Talked with FCS rep Mike Sullivan here in FL today about FCS not doing the colored P2 plugs anymore due to material update. The only color they have available now is the dark gray. This is a let down for me for my business of ding repair when I wont be able to match plugs when broken boards come in. I bought the last 2 blue plugs that Mike had onhand.
I’m wondering if there is any source out there that still has an inventory of colored plugs?
I really would hate to have to tell customers that I’m not able to match repair work on FCS repairs anymore since I pride myself on top notch quality work and making sure that I make repairs look as clean as possible so its not an eyesore. I still have a small variety of colors left in my inventory (red, blue, smoke, black) before Im out, but would like to stock up if possible.
I tell my customers that the reason there are no more P2 plugs is because they were inferior and there is a chance that the plugs will snap with heavy impact. I only use the charcoal X2 plugs for repair.
I set my plugs in new boards and repairs with a good amount of glass patches and attached to the deck and I rarely had any problems with the polycarbonate plugs, but replacing P2 plugs was one of the most common repairs I had from other brands.
Most customers dont care what colour their plugs are and just want a professional job that wont fall out after a small bump.
Ever since FCS came out, I’ve never had a problem with any of the early PVC or polycarb plugs personally, and I can only recall less than a handful of repaired plugs that have come back to me again for a second repair due to spliting…typically its another plug that broke when they come back I actually sand and scuff up the plug with heavy grit before inserting it into boards. Doesnt matter if its a new board or a ding repair. Wiping it down with acetone just doesnt do it and even with the new design of the plug, I still see them come in that have been cleanly ripped out and the plug itself almost looks brand new. I have never had anyone come back to me that had a repaired plug rip back out. I also do the same as you and overlay patches with the repairs. Most of the polycarb plug repairs I see come in are due to it spliting in half and not being ripped out.
Im glad to see FCS going further in technology, no complaints there…just wish they would keep up with doing the colors. I know they arent marketing to guys who only do ding repair, but when I have guys come in who have spent serious money on a board and take care of it and want to keep it looking nice, its going to suck to have to tell them that they are going to have an outcast among the other plugs
Again, if anyone knows of a secret stash that someone has, Im willing to buy em!
Hey Adam, Try surfhardware Aust. at Mona Vale in Sydney. I made the mistake of asking for smoke in stead of charcoal colour and they sent me 20 sets of smoke coloured P2 plugs which I sent back. Maybe they have a Stash of them.
I switched to FCS Fusion last year and could never be happier. I spent a lifetme doing R&D regarding skin to skin connections, woodies, lateral support, and on and on and on throughout major sailboard production in the 80’s.
The Fusion system works great, is lightweight, easy to install and offers some fore and aft adjustment. I frequently color match the white inserts to the board’s color whether it is one color, a fade or abstract. They also work well on the epoxy and poly opaque glassing I do, and they keep production moving through at a pace where I can pay my mortgage on time.
I applaud all the effort that people on Sway’s have put into improving upon the FCS plugs and their individual methods for installing then, but with Fusion it’s a simple case of ‘if ain’t broke, don’t fix it’. Bryant @ FCS told me he was surprised more manufacturers haven’t seen the light and are still sticking with the old plugs.
I will never go back to the old plugs!
I realize you are talking about doing repairs, and I hope you find what you need to keep your customers happy. I do all the repairs around here and I’m in the same boat.
I definitely like the fusion system and the benefits are obvious over the X2 style plug. I have yet to see one in for repairs as well since they came out. What are you using on the plugs to color match? Got any pics?
On another note, one of the shops I am affiliated with recieved a package today from Hawaii with my name on it. Had the shop owner open it and low and behold, its a package full of FSC plugs. No idea who sent it and how it got to the shops address since I dont personally advertise it directly anywhere (though, I do maintain this shop’s website). It’ll be a few days until I make it back to the shop for my next drop off and pickup to see whats up, but was it someone on here who sent the package so I can thank you and send you some funds for the plugs? Was not expecting that at all and was confused with the shop manager calls me up to say I had a package there for me.
That’s kickass that someone would do that without asking and im grateful for it and its worth a public thanks!
I actually sand and scuff up the plug with heavy grit before inserting it into boards. Doesnt matter if its a new board or a ding repair. Wiping it down with acetone just doesnt do it and even with the new design of the plug, I still see them come in that have been cleanly ripped out and the plug itself almost looks brand new. I have never had anyone come back to me that had a repaired plug rip back out. I also do the same as you and overlay patches with the repairs. Most of the polycarb plug repairs I see come in are due to it spliting in half and not being ripped out.