Large Man Reports Unsuccessful AD Fitting

Submitted by: Phillip

    Note from Altairboy -
    This is not strictly a product review, since the gentleman was unable to purchase the belt. None the less, his experience might save someone else similar troubles.

Greetings Altairboy:

I have finally gotten a chance to sit down and add my experiences to the pool for the AD belt measuring experience after several system glitches with mail and other things. I actually wrote this a few days after I got back, so all the facts are straight as I experienced them.

My SO and I arrived in Lindenhurst about an hour before 9am on the first Friday of Febuary and decided to grab some breakfast while we waited. A small diner (Lindys) nearby had a really great BLT. So great in fact, that I had to order 2. :)

About 8:30, my SO called Paul to come and pick us up at the Diner. Unfortunately, she gave the wrong directions and the person sent to get us got a bit lost. When we called back 15 mins. later, I am told that Paul was very curt and not at all pleasant to talk to (This has been reported before, so I didn't let it bother me).

We were picked up by a lady who I forget the name. She's the only red haired one there and her professionalism was fantastic. She volunteered on the trip down there to make reservations for us at a local hotel.

When we got shown in, we were immedially directed to a small office by Paul and asked to wait. Another worker (black hair this time. Sorry. Not good with names.) offered to get some coffee and my SO got some tea.

We waited about 20 mins. and finally the co-owner of the business (Blonde Hair) came in and in a businesslike tone, proceeded to discuss the options available. So far, so good.

Well, after the option questions, she said that she will see what she can do. This was a bit of a strange comment, but I didn't pay it any mind. After a bit, Paul came in and they proceeded to "inspect" me. It's the best word I can use to describe it. While they were professional, they also didn't seem to be understanding..

Allow me to explain. I'm a rather heavyset man. I do have a gut on me and this was the reason why I decided to get a custom fit. However, when they asked me to "Lift the roll", I wasn't very happy. But, like I said, I was excited about getting a belt, so I ignored it.

He told me that it may not be possible due to my size to make a belt for me.

Apparently, they only make up to a 49 inch waist. Paul did say he would try and told me to get dressed while they (Him and the Co-Owner) discussed it in private. They then closed the door. After about 10 mins., she came in to get something and forgot to close the door. I overheard them talk about the reputation of AD and if he could do it along with subjects about a broken computer disk drive as well as getting a price for a part. I understand that this is a business and I wasn't their only client, but if I drop $1,600 to get what amounts to some stainless steel, I would like to be at least updated as to what was being decided. Also please note that within that time, I wasn't asked my opinion.

This lasted for at least 2 hours when Paul came in and reminded me that he wasn't sure if he could do it and if I wanted him to continue. I told him yes. I then waited for 3 hours with the door open (No one even asked if I wanted some more coffee). After that, Paul brought in the waistband and tried it on (in his "business like" manner) and it didn't fit correctly. He informed me that if I wanted him to continue, then I would be paying him. Otherwise, I could take the money and not get a belt. I was truly heartbroken. Paul informed me that if I lost 50-75 Lbs., then perhaps he could then fit me. To his credit, he did apolgize A LOT and the red haired assistant found us a cheap hotel to stay at in NYC.

This is one tale. I may be the only one and the sting of not getting what I wanted for so long hurt tremendously. I would hope that this serves as a warning to those who are of large stature that you may not be able to be fitted and without sending naked pictures of yourself (which Paul requested after he couldn't fit the belt), you may be in for a supprise. I, myself, am kind of trapped in that AD is the only American CB designer who builds belts and does custom fittings (Which I need). Therefore, I will be losing the weight and going to CA when they are there (again, at my expense) to get fitted again. No offer of a discount was made and my experience in this matter is less then perfect.

Submitted for your approval,
Phillip


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Page last updated 01-Jun-15 by: Altairboy@aol.com