Airsoft.nu – Nyheter

Den som besöker den amerikanska distributören ZShots webbplats möts av en bild föreställandes en sur katt och med texten ”Dear Valken: Go To Hell”. Klickar man sig vidare kommer man till ZShots öppna brev (skrivet av Wallace som är ägare) till Valken.

Anledningen till detta är att ZShot är distributör av Odin Innovations snabbladdare M12 Sidewinder och distribtören Valken för några dagar sedan lagt till en liknande produkt (BB Speed Loader) i sitt eget sortiment och till betydligt lägre pris.

Uppdatering: Nu har Valken plockat bort produkten från sin webshop.

Gino äger Valken.

Till historien hör bland annat (enligt meddelandet längre ner) att Jordan som är ägaren av Odin Innovations och tillika uppfinnaren av M12 Sidewinder bland annat pratat med Valken om produkten när den var i prototypstadiet men de tydligen inte var intresserade.

Valken har i skrivande stund ännu inte gjort något officiellt uttalande som svar på det öppna brevet.

Värt att notera är att det i Asien och Europa sedan länge säljs kloner av M12 Sidewinder. Exempelvis: Nuprol Ultra M4 Mag Fast Loader, CCCP Cyclone M4, WoSporT M4 BB Speed loader, Phantom Magazine Loader och säkert fler andra också. Kopiorna säljs till betydligt lägre pris än originalet.

Dear Valken: I believe you can go to hell.

I hate political drama. However, this is not about some company knocking off our product; that happens all the time. This is about some big bully shutting out a small company, founded by one very genuine dude, who just love tinkering and creating new cool shits for all of us. This is about Jordan at Odin Innovations getting f***ed, and I have to say something about this.

A little back-story, Jordan founded Odin Innovations purely out of his love for airsoft. To spare you the long story, the Odin speed loader has been Jordan’s primary (if not the only) source of income — until he finishes tinkering his next invention for airsoft. Also, Jordan had some medical complications earlier this year and he was hospitalized for a considerable period of time. At one point, the profit from Odin sales was the only income that sustained him and his family’s livelihood.

And Valken knows this. When the M12 was still a prototype, Jordan approached a few companies for help, and Valken was one of them. I do not know the context of Valken’s meeting with Jordan, but in the end Valken either did not step up to the plate, or offered too little to Jordan. Long story short, Valken knew where the Odin came from, and Jordan needed the income. They can’t say ”oh I didn’t know.”

So let’s get to the meat of this. We (ZShot) have been importing, distributing, and supporting retailers since 2002 (yes it’s been 15 years) and we HAVE been wronged a few times. But not once have I genuinely been angry until now, because this has affected more than just us. ZShot will survive if we lose a product line or two. But I can’t stand and watch Odin Innovations be smashed because some multi-million-dollar company wanted to make a few extra bucks. So, whomever in Valken that decided to import the Odin knock off: I believe you can go to hell.

Gino, if you are reading this, take a good look at your company. Yes, I am nobody in your eyes, I know you have millions of dollars in your bank, I know you have lawyers sitting in the office waiting for a fight, and I know you have the resources to render us penniless by drowning us in expensive legal battles. In fact, it is probably stupid of me to risk my company and to stand up behind just one of our friends to defend his product. But at least we gotta keep our dignities. If you are to mess with Odin Innovations, then I welcome, in fact challenge, you to squash and crush ZShot too. However, we will not admit defeat unless you beat us by giving the community better products than what we can come up with. Anyone can rip-off a product, and when you don’t have to pay for R&D or share your profit with the inventor, of course you can undercut everyone. However, with all your capital, why not take pride in what you do and direct employees to innovate? Would that not be something you can be properly proud of?

Respectfully,

Wallace Lau
30+ year airsoft enthuaist.  ASTM Airsoft Sub-committee Vice Chair.  Founder, ZShot Inc.

 

ps. a few words to the communities:

To our industry partners and especially retailer friends: DO NOT take this laying down or think this does not affect you, as Valken only bully the weak and you never know who will be next. Why do I know? Valken once sold a knock off JPC. Crye precision gave them a talked-to, and they complied. But when Polarstar showed them the V12 is a patent violation, they ignored it. (I am sure they are going to ignore us too.) So why did Crye get preferential treatment? Because they are the nice guy? Yeah right… If this is not bullying the weak, I don’t know what is. And you are supporting this company?

To the stores who asked Valken to bring in the knock-of (you know who you are): Shame on you.

To all who loves airsoft: Boycott knock offs. In fact, boycott companies who blatantly sells knock offs. If you want more innovative products in the future, you have to vote with your wallet. Spending a little extra today will net you a better product, while gain you a more enjoyable sport tomorrow. Hold your head high and be proud of the stuff you buy. Tell your friends, share this letter, and shame those who went cheap and bought unauthorized / unlicensed knock-offs. The industry can’t move forward without you, and you are the only one who can drive the bullies away.

Lastly, to all our supporters: THANK YOU!!! And please keep the comments flowing. We heard you loud and clear!

Originalmeddelandet