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I said it awhile back that as fast as the Utah Airgun company was growing that they would be the next AOA and it seems to have happened sooner than I expected. 

But there is always 2 sides to a story so will be interesting to hear what they say. AOA could have been having issues with FX and decided to start pushing Daystate and Brocock hard because of that. We might not ever know
 
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It has been no secret that AoA was less than pleased by FX ending their exclusive agreement with them a couple years ago. So far as I can tell though, doing that dramatically reduced the price and increased the availability of FX rifles in the United States, which was a huge win for FX and consumers. Since then though, while AoA has carried FX, there have been reports from people of AoA employees taking up Daystate and talking down FX, to put it politely.

I suspect something unfortunate, which we probably don't need to know about, happened behind the scenes to force this termination. For FX to air this publicly, rather than quietly removing them from the list, suggests one of two scenarios to my eyes:

1) a servere transgression occurred necessitating a very public and rapid separation, so FX could distance themselves from probable forthcoming fallout. 

2) someone at FX isn't thinking clearly, and while dropping AoA as a dealer made sense, airing said dirty laundry wasn't a great move. Public slap fights between companies make both parties look bad, and someone at FX just goofed. 



Given that the post was strictly professional, and aired no greviance, I'm more leaning towards the former than the latter. It will be interesting to see how AoA responds. I hope this doesn't get ugly or messy.
 
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Announcement used the words, "Extenuating Circumstances" and "Conflict of Interest". That could take a thousand forms, but must have been pretty severe to end a lucrative relationship. The AoA guys are top notch, so I hate to see the split. 

Unless one or the other opens up and spills the beans, we'll never know what happened to cause the split. I wish both organizations best of luck going forward.
 
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It has been no secret that AoA was less than pleased by FX ending their exclusive agreement with them a couple years ago. So far as I can tell though, doing that dramatically reduced the price and increased the availability of FX rifles in the United States, which was a huge win for FX and consumers. Since then though, while AoA has carried FX, there have been reports from people of AoA employees taking up Daystate and talking down FX, to put it politely.

I suspect something unfortunate, which we probably don't need to know about, happened behind the scenes to force this termination. For FX to air this publicly, rather than quietly removing them from the list, suggests one of two scenarios to my eyes:

1) a servere transgression occurred necessitating a very public and rapid separation, so FX could distance themselves from probable forthcoming fallout. 

2) someone at FX isn't thinking clearly, and while dropping AoA as a dealer made sense, airing said dirty laundry wasn't a great move. Public slap fights between companies make both parties look bad, and someone at FX just goofed. 



Given that the post was strictly professional, and aired no greviance, I'm more leaning towards the former than the latter. It will be interesting to see how AoA responds. I hope this doesn't get ugly or messy.
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'Due to conflict of interest' is grievance, just vague and indirect...


Losing a(nother) retailer only tarnishes a manufacturers reputation IMO....and with the presence AOA has in the industry, it would of been (IMO) best to salvage the relationship to some degree...at the end of the day, one can only speculate what the conflict of interest is/was, but personally I don't care...I already think very little of the FX brand myself..for my own personal reasons. I personally consider them over priced, medium tier rifles at best, and I know enough to be a good judge of that...for another 400$ and change you can get them tuned properly to be closer to top tier :) 
 
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PerkyVal,

I don't see the mystery. AoA was the sole importer of FX airguns. They were also the sole warranty and repair center for FX. Everybody knows that the FX Impact had lots of issues early on, and many of those guns had to be sent back to AoA for warranty repairs. According to many of those Impact owners (I read the forums), AoA found reasons why many of those repairs should not be covered under warranty because of owner error and/or owner tampering. Let's face it. Many owners fouled up their regulators by turning them down under pressure and not degassing them first. Some turned their regulators too high and blew o-rings. So AoA was charging the owners for those parts and repairs. The owners paid for the parts and the repairs and for shipping both ways. All of a sudden a $2000 gun became a $2500 gun, and Impact sales started to slump, and FX was losing customer confidence. FX was ultimately taking the rap for AoA's unwillingness to do the repairs under warranty for free. All of a sudden it began to look like AoA was double-dipping, and FX owners were absorbing all the costs plus, in many cases, nearly $100 shipping both ways for each occurrence, not to mention being without their guns for weeks or months. What was FX to do but open their own warranty and repair center in order to rebuild customer confidence and to regain lost sales. 

In my book, FX did the right and responsible thing by opening their own shop, FX USA. And FX owners have benefited by leaps and bounds since it opened. The way we get treated by FX USA has healed many a wound. Now we even have the Master Class video series that makes us all capable of doing our own repairs. Not only that, but, FX USA ships us the parts we need for free and doesn't even charge us for shipping. Further, FX USA doesn't charge us for warranty work if we can't do the repairs ourselves, and neither do they void our warranties for working on our own guns. Our warranties have now even been extended to 3 years transferable. FX has literally bent over backwards to right all the wrongs. And when you begin to calculate all the savings that FX owners have gained since the opening of FX USA, then you begin to comprehend the outrageous windfall that AoA was reaping at OUR EXPENSE, not to mention the damage that AoA was doing to FX!!!

Before anybody accuses me of being an FX fanboy, I'm on record right here on AGN of being one of FX's worst and most outspoken critics. Despite all the criticism, I own a Wildcat, a Boss, and an Impact. Why? Because I love their guns. I just got sick and damned tired of the runaround from AoA. Guess what? Since FX USA opened its doors, I am a PERFECTLY SATISFIED FX OWNER, praise God!

I paid $2000 for a USED FX Impact not long ago. Yes, I've had to make repairs. Guess how much I now have invested in my USED FX Impact? Exactly $2000 and not a penny more. Not even shipping charges. And what is more, thanks to FX, Ernest Rowe, and all the staff at FX USA, the Master Class video series has me ripping this thing down and repairing anything that breaks and putting it all back together and tuning it with the same success and talent as Ernest Rowe himself. Now I ask you all, who could put a price on that?

I'm 63 years old and have grown unbelievably and justifiably cynical of "Corporate America". But FX Sweden and FX USA have restored my hope. And if "Corporate America" copied FX's business morality, there would still be hope for this country.

Best of luck to Utah Airguns. I only hope nobody has to ever be reminded of the lessons we've learned.

Disclaimer: These are my own personal, free, and outspoken opinions. Everyone is free and encouraged to have their own opinions; different as they may be.

BeemanR7


 
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It has been no secret that AoA was less than pleased by FX ending their exclusive agreement with them a couple years ago. So far as I can tell though, doing that dramatically reduced the price and increased the availability of FX rifles in the United States, which was a huge win for FX and consumers.
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Maybe I missed it but when did FX prices dramatically come down exactly?




 
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Based on what I've been seeing for the past 4 years.

1. FX poor quality control, great design and reputation, but IMO bad execution. Maybe decision was to make up $$ with volume sales instead of better QC

2. AOA on an Island by themselves to take on customer backlash and repairs.

3. No more Ted Bier...doesn't seem to be as vocal about FX as in the past.

FX answer Matt Dubber, US based distribution and service center. Sad really cause FX has great marketing, if they would slow down with new models and invest in Quality Control, perhaps they could raise price and get better margin. FX could have invested into Quality Control = less service issues / wear and tear on AOA, better rep and better margin. Instead they hire more employees, buy or rent real estate for service center.

Beach-gunner


 
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Based on what I've been seeing for the past 4 years.

1. FX poor quality control, great design and reputation, but IMO bad execution. Maybe decision was to make up $$ with volume sales instead of better QC

2. AOA on an Island by themselves to take on customer backlash and repairs.

3. No more Ted Bier...doesn't seem to be as vocal about FX as in the past.

FX answer Matt Dubber, US based distribution and service center. Sad really cause FX has great marketing, if they would slow down with new models and invest in Quality Control, perhaps they could raise price and get better margin. FX could have invested into Quality Control = less service issues / wear and tear on AOA, better rep and better margin. Instead they hire more employees, buy or rent real estate for service center.

Beach-gunner

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I couldn't disagree with you more. I have had 3 FX guns and have had zero issues. Granted, the Impact I have is a later model so all the initial problems were solved. No probs at all with my Crown or Royale.

Perhaps it's because I actually read manual, and watch all available vids on a gun before I mess with it.

As far as Ted is concerned, he has made more vids, but due to injuries and spending time with his family he's not around much. 

I have never had to use AoAs warranty repair. And they have always treated me well, but it's a very good thing that FX opened a repair/distribution facility in the US. FX guns can be horribly messed up by people that dont do their research before messing with it, and I suspect most of the repairs were due to user error.

I didnt intend this thread to be a debate on the merits of FX. 
 
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I have been a centerfire, rimfire and shotgun shooter for years. However, this air world is new to me. Point is, I do not know any background on the FX, AoA problems. I was very interested in buying a FX Wildcat in .25 caliber. I love the looks of the gun and saw some tight groups being shot on YouTube by this gun. A few days ago I called AoA and talked with a salesman (will not name him) about the FX Wildcat in .25. I was immediately steered in the Brocock direction and was told the .25 was not a good platform in the FX Wildcat. I took the guy at his word because he works for an airgun shop and probably knows from experience what he is talking about. Well after reading this topic, I wonder if I was lied to? Anyway, I ordered an Airgun Technology Vulcan 2 from another airgun shop. Hope I made the right decision.
 
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To the attention of FX Airguns, FX Airguns USA and everyone reading this thread we provide the following response.



After nearly 20 years devoted to the introduction, promotion and growth of the FX brand and contributions to the American and Worldwide markets, we are equally shocked by the decision above. FX Airguns and their US agency clearly have their reasons for moving this direction, and we would like to take the opportunity to thank every airgunner who supported us during our time representing FX Airguns in America. We will continue to support and promote airgunning in the USA and Worldwide, and we will continue to provide the highest level of service that you all have come to expect from our company. Our dedication to the airgun industry is not defined by the brands we represent, and our team will continue to contribute to the improvement and growth of the airgun community. On behalf of our entire team, thank you all for your trust and for the opportunity to offer our services and experience.



Sincerely,

Robert Buchanan

Airguns of Arizona
 
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I may be a new member here but, I've been reading the forums and following the stories for a long time. It seems to me that all the dealer and manufacturer posts in the past have been on a positive note. Their main goal being to boost sales and help the sport advance. Enter this “press release” by FX. I can't think of anyone else that has taken it upon themselves to publicly undermine another company like that. It's a clever post but, that's really what FX is doing, bashing Airguns Of Arizona. And in my opinion, it's a really shi##y thing to do! But, it's especially shi##y when you take into consideration the exceptionally close partnership they used to have with one another!

This has, unfortunately, turned into an "ugly divorce" of two companies. I don't recall Airguns Of Arizona bad mouthing FX publicly. From the rumors I’ve read, when FX decided to start importing their own products, they barely gave Airguns Of Arizona any warning at all. That's no way to treat a business partner. I have no doubt that FX followed a similar timeline when they presented this decision, seeing as they're still advertising the rifles for sale on their website, and they still have a large advertisement on this forum with both business logo's. Airguns Of Arizona could have dropped the FX brand after being treated the way they were treated but, they didn't. They tried, through a strained relationship, to keep the peace and keep the ball rolling for the sake of the sport as a whole. "Bravo, Airguns Of Arizona!" 

Of course, FX didn't mind continuing to sell their products through Airguns Of Arizona. They didn't mind continuing to cash-in through the top rated, major seller that Airguns Of Arizona is. But, with the drop of a hat, they no longer want those sales? Come on. They cited a "clear conflict of interest" as the main reason. Why? Could it be because Airguns Of Arizona carries the Daystate brand as well? It’s pretty well known that Daystate and FX have been competing with one another for a long time for the top spot. But, Airguns Of Arizona has carried Daystate and FX together for over a decade! If that is the case, then what about Utah Airguns? They sell both. So does SPAW and many other retailers. What’s the conflict of interest FX? I thought the point of the business was to make and sell airguns. 

I think this parting of ways isn't due to a conflict of interest at all. I view it as a petty, infantile, temper tantrum meant to do nothing more than to hurt another company. Read the press release again. Take a minute to compare it to press releases in the past from other companies in this industry. No one goes out of their way to undermine another company like this. Even if you take a look at Airguns Of Arizona's forum topics, they don't bad mouth FX. Quite the opposite! Because they know it's bad form. They know it would only be bad for their reputation and for the entire industry. They made the decision to take the high road and set an example that others could follow. Behavior like FX has just shown, does nothing more than hurt the industry.

I could pull the whole thing apart but, I don't have the time. I did notice how FX states how they're committed to supporting their retailers, how they hold them in such high esteem, and work vigorously to support their efforts. It looks like they've supported Airguns Of Arizona by the shirt collar, held them high up, and worked vigorously to stab them in the back repeatedly. If I were an FX retailer, I'd be paying close attention to the way FX "supports" their retailers. I think the real story is hinted at in the very last line, "further the FX airguns brand". Or in other words, "tow the line" or else. 

I hope people who read that are wise enough to see through the veil of this innocent looking press release to see the hypocrisy behind it. These are the true colors of the FX company. It's unfortunate that such a brilliant, creative, and innovative company act in such a back stabbing and spineless way! 

Joe B.

(not Brancato)
 
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Here is what I experienced. Stopped in person at AOA . I was told that FX.guns typically required a trip or two (back for service) that the Brocock gun was simpler and rarely required warranty repairs 

I made my decision to buy a Brocock gun based on the advice of AOA. I was ready to spend more money on a Daystate but when I described my intended use for the gun the salesman down sold . (And yes I know perhaps it was a matter of what was in stock )

We ALL make purchasing decisions on the information we have at hand and this forum is of great benefit in helping us gain information

I don’t think it’s fair to speculate on the MOTIVATIONS of the parties involved however. 
 
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PerkyVal,

I don't see the mystery. AoA was the sole importer of FX airguns. They were also the sole warranty and repair center for FX. Everybody knows that the FX Impact had lots of issues early on, and many of those guns had to be sent back to AoA for warranty repairs. According to many of those Impact owners (I read the forums), AoA found reasons why many of those repairs should not be covered under warranty because of owner error and/or owner tampering. Let's face it. Many owners fouled up their regulators by turning them down under pressure and not degassing them first. Some turned their regulators too high and blew o-rings. So AoA was charging the owners for those parts and repairs. The owners paid for the parts and the repairs and for shipping both ways. All of a sudden a $2000 gun became a $2500 gun, and Impact sales started to slump, and FX was losing customer confidence. FX was ultimately taking the rap for AoA's unwillingness to do the repairs under warranty for free. All of a sudden it began to look like AoA was double-dipping, and FX owners were absorbing all the costs plus, in many cases, nearly $100 shipping both ways for each occurrence, not to mention being without their guns for weeks or months. What was FX to do but open their own warranty and repair center in order to rebuild customer confidence and to regain lost sales. 

In my book, FX did the right and responsible thing by opening their own shop, FX USA. And FX owners have benefited by leaps and bounds since it opened. The way we get treated by FX USA has healed many a wound. Now we even have the Master Class video series that makes us all capable of doing our own repairs. Not only that, but, FX USA ships us the parts we need for free and doesn't even charge us for shipping. Further, FX USA doesn't charge us for warranty work if we can't do the repairs ourselves, and neither do they void our warranties for working on our own guns. Our warranties have now even been extended to 3 years transferable. FX has literally bent over backwards to right all the wrongs. And when you begin to calculate all the savings that FX owners have gained since the opening of FX USA, then you begin to comprehend the outrageous windfall that AoA was reaping at OUR EXPENSE, not to mention the damage that AoA was doing to FX!!!

Before anybody accuses me of being an FX fanboy, I'm on record right here on AGN of being one of FX's worst and most outspoken critics. Despite all the criticism, I own a Wildcat, a Boss, and an Impact. Why? Because I love their guns. I just got sick and damned tired of the runaround from AoA. Guess what? Since FX USA opened its doors, I am a PERFECTLY SATISFIED FX OWNER, praise God!

I paid $2000 for a USED FX Impact not long ago. Yes, I've had to make repairs. Guess how much I now have invested in my USED FX Impact? Exactly $2000 and not a penny more. Not even shipping charges. And what is more, thanks to FX, Ernest Rowe, and all the staff at FX USA, the Master Class video series has me ripping this thing down and repairing anything that breaks and putting it all back together and tuning it with the same success and talent as Ernest Rowe himself. Now I ask you all, who could put a price on that?

I'm 63 years old and have grown unbelievably and justifiably cynical of "Corporate America". But FX Sweden and FX USA have restored my hope. And if "Corporate America" copied FX's business morality, there would still be hope for this country.

Best of luck to Utah Airguns. I only hope nobody has to ever be reminded of the lessons we've learned.

Disclaimer: These are my own personal, free, and outspoken opinions. Everyone is free and encouraged to have their own opinions; different as they may be.

BeemanR7

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Excellent post!
 
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PerkyVal,

I don't see the mystery. AoA was the sole importer of FX airguns. They were also the sole warranty and repair center for FX. Everybody knows that the FX Impact had lots of issues early on, and many of those guns had to be sent back to AoA for warranty repairs. According to many of those Impact owners (I read the forums), AoA found reasons why many of those repairs should not be covered under warranty because of owner error and/or owner tampering. Let's face it. Many owners fouled up their regulators by turning them down under pressure and not degassing them first. Some turned their regulators too high and blew o-rings. So AoA was charging the owners for those parts and repairs. The owners paid for the parts and the repairs and for shipping both ways. All of a sudden a $2000 gun became a $2500 gun, and Impact sales started to slump, and FX was losing customer confidence. FX was ultimately taking the rap for AoA's unwillingness to do the repairs under warranty for free. All of a sudden it began to look like AoA was double-dipping, and FX owners were absorbing all the costs plus, in many cases, nearly $100 shipping both ways for each occurrence, not to mention being without their guns for weeks or months. What was FX to do but open their own warranty and repair center in order to rebuild customer confidence and to regain lost sales. 

In my book, FX did the right and responsible thing by opening their own shop, FX USA. And FX owners have benefited by leaps and bounds since it opened. The way we get treated by FX USA has healed many a wound. Now we even have the Master Class video series that makes us all capable of doing our own repairs. Not only that, but, FX USA ships us the parts we need for free and doesn't even charge us for shipping. Further, FX USA doesn't charge us for warranty work if we can't do the repairs ourselves, and neither do they void our warranties for working on our own guns. Our warranties have now even been extended to 3 years transferable. FX has literally bent over backwards to right all the wrongs. And when you begin to calculate all the savings that FX owners have gained since the opening of FX USA, then you begin to comprehend the outrageous windfall that AoA was reaping at OUR EXPENSE, not to mention the damage that AoA was doing to FX!!!

Before anybody accuses me of being an FX fanboy, I'm on record right here on AGN of being one of FX's worst and most outspoken critics. Despite all the criticism, I own a Wildcat, a Boss, and an Impact. Why? Because I love their guns. I just got sick and damned tired of the runaround from AoA. Guess what? Since FX USA opened its doors, I am a PERFECTLY SATISFIED FX OWNER, praise God!

I paid $2000 for a USED FX Impact not long ago. Yes, I've had to make repairs. Guess how much I now have invested in my USED FX Impact? Exactly $2000 and not a penny more. Not even shipping charges. And what is more, thanks to FX, Ernest Rowe, and all the staff at FX USA, the Master Class video series has me ripping this thing down and repairing anything that breaks and putting it all back together and tuning it with the same success and talent as Ernest Rowe himself. Now I ask you all, who could put a price on that?

I'm 63 years old and have grown unbelievably and justifiably cynical of "Corporate America". But FX Sweden and FX USA have restored my hope. And if "Corporate America" copied FX's business morality, there would still be hope for this country.

Best of luck to Utah Airguns. I only hope nobody has to ever be reminded of the lessons we've learned.

Disclaimer: These are my own personal, free, and outspoken opinions. Everyone is free and encouraged to have their own opinions; different as they may be.

BeemanR7

You have a lot of valid points. I don't have a dog in this fight but as someone that has owned a retail business before I can say that if I am selling a product that keeps coming back broken... I lose money! It doesn't matter who's fault it is I still cost me time and money. You eventually get to the point where you start pushing products that don't come back because you don't lose time and money on those items. Shipping is very expensive... It will eat up your profits real quick.
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One way or another, these things usually are about money. My guess, this one has to do with exclusive representation, which I expect AoA wanted, and FX was unwilling to grant. If so, that cuts out the wholesale profit between distributor and retailer, and AoA seems to have it both ways with some brands, functioning as both distributor and retailer. Further assuming this to be the case, AoA would be in a position to enjoy a larger profit margin than the retailers to which it sells, and, could manipulate product availability to its advantage. FX and/or other retailers might consider this to be an inappropriate competitive advantage, which is why many distributors are prohibited by the manufacturer from selling directly to the public. I have no inside information, this is purely speculation on my part. I am not suggesting that AoA has acted in any unethical manner, merely that the former relationship with FX could create the environment to make it possible; i.e., a conflict of interest. 
 
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It has been no secret that AoA was less than pleased by FX ending their exclusive agreement with them a couple years ago. So far as I can tell though, doing that dramatically reduced the price and increased the availability of FX rifles in the United States, which was a huge win for FX and consumers.
Click to expand...

Maybe I missed it but when did FX prices dramatically come down exactly?



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+1...since when are FX rifles cheaper...FX impact is 2,000$ rifle...that hasn't changed.



Its not like AOA has done ANY of the suggested strategies of cornering the US market and inflating MSRP...if this were the 'conflict of interest' then it would be more likely to be AOA coming out announcing their discontinuation of support for FX...not a fair speculation IMO...



Maybe AOA dosen't want to warranty FX air rifles for 3 years with the plethora of issues they inherently have over time and even out of the box from time to time? Maybe FX has stipulated certain circumstances that AOA doesn't want to adhere to? Maybe AOA didn't take kindly to how they are handling the release of the dreamline and so decided to not carry said line, which may have ruffled feathers at FX...maybe AOA doesn't like being told 'another 2 months' for slug liners, every 2 months for a year + ....


All the above is VERY speculated, and likely going to earn me some "-" points...but its in retrospect to the poster above me coming down hard on AOA for speculative reasons...



I know for a fact AOA has supported the airgun industry far more than fx ever has or will, FX wouldn't have the name it has in the US if it weren't for AOA, not the other way around.... Putting out a new, over priced, under performing gun model every year is NOT revolutionary, its capitalism, and all the fools who support a capitalistic brand can give me all the "-"'s you want...just further degrades the state of these forums. I'm not going to pick sides or say one party was right, and one was wrong...but I do firmly believe one of the twos reputation was tarnished, while the other goes unscathed, at least in my eyes.



I'm not afraid to reserve strong opinions that are formed from unbiased, educated and well thought out reasons. If the FX impact were priced closer to entry level where it belongs prior to being seen by the likes of Ernest, then I wouldn't have as much of an issue with the brand...do people commonly need to send off their 2,000$+ air rifles to be further tuned for proper power outputs and performance? I don't think so...its 2019, you should get what you pay for, and I honestly think people are foolish for thinking they get 2,000$ worth of rifle out of an impact, or crown.....Maybe thats what sparked their new lineups the last years with a streamline and dreamline basically offering every last thing the impact does for half the price...you heard me, half the price. You could cut that price in half again and I would only begin to be impressed, considering the moderated dreamline version is roughly 1200$ USD... are people not aware what money can buy now-a-days? Compare the stat sheets of any FX next to an American Air Arms, and you'll see what spending American dollars on an American brand can buy. Titanium reservoir, Air assisted valve, 200+ FPE from 30 cal, tensioned barrel, velocity adjustments, adjustable length butt plate, 25 MOA scope rail, side lever, full metal magazine, shoots slugs and pellets out of the box...maybe YOU see the difference between 2,000$ spent on an American brand vs Sweden, maybe you don't...if ya don't, then I truly pity the state of the industry.



-Matt
 
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