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.
Red Wing Heritage Men's Iron Ranger Work Boot, Copper Rough and Tough,...
- Triple stitched quality; For light cleaning: Use warm water and a soft bristle brush to remove stuck-on dirt, then use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away any remaining excess dirt. For deep cleaning heavily soiled areas: Use a clean cloth or brush to apply Red Wing Shoes Leather Cleaner.Wipe the cleaner away with a damp cloth and allow the leather to dry.
- Triple stitched quality; For light cleaning: Use warm water and a soft bristle brush to remove stuck-on dirt, then use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away any remaining excess dirt. For deep cleaning heavily soiled areas: Use a clean cloth or brush to apply Red Wing Shoes Leather Cleaner.Wipe the cleaner away with a damp cloth and allow the leather to dry.
- Features a bump toe for more room up-front
- Style No. 8085
- Vibram 430 Mini-lug outsole. A new pair of Red Wing Heritage boots should fit comfortably tight on your foot, with enough room to freely wiggle your toes
- Fit Tip-1/2 size smaller than their normal size. Hardware- Nickel Eyelets and Hooks. Outsole-Nitrile Cork.Steel shank
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.
OXO Good Grips Freezer-to-Oven Safe 3 Qt Glass Baking Dish with Lid,...
- Freezer-to-Oven safe Baking Dish is made from borosilicate glass to withstand extreme temperature changes without the risk of cracking or shattering
- Generous handles provide a safe and secure grip while taking dishes from the freezer to the oven, rotating them while baking, and bringing them to the table
- Freezer-to-Oven safe Baking Dish is made from borosilicate glass to withstand extreme temperature changes without the risk of cracking or shattering
- Generous handles provide a safe and secure grip while taking dishes from the freezer to the oven, rotating them while baking, and bringing them to the table
- Convenient BPA-free lid is sloshproof to prevent spilling leftovers while storing or on the go, and protects top food layers from getting squashed - no matter how tall your lasagna is!
- Convenient dimension markings for quickly find the dish you need for your favorite recipes
- 9 x 13" Baking Dish with Lid is perfect for taking dishes to pot lucks or picnics
- Glass Baking Dish is microwave-safe, dishwasher-safe, freezer-safe, BPA-free and PVC-free
- The OXO Better Guarantee: If you experience an issue with your OXO product, get in touch with us for a repair or replacement. We're grateful for the opportunity to learn from your experience, and we'll make it better.
- For any help or questions please call our customer service line at 1-800-545-4411.
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.
Coach Womens Mini Sierra Satchel Handbag, Crossgrain Leather, Detachable Crossbody Strap (Mini,...
- Coach Handbag - Designer handbag | COACH Mini Sierra Satchel in Colorblock
- Inside multifunction inside pockets with outside slip pocket and zip closure, fabric lining
- Detachable strap with 21 1/2″ for shoulder or crossbody wear
- Coach Handbag - Designer handbag | COACH Mini Sierra Satchel in Colorblock
- Inside multifunction inside pockets with outside slip pocket and zip closure, fabric lining
- Detachable strap with 21 1/2″ for shoulder or crossbody wear
- Handles with 3 1/2″ drop
- 10 1/4″ (L) x 7″ (H) x 4″ (W)
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.
Chrome BG-001-BKBK Black One Size Mini Metro Messenger Bag Chrome Buckle
- Easy access side U-lock/water bottle pockets
- Waterproof welded main compartment
- Ergonomic shoulder strap design with EVA foam back panel for improved fit and breathability
- Sternum strap with quick release push plate buckle for load distribution
- Easy access side U-lock/water bottle pockets
- Waterproof welded main compartment
- Ergonomic shoulder strap design with EVA foam back panel for improved fit and breathability
- Sternum strap with quick release push plate buckle for load distribution
- Abrasion resistant 1050 denier nylon
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.
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.
- 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.
Merrell Men's Moab 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoe, Granite, 10.5 M US
- M Select DRY seals out water and lets moisture escape so you stay dry when you're on the move
- Performance suede leather and mesh upper
- Bellows, closed-cell foam tongue keeps moisture and debris out
- Protective rubber toe cap
- M Select DRY seals out water and lets moisture escape so you stay dry when you're on the move
- Performance suede leather and mesh upper
- Bellows, closed-cell foam tongue keeps moisture and debris out
- Protective rubber toe cap
- Vibram TC5+ sole
Gerber knives and multitools
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.
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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
LG Electronics OLED65E8PUA 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart OLED TV (2018 Model)
- Dimensions (W x H x D): TV without stand 57" x 35.6" x 2", TV with stand: 57" x 36" x 8.7"
- LG OLED TVs with AI (Artificial Intelligence) ThinQ becomes the hub for your connected smart devices. Beyond apps and entertainment, LG AI TV uses intelligent voice control to create a hub for the smart home and beyond.
- Dimensions (W x H x D): TV without stand 57" x 35.6" x 2", TV with stand: 57" x 36" x 8.7"
- LG OLED TVs with AI (Artificial Intelligence) ThinQ becomes the hub for your connected smart devices. Beyond apps and entertainment, LG AI TV uses intelligent voice control to create a hub for the smart home and beyond.
- Comprehensive support of major high dynamic range formats including Dolby Vision HDR from the cinema, as well as HDR10 and HLG, both with LG's advanced tone-mapping technology that provides scene-by-scene optimization.
- α9 (Alpha9) Intelligent Processor makes the most of the self-illuminating pixels, providing true-to-life images with rich colors, superior sharpness and enhanced depth.
- Inputs: 4 HDMI, 3 USB, 1 RF, 1 Composite in, 1 Ethernet, 1 Optical, 1 RS232C (Mini Jack) and Audio Return Channel Support via HDMI.
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.
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
- 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:
Amazon.com
Another good option to buy as opposed to Dr. Martens is Solovair. They manufactured Dr. Martens boots in the UK until 1995. They still hand make all their boots in Wollaston, Northamptonshire in the UK.
Thanks Greg! These do sound like a good option for those looking for a good pair of boots.