FIST Holsters. Worst. Company. Ever.

[DreQo]

imported post

here's the short version: I ordered a PPS cross draw from them. After a whole lot of questions and bad answers through e-mails, they sent me a vertical holster. Vertical is NOT cross draw. Anyway I sent it back, and I didn't hear from them for a month. I contacted them, and they said "oh, we didn't see a note with the holster you returned, so we haven't done anything yet!" (paraphrased). So yeah, they're just a down right horrible company. They have terrible communication skills through e-mail, at least one of their employees barely speaks English, and they haven't a clue how to run a business.

I've attached the e-mails that have been sent back and forth between them and me. There's a lot of them, but if you feel like reading them all, I think you'll understand my frustration....

To: fist98@aol.com
Sent: Sun, 29 Mar 2009 6:22 pm
Subject: Holster inquiry


I'd like to find out how much it would be to have a holster made to my liking. I am interested in a #8P (plain) close-cropped short, black, cross-draw, right hand, for a walther PPS. I am also considering a #8K (kydex) in the same configuration. If I'm understanding your pricing correctly, the plain leather holster would be $44.95 total, and the kydex would be $54.95.

I'm torn between the two since I would normally expect to pay slightly less for the kydex, since it is not as presentable. On the other hand, I appreciate the durability and weather resistance of the kydex over leather. The other draw back is that I would often be carrying the PPS along with another firearm on my strong-side, and that holster is already black leather. As I am partially concerned about appearance, I'm worried that a leather holster next to a kydex holster might look odd.

So, did I get my prices right? What do you guys think is the best option?

Thanks,


From: fist98@aol.com <fist98@aol.com>
Subject: Re: Holster inquiry
To: _________________
Date: Monday, March 30, 2009, 6:15 AM


The plain #8 and the kydex #8 are both $44.95. Do no think leather and kydex would look odd together. FIST.

To: fist98@aol.com
Sent: Mon, 30 Mar 2009 7:13 pm
Subject: Re: Holster inquiry


The hand boned #8 is listed on your website as $44.95. According to your website, opting for the plain series takes $10 off the normal price, so that would make the #8P $34.95. Opting for cross-draw adds $10, so that brings us back up to $44.95.

The Kydex #8 (#8K) is listed at $44.95. Adding the cross-draw option to that would make it $54.95. I'm assuming there's not a plain option for the kydex holsters, so that's how I came to the conclusion that the #8K would be $10 more. Is that not the case?

-Justin

From: fist98@aol.com <fist98@aol.com>
Subject: Re: Holster inquiry
To:
Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2009, 6:13 AM


If you want the #8 holster in Kydex and as a crossdraw the price is $44.95. FIST

To: fist98@aol.com
Sent: Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:15 pm
Subject: Re: Holster inquiry


Ah ok, thanks for the clarification, and sorry for the confusion on my part.

I have one last question. As I've compared different cross draw holsters from different companies, I've noticed a whole range of cants, ranging from almost straight up to dang near horizontal. I would prefer something in the middle, if not a little bit closer to horizontal, as I would like this holster to be an easy draw from the seated position. Will the cross draw angle that you normally apply suit my needs?

If so, I will be ordering a leather #8 cross draw for the PPS.

Thanks for all of your help!
-Justin

From: fist98@aol.com <fist98@aol.com>
Subject: Re: Holster inquiry
To:
Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2009, 11:40 AM


Well are you drawing your weapon across your body? FIST

To: fist98@aol.com
Sent: Tue, 31 Mar 2009 6:16 pm
Subject: Re: Holster inquiry


Well yes, that's why I want it to be a cross draw holster. I would normally be drawing the handgun with my right hand, across my body. A cavalry draw may also be performed with the left hand, but that should be possible with anything but a completely horizontal cant.

I just want to make sure that it's canted at least 45 degrees from vertical, so it wont be pinned in by my torso if I sit down. Does that make sense?

From: fist98@aol.com <fist98@aol.com>
Subject: Re: Holster inquiry
To:
Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2009, 6:08 AM


Okay - just specify what cant you want when you order. FIST

To: FIST *other data missing*

Well I just received my holster today. As you suggested, I specified a 45 degree cant when I filled out the order form. I wanted the holster to be a comfortable crossdraw, and also drawable from the seated position. The holster I received is just shy of vertical. Drawing crossdraw requires that I bend my wrist down, and drawing from the seated position is extremely awkward. The cant is so slight that the holster can even be worn strong side. This is simply unacceptable.

Please let me know how you intend to solve this obvious problem. There was no order number or invoice number provided on the receipt, so I'm assuming you can look it up with my information.

Justin LastName
Address
PhoneNumber

From: fist98@aol.com <fist98@aol.com>
Subject: Re: Holster inquiry
To:
Date: Monday, May 11, 2009, 6:12 AM


We are sorry for any problems. Please send it back describing the error and we will replace or repair it ASAP. Please do not send it back with a signature required. We are sorry for any inconvenience. FIST

To: fist98@aol.com
Sent: Mon, 11 May 2009 7:18 am
Subject: Re: Holster inquiry


I'm assuming you'll be paying the shipping costs, right? Would you like to send me a shipping label, or should I just send it to you C.O.D.?

From: fist98@aol.com <fist98@aol.com>
Subject: Re: Holster inquiry
To:
Date: Monday, May 11, 2009, 7:30 AM


We can issue you a Fed Ex pick up - to what address? FIST

I provided the address (e-mail missing)

One month later....

To: fist98@aol.com
Sent: Wed, 10 Jun 2009 11:48 am
Subject: Re: Holster inquiry


Can I get an update on the status of my holster? I was hoping to receive it before a trip I'm going on this weekend. My information is below.

Justin LastName
PhoneNumber
Address

From: fist98@aol.com <fist98@aol.com>
Subject: Re: Holster inquiry
To:
Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 11:39 AM


We received your holster with no note or anything. They did not know what you wanted. FIST


To: fist98@aol.com
Sent: Wed, 10 Jun 2009 7:57 pm
Subject: Re: Holster inquiry


You're not making your company look very good right now. I personally placed a note in the package stating the problem with the holster and how to correct it. It was written on the back of the original invoice. You are either confused, or lying. The many e-mails we have sent back and forth should have also provided more than enough clarification as to what the problem was.

As of right now you have charged me for a product I have YET to receive. To avoid legal action, and communication with the Better Business Bureau, I strongly suggest you get your act together immediately. Please inform me of how you intend to fix this thoroughly screwed up situation. I will expect a solution by the end of the week, and for this to be resolved within two weeks.

Sincerely,
Justin LastName

From: fist98@aol.com <fist98@aol.com>
Subject: Re: Holster inquiry
To:
Date: Thursday, June 11, 2009, 6:01 AM


We do apologize - we missed the note that was written on the back. Is it the cant that is the problem for you? FIST

I sent this today...

Dear FIST,

Yes, the cant was the problem. The holster you sent me was dang near vertical. I would like my holster to be dang near horizontal so it can be drawn across the body with my right hand. I would like it to be more than 45 degrees from vertical, or less than 45 degrees from horizontal, however you want to look at it.

Look, if that's too hard for you guys to figure out, you can just refund my money. At this point I really don't care either way. The holster you sent me looked awesome as far as fit and quality goes, so I'd love to have one. But if it's going to be this much wasted time and drama just to get a damned cross draw holster from you, it's just not worth it!

Let me know what you're going to do as soon as possible. Also, I'd LOVE to get the name and phone number of the owner of your company. If you want to tell them about the situation first, you may want to let them take a look at all of the e-mail communique below. That should avoid most of the confusion. I've tried calling your company before, but I got a foreign gentleman that didn't speak English very well, and insisted that everyone was on lunch. That wasn't very impressive, either.

Anyway, I'll look forward to hearing from you!

-Justin

You can't make this stuff up, people.

 

[Task Force 16]

imported post

Fist holsters? Every pair of pants that I buy has double holsters for my fists. They're called pockets.

 

[Citizen]

imported post

Task Force 16 wrote:

Fist holsters? Every pair of pants that I buy has double holsters for my fists. They're called pockets.

Hey!!

I thought bad puns were my exclusive territory.

 

[bugly]

imported post

Citizen wrote:

Task Force 16 wrote:

Fist holsters? Every pair of pants that I buy has double holsters for my fists. They're called pockets.

Hey!!

I thought bad puns were my exclusive territory.

pfffft... you have competition...

 

[Hellbilly]

imported post

They dealt with you longer than many would. Once you started making threats they should have been done with the whole mess.

You gave a lot of variance in what was an acceptable angle. Not a surprise it wasn`t exactly what you were thinking of.

 

[Flyer22]

imported post

Hellbilly wrote:

They dealt with you longer than many would. Once you started making threats they should have been done with the whole mess.

You gave a lot of variance in what was an acceptable angle. Not a surprise it wasn`t exactly what you were thinking of.

Improve your reading comprehension, and maybe--just maybe--you'll quit being such an idiot.

 

[DreQo]

imported post

Flyer22 wrote:

Hellbilly wrote:

They dealt with you longer than many would. Once you started making threats they should have been done with the whole mess.

You gave a lot of variance in what was an acceptable angle. Not a surprise it wasn`t exactly what you were thinking of.

Improve your reading comprehension, and maybe--just maybe--you'll quit being such an idiot.

What he said.

Anyway, guess what? They replied and said that the owner, Jim, looked at my request and said there's no way they can make that holster with that cant. It would be too unstable! They wont give me "Jim's" contact information, though. Anyway, supposedly they're going to refund my money. These guys have got to be down right stupid. There's no other explanation!

 

[Marco]

imported post

You will probably need to contact a custom holster maker.



This is from Mernickle for a revolver:

 

[jimM]

Responce to an unfortunate situation

here's the short version: I ordered a PPS cross draw from them. After a whole lot of questions and bad answers through e-mails, they sent me a vertical holster. Vertical is NOT cross draw. Anyway I sent it back, and I didn't hear from them for a month. I contacted them, and they said "oh, we didn't see a note with the holster you returned, so we haven't done anything yet!" (paraphrased). So yeah, they're just a down right horrible company. They have terrible communication skills through e-mail, at least one of their employees barely speaks English, and they haven't a clue how to run a business.

I've attached the e-mails that have been sent back and forth between them and me. There's a lot of them, but if you feel like reading them all, I think you'll understand my frustration....

To:fist98@aol.com
Sent: Sun, 29 Mar 2009 6:22 pm
Subject: Holster inquiry


I'd like to find out how much it would be to have a holster made to my liking. I am interested in a #8P (plain) close-cropped short, black, cross-draw, right hand, for a walther PPS. I am also considering a #8K (kydex) in the same configuration. If I'm understanding your pricing correctly, the plain leather holster would be $44.95 total, and the kydex would be $54.95.

I'm torn between the two since I would normally expect to pay slightly less for the kydex, since it is not as presentable. On the other hand, I appreciate the durability and weather resistance of the kydex over leather. The other draw back is that I would often be carrying the PPS along with another firearm on my strong-side, and that holster is already black leather. As I am partially concerned about appearance, I'm worried that a leather holster next to a kydex holster might look odd.

So, did I get my prices right? What do you guys think is the best option?

Thanks,


From: fist98@aol.com <fist98@aol.com>
Subject: Re: Holster inquiry
To: _________________
Date: Monday, March 30, 2009, 6:15 AM


The plain #8 and the kydex #8 are both $44.95. Do no think leather and kydex would look odd together. FIST.

To: fist98@aol.com
Sent: Mon, 30 Mar 2009 7:13 pm
Subject: Re: Holster inquiry


The hand boned #8 is listed on your website as $44.95. According to your website, opting for the plain series takes $10 off the normal price, so that would make the #8P $34.95. Opting for cross-draw adds $10, so that brings us back up to $44.95.

The Kydex #8 (#8K) is listed at $44.95. Adding the cross-draw option to that would make it $54.95. I'm assuming there's not a plain option for the kydex holsters, so that's how I came to the conclusion that the #8K would be $10 more. Is that not the case?

-Justin

From: fist98@aol.com <fist98@aol.com>
Subject: Re: Holster inquiry
To:
Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2009, 6:13 AM


If you want the #8 holster in Kydex and as a crossdraw the price is $44.95. FIST

To: fist98@aol.com
Sent: Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:15 pm
Subject: Re: Holster inquiry


Ah ok, thanks for the clarification, and sorry for the confusion on my part.

I have one last question. As I've compared different cross draw holsters from different companies, I've noticed a whole range of cants, ranging from almost straight up to dang near horizontal. I would prefer something in the middle, if not a little bit closer to horizontal, as I would like this holster to be an easy draw from the seated position. Will the cross draw angle that you normally apply suit my needs?

If so, I will be ordering a leather #8 cross draw for the PPS.

Thanks for all of your help!
-Justin

From: fist98@aol.com <fist98@aol.com>
Subject: Re: Holster inquiry
To:
Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2009, 11:40 AM


Well are you drawing your weapon across your body? FIST

To: fist98@aol.com
Sent: Tue, 31 Mar 2009 6:16 pm
Subject: Re: Holster inquiry


Well yes, that's why I want it to be a cross draw holster. I would normally be drawing the handgun with my right hand, across my body. A cavalry draw may also be performed with the left hand, but that should be possible with anything but a completely horizontal cant.

I just want to make sure that it's canted at least 45 degrees from vertical, so it wont be pinned in by my torso if I sit down. Does that make sense?

From: fist98@aol.com <fist98@aol.com>
Subject: Re: Holster inquiry
To:
Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2009, 6:08 AM


Okay - just specify what cant you want when you order. FIST

To: FIST *other data missing*

Well I just received my holster today. As you suggested, I specified a 45 degree cant when I filled out the order form. I wanted the holster to be a comfortable crossdraw, and also drawable from the seated position. The holster I received is just shy of vertical. Drawing crossdraw requires that I bend my wrist down, and drawing from the seated position is extremely awkward. The cant is so slight that the holster can even be worn strong side. This is simply unacceptable.

Please let me know how you intend to solve this obvious problem. There was no order number or invoice number provided on the receipt, so I'm assuming you can look it up with my information.

Justin LastName
Address
PhoneNumber

From: fist98@aol.com <fist98@aol.com>
Subject: Re: Holster inquiry
To:
Date: Monday, May 11, 2009, 6:12 AM


We are sorry for any problems. Please send it back describing the error and we will replace or repair it ASAP. Please do not send it back with a signature required. We are sorry for any inconvenience. FIST

To: fist98@aol.com
Sent: Mon, 11 May 2009 7:18 am
Subject: Re: Holster inquiry


I'm assuming you'll be paying the shipping costs, right? Would you like to send me a shipping label, or should I just send it to you C.O.D.?

From: fist98@aol.com <fist98@aol.com>
Subject: Re: Holster inquiry
To:
Date: Monday, May 11, 2009, 7:30 AM


We can issue you a Fed Ex pick up - to what address? FIST

I provided the address (e-mail missing)

One month later....

To: fist98@aol.com
Sent: Wed, 10 Jun 2009 11:48 am
Subject: Re: Holster inquiry


Can I get an update on the status of my holster? I was hoping to receive it before a trip I'm going on this weekend. My information is below.

Justin LastName
PhoneNumber
Address

From: fist98@aol.com <fist98@aol.com>
Subject: Re: Holster inquiry
To:
Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 11:39 AM


We received your holster with no note or anything. They did not know what you wanted. FIST


To: fist98@aol.com
Sent: Wed, 10 Jun 2009 7:57 pm
Subject: Re: Holster inquiry


You're not making your company look very good right now. I personally placed a note in the package stating the problem with the holster and how to correct it. It was written on the back of the original invoice. You are either confused, or lying. The many e-mails we have sent back and forth should have also provided more than enough clarification as to what the problem was.

As of right now you have charged me for a product I have YET to receive. To avoid legal action, and communication with the Better Business Bureau, I strongly suggest you get your act together immediately. Please inform me of how you intend to fix this thoroughly screwed up situation. I will expect a solution by the end of the week, and for this to be resolved within two weeks.

Sincerely,
Justin LastName

From: fist98@aol.com <fist98@aol.com>
Subject: Re: Holster inquiry
To:
Date: Thursday, June 11, 2009, 6:01 AM


We do apologize - we missed the note that was written on the back. Is it the cant that is the problem for you? FIST

I sent this today...

Dear FIST,

Yes, the cant was the problem. The holster you sent me was dang near vertical. I would like my holster to be dang near horizontal so it can be drawn across the body with my right hand. I would like it to be more than 45 degrees from vertical, or less than 45 degrees from horizontal, however you want to look at it.

Look, if that's too hard for you guys to figure out, you can just refund my money. At this point I really don't care either way. The holster you sent me looked awesome as far as fit and quality goes, so I'd love to have one. But if it's going to be this much wasted time and drama just to get a damned cross draw holster from you, it's just not worth it!

Let me know what you're going to do as soon as possible. Also, I'd LOVE to get the name and phone number of the owner of your company. If you want to tell them about the situation first, you may want to let them take a look at all of the e-mail communique below. That should avoid most of the confusion. I've tried calling your company before, but I got a foreign gentleman that didn't speak English very well, and insisted that everyone was on lunch. That wasn't very impressive, either.

Anyway, I'll look forward to hearing from you!

-Justin

You can't make this stuff up, people.

It's too bad that something like this will stay on the internet so long and hurt a company no matter what is done in response. It is unfortunate that this customer had to go through this and I have to say that I did not even hear about it. We had people working here that are not here anymore. One thing in our defense is that some people will not understand when you say that a holster can't be made. They think because they can imagine it, it is doable. Being a small and struggling company, some things slip past us. But, many people send back holsters without notes or any information with them. It is very frustrating trying to track down the origin or the problem. That being said, we obviously made mistakes with this order and with the timing in which it was handled. I see that lower in the posts, there is a photo of a holster that is 45%. First, I doubt that it cost $44.95 which was the price of the holster in question at that time, but I think with most semi-autos, this is a dangerous holster. If you look where the belt slot is, the grip of a semi-auto crosses over that area, your belt will get in the way of your grip. If you are scared and grabbing your gun to protect your life, the last thing you need is to grab your belt with the gun or have anything get in the way of the grip. That is why I refuse to make that type of holster.

We have thousands of customers who are very happy with our holsters but sometimes things happens. Having to apologize for something that happened 6 years ago is a little weird, but I am sorry it happened.

Thanks,
Jim Murnak
Fist, Inc.

 

[Grapeshot]

Welcome aboard OCDO JimM - even on a necro thread.

I, on the other hand, had been very pleased with my Fisk holster, though it cracked and became unusable. I had several serious health issues and never did return it, although I did receive authorization to do so. Presuming you still have reference to this - how may I proceed?

 

[skidmark]

Welcome aboard OCDO JimM - even on a necro thread.

I, on the other hand, had been very pleased with my Fisk holster, though it cracked and became unusable. I had several serious health issues and never did return it, although I did receive authorization to do so. Presuming you still have reference to this - how may I proceed?

Either email him at Fist98 AT AOL DOT COM and hope he responds within a week or two, or call him at 1-800-443-3478 (better to call after 1 PM Eastern time).

I've had a few issues with him caused by his misunderstanding of the specific gun involved, but once that was cleared up he came through with decent follow-up on manufacture and delivery. Also, to safe himself money he told me to just keep the holsters that were not correct. Anybody want a L- or R-hand pocket holster for an AMT Hardballer? (Least that's what I think he made the first time instead of for the Backup.)

stay safe.

 

[ron73440]

I know this is an old thread, but I've had a Fist holster for EDC for over a year now.

It took a while to receive, my gun is not very common, but the holster looks nice and perfoms flawlessly.

I highly recommend them, no complaints at all.

 

[Johnnyc]

FIST Holsters

Welcome aboard OCDO JimM - even on a necro thread.

I, on the other hand, had been very pleased with my Fisk holster, though it cracked and became unusable. I had several serious health issues and never did return it, although I did receive authorization to do so. Presuming you still have reference to this - how may I proceed?

I have purchased FIST Holsters for years, and have purchased many, many other brands. I have not found better holsters, better customer service, anywhere. In my opinion they are the absolute BEST !!!!! Reading the thread I do not see how this misunderstanding is the fault of FIST at all. Very vague and contradicting. FIST bends over backwards to help their customers... and their holsters are nothing short of perfection. I would highly recommend FIST !!!!!

John

 

[Grapeshot]

I have purchased FIST Holsters for years, and have purchased many, many other brands. I have not found better holsters, better customer service, anywhere. In my opinion they are the absolute BEST !!!!! Reading the thread I do not see how this misunderstanding is the fault of FIST at all. Very vague and contradicting. FIST bends over backwards to help their customers... and their holsters are nothing short of perfection. I would highly recommend FIST !!!!!

John

Having quoted me, it would appear you think I am vague and contradicting. How so?

 

[jkeys]

Looking for input...

I know this is an old thread, but I've had a Fist holster for EDC for over a year now.

It took a while to receive, my gun is not very common, but the holster looks nice and perfoms flawlessly.

I highly recommend them, no complaints at all.

Interesting thread for me. I was just looking at their holsters. I've narrowed it down to them, CrossBreed (http://www.crossbreedholsters.com/H.../tabid/113/slug/SuperTuck-Deluxe/Default.aspx) and Discrete Defense Solutions (http://discretedefensesolutions.com/shop/gun-holsters/concealed-carry-iwb-hip-holster/). I have a Glock that I'd like to carry and will wear it most of the day. Anyone with experience with either company? I see lots of Crossbreed ads but don't want to base my decision on that...

 

[Grapeshot]

Interesting thread for me. I was just looking at their holsters. I've narrowed it down to them, CrossBreed (http://www.crossbreedholsters.com/H.../tabid/113/slug/SuperTuck-Deluxe/Default.aspx) and Discrete Defense Solutions (http://discretedefensesolutions.com/shop/gun-holsters/concealed-carry-iwb-hip-holster/). I have a Glock that I'd like to carry and will wear it most of the day. Anyone with experience with either company? I see lots of Crossbreed ads but don't want to base my decision on that...

FIST makes some interesting, well made holsters. I have a belt slide hybrid that I use for special occasions. They are not cheap, but they give a lifetime warrantee still, I think.

http://www.fist-inc.com/hybrid.htm

 

[jkeys]

FIST makes some interesting, well made holsters. I have a belt slide hybrid that I use for special occasions. They are not cheap, but they give a lifetime warrantee still, I think.

http://www.fist-inc.com/hybrid.htm

Lifetime warranty sounds interesting. Nice touch. Still up in the air. Thanks for the reply!

 

[gifters]

Well I ordered a holster, I had hoped that some of these issues would have been solved and I'm not opposed to resolving them with Jim. Ordered Sep 5th, received December 1st. A couple weeks past the 8 week estimate, not a huge deal. So Received it today and the fitment is extremely poor. The gun falls into the holster well past the point where it should be retained and out the bottom end of the holster. No time was spent sanding the cut ends of the leather as they are angular from where they were cut with scissors. The hand boning is only marks on the leather surface and nothing as the pictures of the holsters on the website show the boning work to be. The holster was clearly not finished when it was sent out and is oversized for the firearm unless the process that should have been done would have shrunken some of the leather. Other minor points, the leather die was done poorly, the belt loops they sent were not the snap ones I ordered.

Like I said I'd like to resolve this with Jim, Its clear that whoever made the holster lacks passion and attention to detail. And if Jim isn't making them he has completely lost quality control in his company. I will surely include any updates my holster situation. I'm hopeful that Jim will resolve it. So in 2018 Fist is still around and this is the holster that they sent me.

 

[Firearms Iinstuctor]

Well after reading the response the OP had I would not have bothered ordering from them.

But some times we have to learn on our own.

 

[solus]

Even more amazing FI that the original complaint was put out here in ‘09, the owner of the establishment apparently did not respond publically till ‘14 trying to do the PR dance centering whining about the bad publicity!

Bottom line, stuff happens in life and ya can’t make everyone happy - just ask hillary!