has anyone noticed equipment not lasting as long as it used to? Though its cliché to say they don't make things like they used to, I have found there has been another drop in quality just within the last few years. ..

Examples I have personally had issues with are not so much gun related, more the regular consumer gear. Examples would be high end tactical torches, boots, sleeping bags, non gun optics, expandable mats, expedition tents to name a few. Admittedly I use gear in some shit areas of the world, however I find myself more and more having to drag out a 10-15 year old item from the closet to use until I can get the " near new high end item" back from warranty. Which is insane. I have severe doubts much of the current kit out there is going to last 5 years, let alone ten...

The most ridiculous is when a high end LED torch breaks in warranty for the second time, and I revert to a rusty fleabitten army right angled torch probably older than I am. That or a Kmart keyring led torch that cost $2 and has been rolling around the floor of a car for 8 years without friggin failing.

I'm assuming in the current world economy companies are struggling so they are either
A. using cheaper and cheaper materials and/or
B. deliberately engineering shorter item life to maintain sales. And this will probably get worse.

Anyway rant over about F****** modern gear. Feel free to add yours, or even recommend me a decent damn torch

I agree with you, totally.

Buying by price not value .Companies getting stuff from China and other off shore sources ,only to find quality was not there .And we saw many old fine companies become sellers of junk .Nicholson files once one of the best now making junk and those who know now looking for new old stock sources !Americans got what they wanted !

I use my issue stuff a lot, such as my mozzie dome, as it is good quality. I do agree with you about electronic gear. It just doesn't last.