I stumbled across this thread researching headers. I have to say, it is obvious to me what is going on at DT.
Nick being the only contact there (other contacts are now gone)+super long lead times+a sudden change in product quality+owner who is never around=outsourcing.
Looking at the pics, I would even go so far as to say China. The recent DT product, where the tubes meet the flange, that's a method and quality (lack of) that I have seen on many eBay China headers. heck, there was a time a few years ago when a co-worker of mine insisted we outsource our metal tubes to China and they came back looking like the recent DT tubes. Random shape, it's not oval, not round, not consistent from tube to tube.
If DT was making these at their own facility, no way would it take so long to get them. The delays are caused by the usual problems small-medium sized companies have with inconsistent overseas manufacturers.It's difficult to get a factory you can trust, they often can't do things the same as here, and there's always delays.
If they are made here, how long could it possibly take to make them? Everything should already be jigged up and ready to go. If they need ceramic coating, a few parts can be added to an already existing order to get you the parts you need to keep your rep from being ruined. DT's take so long because the foreign factory makes them, then they get slow-boated here in a container ship. Of course, the container needs to be full before being shipped, so there's a wait for that too. Then there's customs, etc.
My main reason for mentioning this is because it is obvious, for whatever reason, that this company has changed it's goals. Whenever someone outsources, it shows that the mindset has changed from providing a product of value, to a product of max profit margin.
Hopefully I am totally wrong, maybe DT can chime in and correct me? But if I am right, it's sad that they are still charging full price for a product that is no better than other "lesser" ebay <$300 products.
Nick being the only contact there (other contacts are now gone)+super long lead times+a sudden change in product quality+owner who is never around=outsourcing.
Looking at the pics, I would even go so far as to say China. The recent DT product, where the tubes meet the flange, that's a method and quality (lack of) that I have seen on many eBay China headers. heck, there was a time a few years ago when a co-worker of mine insisted we outsource our metal tubes to China and they came back looking like the recent DT tubes. Random shape, it's not oval, not round, not consistent from tube to tube.
If DT was making these at their own facility, no way would it take so long to get them. The delays are caused by the usual problems small-medium sized companies have with inconsistent overseas manufacturers.It's difficult to get a factory you can trust, they often can't do things the same as here, and there's always delays.
If they are made here, how long could it possibly take to make them? Everything should already be jigged up and ready to go. If they need ceramic coating, a few parts can be added to an already existing order to get you the parts you need to keep your rep from being ruined. DT's take so long because the foreign factory makes them, then they get slow-boated here in a container ship. Of course, the container needs to be full before being shipped, so there's a wait for that too. Then there's customs, etc.
My main reason for mentioning this is because it is obvious, for whatever reason, that this company has changed it's goals. Whenever someone outsources, it shows that the mindset has changed from providing a product of value, to a product of max profit margin.
Hopefully I am totally wrong, maybe DT can chime in and correct me? But if I am right, it's sad that they are still charging full price for a product that is no better than other "lesser" ebay <$300 products.
