasonable turnaround is lacking.

[Bigmatty]

ICE has great kit, however as stated his comms is absolute crap!

[pugs144]

Pretty much the only way to get anything done is to go directly to his shop..or call his cell.

[Drache]

Originally Posted by Bigmatty

ICE has great kit, however as stated his comms is absolute crap!

9 times out of 10 it seems that it's the communication of a company that gets the bad review and not the product....

[Hades]

Hobey is a good guy. Last year I ordered a pair of suspenders nd battle belt in cadpat tw and had them within a week. He sent them out to me before sent payment. Sure comms are a bit lacking but t's understandable because it's a small operation. And as for the battlebelt I will be ordering once in multicam once I get my multicam rig going. Being able to attach a drop leg on either leg directly to the belt is a lifesaver so no more dragging my pants down. And the suspender system is very comfortable as well and good for weight suppot.

[panda86]

No doubt Hobey is a great guy. I have visited him on numerous occasions and I live very close to the shop. I have several of his items, all great stuff.

The issue is that demand is growing faster than his business and he needs to expand resources to accommodate. One guy can communicate, take orders, make stuff, ship it, etc.. when orders are small, but when demand and orders are big - you need more help to handle it.

[tentacle]

Originally Posted by Hades

Sure comms are a bit lacking but t's understandable because it's a small operation.

Its not understandable to me at all. What do I get for my understanding ? A discount ? My stuff quicker ? No.

If you can't conduct business properly and promptly then you shouldn't be in business. Its counterproductive, creates a bad image, leaves a bad taste...definitely no way to create repeat business. You can't fuck around with money.