Big Brand names who are worth the money and deliver great quality products?

Lurching · 10-05-2020 7:50am

Patagonia:
Great quality product and a company that's ethical and sustainable.

ShareShare · 10-05-2020 7:56am

Deleted User wrote: »

My last phone was a Huawei and it lasted 3 years. It was still working fine when I upgraded, but it was just a bit beaten looking and I had gotten all I possibly could out of the 16GB of memory by that stage. Had a pain in my ass constantly deleting stuff.

I'm now 8 months into owning my second Huawei phone, so far so good.

For the price of a huawei. They deliver fantastic quality and value. Very pleased when i used them.
I work for a cyber security company now and they dont allow usage of their products, but at the time i was very pleased.

Tilikum17 · 10-05-2020 7:59am

Carhatt.

8-10 · 10-05-2020 8:00am

This isn't a big brand or anything, but the absolute best quality item I've bought in years is the Anker Soundcore Bluetooth speaker

The battery life is ridiculous which is what you want for a portable, and the sound is really good.

Also le Creuset cookware. Biggest brand in cast iron but they last multiple lifetimes and look great. Quality cookware is worth the investment and if you're spending a lot you need the best

Speaking of which, I'm on the lookout for quality chefs knives if anyone has any recommendations

Montage of Feck · 10-05-2020 9:07am

Panasonic

Markcheese · 10-05-2020 9:13am

8-10 wrote: »

This isn't a big brand or anything, but the absolute best quality item I've bought in years is the Anker Soundcore Bluetooth speaker

The battery life is ridiculous which is what you want for a portable, and the sound is really good.

Also le Creuset cookware. Biggest brand in cast iron but they last multiple lifetimes and look great. Quality cookware is worth the investment and if you're spending a lot you need the best

Speaking of which, I'm on the lookout for quality chefs knives if anyone has any recommendations

Can't go wrong with victorinox knlves ,sharpening is the key ... (I'm crap at putting an edge on knives )

10-05-2020 9:20am

La Creuset is indeed excellent but they really pull the piss with prices.

Discodog · 10-05-2020 9:30am

Xiaomi. My Note 4 is still perfect. I keep thinking about upgrading it but it's still working fine. Long battery life & you get an excellent phone for €200.

Leatherman are unique. I broke a blade on mine - my fault & 7 years old. They sent me a new replacement.

Tilley Hats. My old one started tearing after 5 years. They sent me a new one.

retalivity · 10-05-2020 9:35am

Discodog wrote: »

Xiaomi. My Note 4 is still perfect. I keep thinking about upgrading it but it's still working fine. Long battery life & you get an excellent phone for €200.

Waa just going to post xiaomi. Have a mi8 and it is excellent. Had a m note 3 before that that lasted years. Also have their robo vacuum and some smart lights, excellent products and design

NIMAN · 10-05-2020 9:38am

ReginaldSmythV wrote: »

La Creuset is indeed excellent but they really pull the piss with prices.

I just did a quick search for one of their pan sets
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Creuset-51803000010002-Saucepan-gl-Lid-Aluminium/dp/B08249516P/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=3BTZHY3USKMAT&dchild=1&keywords=le+creuset+pan+set&qid=1589099709&sprefix=la+cru%2Caps%2C149&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFTSlBWWkZIOFgwQU4mZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAxNDgzNzZVTlU4SDZCQkpDT0MmZW5jcnlwdGVkQWRJZD1BMDQ0ODQ5NTFFUDhWWjJESVlVTDkmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

Sweet Lord!

Are they really that good?

I mean, I would guess they are top quality stuff, but I bought a pan set about 20 years ago for well under £100. Think they might have even been about 60 or so. And they are still in use.

I appreciate mine are probably not to everyones taste, but surely you could buy a pan set for 100 and change every decade? You often get half price deals on pan sets so you'd pick up decent ones anyway.

Henry Ford III · 10-05-2020 9:41am

Krups. I've a coffee machine that must be 25 years old. Still works perfectly and makes a great brew.

LG. 2 TVs and a soundbar. Reliable and good quality.

NIMAN · 10-05-2020 9:43am

Not sure of brand, but my mother has a tumble dryer in her garage that was bought in the early 80s....and its still going fine.

Amazing when you consider such electrical equipment like that which produces a lot of heat might have a tendency to burn some part or other out.

kal7 · 10-05-2020 9:44am

Lego, BMW, Asics

8-10 · 10-05-2020 10:15am

NIMAN wrote: »

I just did a quick search for one of their pan sets
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Creuset-51803000010002-Saucepan-gl-Lid-Aluminium/dp/B08249516P/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=3BTZHY3USKMAT&dchild=1&keywords=le+creuset+pan+set&qid=1589099709&sprefix=la+cru%2Caps%2C149&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFTSlBWWkZIOFgwQU4mZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAxNDgzNzZVTlU4SDZCQkpDT0MmZW5jcnlwdGVkQWRJZD1BMDQ0ODQ5NTFFUDhWWjJESVlVTDkmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

Sweet Lord!

Are they really that good?

I mean, I would guess they are top quality stuff, but I bought a pan set about 20 years ago for well under £100. Think they might have even been about 60 or so. And they are still in use.

I appreciate mine are probably not to everyones taste, but surely you could buy a pan set for 100 and change every decade? You often get half price deals on pan sets so you'd pick up decent ones anyway.

Yes they are expensive if you dont inherit them or get an wedding gifts!

But you can get them on sale every now and again and build up over time. Their Irish store has a sale right now and you can get a decent size casserole dish for a bit more than €100 and a large one for €200

It's personal preference obviously but you won't ever have to replace one.

In the spirit of the thread, they are the biggest brand in what they do, but they are also top quality.

In my view it's value for money as I dislike the general 'disposability' of modern consumer products. If you know you're going to have to replace something at some stage you accept lesser quality. Then the reasons for spending more money on something that's disposable or not of lasting quality change to spending more just because of the brand name, status or gimmick.

Not saying there aren't more affordable brands than le crueset of the same quality, there very well may be.

sligojoek · 10-05-2020 10:57am

8-10 wrote: »

This isn't a big brand or anything, but the absolute best quality item I've bought in years is the Anker Soundcore Bluetooth speaker

The battery life is ridiculous which is what you want for a portable, and the sound is really good.

Also le Creuset cookware. Biggest brand in cast iron but they last multiple lifetimes and look great. Quality cookware is worth the investment and if you're spending a lot you need the best

Speaking of which, I'm on the lookout for quality chefs knives if anyone has any recommendations

How long have you had the Anker?
I was more than happy with mine until one day the battery died instantly. It won't work at all now unless plugged in.

fryup · 10-05-2020 11:27am

Mitsubishi cars - driving one for over 10 yrs - not a hiccup

Samsung TVs - excellent picture & no issues

Lenovo Laptops - esp the Thinkpad range, bullet proof

Wilkinson Sword Razors - not so much as a nik off them

Briggs & Stratton lawnmower engines - last forever

Plasandrunt · 10-05-2020 11:35am

Nike

pgj2015 · 10-05-2020 11:37am

fryup wrote: »

Mitsubishi cars - driving one for over 10 yrs - not a hiccup

Samsung TVs - excellent picture & no issues

Lenovo Laptops - esp the Thinkpad range, bullet proof

Wilkinson Sword Razors - not so much as a nik off them

Briggs & Stratton lawnmower engines - last forever

one of my neighbours drives a 1994 mitsubishi, i was saying to someone that its a great advertisement for them. he must have it 20 years.

8-10 · 10-05-2020 11:39am

sligojoek wrote: »

How long have you had the Anker?
I was more than happy with mine until one day the battery died instantly. It won't work at all now unless plugged in.

Wow interesting. I very rarely have to charge it and it's going great. Looked at my emails there and looks like I got it in 2016

10-05-2020 11:48am

8-10 wrote: »

Wow interesting. I very rarely have to charge it and it's going great. Looked at my emails there and looks like I got it in 2016

I’ve one around the same length. Don’t use it a massive amount but they’re a great little job.

lawred2 · 10-05-2020 11:50am

L1011 wrote: »

Bosch.

Even when stuff does eventually break down, you can get parts for 20+ year old kit easily

Still a private business... You could forget that customer focus were it to go public and be accountable to shareholders

Just bought parts for a 10 year old food processor a week ago. Delivered on Friday.

fleet_admiral · 10-05-2020 11:51am

Rockstsr

Earthhorse · 10-05-2020 11:53am

Ekerot wrote: »

Nintendo

Tell that to my joycon.

But I do agree in general they are top quality.

fleet_admiral · 10-05-2020 11:56am

8-10 wrote: »

This isn't a big brand or anything, but the absolute best quality item I've bought in years is the Anker Soundcore Bluetooth speaker

The battery life is ridiculous which is what you want for a portable, and the sound is really good.

Also le Creuset cookware. Biggest brand in cast iron but they last multiple lifetimes and look great. Quality cookware is worth the investment and if you're spending a lot you need the best

Speaking of which, I'm on the lookout for quality chefs knives if anyone has any recommendations

I only use wusthof in work, wouldn't use anything else. The wusthof super slicer is a great knife.
Victrinox is lousy
https://www.wuesthof.com/en-us/knife-types/

Discodog · 10-05-2020 12:06pm

retalivity wrote: »

Waa just going to post xiaomi. Have a mi8 and it is excellent. Had a m note 3 before that that lasted years. Also have their robo vacuum and some smart lights, excellent products and design

I keep looking at newer phones & end up deciding that mine is still good. Best €200 I ever spent. There other stuff is good, I have a powerbank but some is quite expensive compared to the phones.

Discodog · 10-05-2020 12:09pm

Rows Grower wrote: »

Leatherman
Ecco
The North Face
Grey's Rods
Shimano
Deerhunter Clothing
Bovril

Good but Pinewood is better for the same price

Dylan94 · 10-05-2020 12:18pm

I think Apple MacBooks are worth every penny (the phones not so much), I have one that I bought 11 years ago that is still going strong.

Any LG TV or Sound System that I have ever bought has been amazing and never had a single issue.

Adyx · 10-05-2020 12:30pm

sligojoek wrote: »

How long have you had the Anker?
I was more than happy with mine until one day the battery died instantly. It won't work at all now unless plugged in.

Anker's customer service is supposed to great, they'd probably replace it for you.

sligojoek · 10-05-2020 12:36pm

Adyx wrote: »

Anker's customer service is supposed to great, they'd probably replace it for you.

Thanks. I'll look into that. I bought it off Amazon in July 2018. It seems the window for communication closes after 18 months.

As I said I was very happy with it. It was never dropped or got wet. Just went Kaput overnight.

Discodog · 10-05-2020 12:41pm

sligojoek wrote: »

Thanks. I'll look into that. I bought it off Amazon in July 2018. It seems the window for communication closes after 18 months.

As I said I was very happy with it. It was never dropped or got wet. Just went Kaput overnight.

I bought the Motion + 30w, in the Amazon sale, as a present for someone. Decided to test it before posting. Amazing sound. They love it.

TheMilkyPirate · 10-05-2020 12:43pm

Sennheiser

cj maxx · 10-05-2020 1:03pm

EmmetSpiceland wrote: »

Apple.

I know there's a iPhone v android debate but as someone who has used both Apple wins every time. Just so much easier to use. Especially for calls etc

10-05-2020 1:07pm

cj maxx wrote: »

I know there's a iPhone v android debate but as someone who has used both Apple wins every time. Just so much easier to use. Especially for calls etc

Software wise there’s some things that both do really well and both do really poorly, but hardware-wise Apple really do make high quality stuff.

Discodog · 10-05-2020 1:15pm

ReginaldSmythV wrote: »

Software wise there’s some things that both do really well and both do really poorly, but hardware-wise Apple really do make high quality stuff.

But at a staggeringly high price & vast profit margin. You can buy phones that out perform Apple for 30% of the price.

10-05-2020 1:20pm

Discodog wrote: »

But at a staggeringly high price & vast profit margin. You can buy phones that out perform Apple for 30% of the price.

But then you’ve some crappy chinese software to contend with more often than not (I presume you mean Xiaomi, Oppo, etc). And a poor camera in most cases too (even though they’ll be a million megapixel or something).
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t see a massive pile wrong with Android if it’s done right but Pixel, Onelpus, and maybe Samsung aside, nothing comes close to iOS for most things (even if text selection and Siri are absolute dog****). Then there’s tablets and laptops and very few can touch apple in either area for hardware. I won’t even compare Watch OS and Wear OS as it wouldn’t be fair.

jaxxx · 10-05-2020 1:22pm

McDonalds.

.. .. ..

I'll get my coat.

10-05-2020 1:24pm

jaxxx wrote: »

McDonalds.

.. .. ..

I'll get my coat.

Absolute models for consistency. There’s a lot to be said for it.

Discodog · 10-05-2020 1:26pm

ReginaldSmythV wrote: »

But then you’ve some crappy chinese software to contend with more often than not (I presume you mean Xiaomi, Oppo, etc). And a poor camera in most cases too (even though they’ll be a million megapixel or something).
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t see a massive pile wrong with Android if it’s done right but Pixel, Onelpus, and maybe Samsung aside, nothing comes close to iOS for most things (even if text selection and Siri are absolute dog****). Then there’s tablets and laptops and very few can touch apple in either area for hardware. I won’t even compare Watch OS and Wear OS as it wouldn’t be fair.

I have owned Apple & now have a Xiaomi. I would never buy Apple again. I also have a Huami (owned by Xiaomi) smartwatch. It cost €80, looks good, works perfectly & I would buy another without question.

There may be users who need something specific that Apple provides but for 99% of phone users there's no need to spend so much - but then again if Apple were cheaper, people wouldn't buy them

cj maxx · 10-05-2020 1:28pm

GreenandRed wrote: »

Huawei.

On my second phone also have a Huawei tablet. Great products for a lovely price.

I beg to differ.
As soon as I leave my WiFi zone the wi-fi switch's off.
Same with Bluetooth which means every time I leave the house/ turn off the car I need to go settings and switch settings back on. Sometimes they just turn off and the same with alerts , it just mutes its self!
Same with phone signal,constantly searching and registering with different carriers.
App store not available in your country etc.
It's a Y9 so maybe not the best spec but I'm done with Android and Huawei in particular

10-05-2020 1:31pm

Discodog wrote: »

I have owned Apple & now have a Xiaomi. I would never buy Apple again. I also have a Huami (owned by Xiaomi) smartwatch. It cost €80, looks good, works perfectly & I would buy another without question.

There may be users who need something specific that Apple provides but for 99% of phone users there's no need to spend so much - but then again if Apple were cheaper, people wouldn't buy them

Unless it was an Android One phone I wouldn’t entertain a Xiaomi at all, though I would go back to Android some day probably for Assistant. Maybe if they ever put a battery in a Pixel.

Discodog · 10-05-2020 1:33pm

cj maxx wrote: »

I beg to differ.
As soon as I leave my WiFi zone the wi-fi switch's off.
Same with Bluetooth which means every time I leave the house/ turn off the car I need to go settings and switch settings back on. Sometimes they just turn off and the same with alerts , it just mutes its self!
Same with phone signal,constantly searching and registering with different carriers.
App store not available in your country etc.
It's a Y9 so maybe not the best spec but I'm done with Android and Huawei in particular

You think that has anything to do with Android ?

Huawei Tablets are excellent value. I have a T5 which get consistently good reviews & at €160 for a 3gb 32gb tablet is superb value.

Discodog · 10-05-2020 1:36pm

ReginaldSmythV wrote: »

Unless it was an Android One phone I wouldn’t entertain a Xiaomi at all, though I would go back to Android some day probably for Assistant. Maybe if they ever put a battery in a Pixel.

Xiaomi make an Android one but I don't have any problem with Miui.

jetsonx · 10-05-2020 1:36pm

ReginaldSmythV wrote: »

Absolute models for consistency. There’s a lot to be said for it.

Agree, say what you like about McDonalds food, but this chain has totally nailed it regarding a uniform experience. In a post-pandemic world, their highly efficient processes and systems will probably make their restaurants one of the safest places to eat. Moreover, they appear to be one of Uncle Sam's less evil corporate entities.

cj maxx · 10-05-2020 1:42pm

Discodog wrote: »

You think that has anything to do with Android ?

Huawei Tablets are excellent value. I have a T5 which get consistently good reviews & at €160 for a 3gb 32gb tablet is superb value.

Android phones I mean.
Constantly searching for carriers, both Huawei and Samsung have given me problems .

8-10 · 10-05-2020 2:18pm

fleet_admiral wrote: »

I only use wusthof in work, wouldn't use anything else. The wusthof super slicer is a great knife.
Victrinox is lousy
https://www.wuesthof.com/en-us/knife-types/

Best place to buy in Ireland?

Adyx · 10-05-2020 2:26pm

8-10 wrote: »

Best place to buy in Ireland?

Don't know if they're the best place in Ireland for them, but Nisbets have them.

Schnooks · 10-05-2020 3:01pm

Some things that work well for me -

De Walt power tools - 4Ah batteries allow a full day's work with heavy usage. Struggled for years with cheaper tools, very frustrating when you run out of charge in the middle of a job or DIY project.

My Sony XA2 phone - almost 2 years later, still going strong, battery great etc. Not the fanciest phone, but does what I need and does it well. Been dropped countless times and the gorilla glass has barely a mark. Also dropped it down the jacks one time. After leaving it dry out overnight (and a serious cleaning!), it was back in action again next day and has performed perfectly since.

Saab 9-3 car with Fiat common rail diesel engine - my 2009 TTiD still going strong with 366,000 km on it. Had to replace the twin turbos, EGR valve, various hoses, brake discs as well as pads, and an alternator and countless other wear and tear items. But the engine itself is just unbreakable. Could afford to change it, but don't see the need.

10-05-2020 3:14pm

Apple
Bose

Tommy Hilfiger
Gant
RL

Guinness draught

Tabasco

addaword · 10-05-2020 3:21pm

John Deere tractors. Had one for ages, great machine. No wonder they have overtaken Massey Ferguson in the past few years.

MadYaker · 10-05-2020 5:43pm

Bose. I have a 2.1 set of speakers that is 32 years old and still going strong. Loads of the high end audio brands make stuff that will last decades if you look after it. Technics turntables last forever as well.

Clothing brands are more hit and miss. Armani jeans last for ever but wouldnt buy anything else by them. I don't buy much expensive clothes.

Big Brand names who are worth the money and deliver great quality products?

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