I just ordered four new sets of eBags packing cubes, directly from eBags (two to complement my existing ones and two for gifts). Despite being the same listings and product numbers, however, they are not the same quality as the ones I bought last year.
The first thing I noticed is the generic zippers, which feel lighter and have no branding. The old ones have the advertised YKK (name-brand) zippers.
I contacted eBags, and they confirmed that they are no longer using YKK zipper on their packing cubes.
Yet despite the change, they are still advertising them (here and on their own website) as having YKK zippers (see the product images). The zipper pulls on the new ones also still say YKK, even though the zippers themselves are not.
The second thing I noticed was the stitching. The new ones have single stitching in all the places the old ones have double stitching. There is no double stitching anywhere on the new ones.
Out of curiosity, I weighed (on my kitchen scales) the Small bags. The old one weighs 2.5 oz, and the new one weighs 2.2 oz. Whether that difference is from the stitching alone or the fabric also, I don't know.
(I did not inspect them further for more differences.)
Are these changes enough to warrant a one-star rating? No.... but at the same time, almost all of the positive reviews (years' worth) are for the old version of the product. eBags is capitalizing on the older reviews and people's not being aware of the changes.
Manufacturers are certainly free to change their products, but selling them under the same label is dishonest, especially when they are no longer made with the same brand of materials they are advertising.
People rely on this information when making buying choices.
eBags packing cubes cost twice as much (per cube) as most other brands. I was willing to pay the higher price in exchange for their superior materials and build quality, but I can no longer justify the price difference.
Others will have to decide for themselves whether the new ones are still worth the price. Just be aware that the older reviews no longer apply.
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