RE: Is quality what it used to be??
Quality begins as a committment by the workers and mgmt/ownership of any company who turns out a product (or service for that matter). In todays world of Chinese imports I don't think most of the "tackle/equipment" used today is better than it used to be. Clothing in most cases today is JUNK! Most of it comes from the Phillipines or Vietnam and is total GARBAGE that might last a few seasons at best. I remember the first generation of clothing from Mossy Oak back in the late 80s that was made at their own mills in West Point, MS and it was GOOD, heavyweight stuff that would outlast the dye in the clothing. Now with all this pacific rim import crap not only does the dye come out after a couple of washings, the threads begin to unravel after only a season or two. Look what happened too Rocky Boots after they whored out too BPS, their boots are JUNK compared too what they were 10-15 years ago. Columbia and LaCrosse are fast on the same path now as well.
Gun/bow wise in most cases I think they are as good or better due to better manufacturing processes available today. CNC machining and better laminate layup technology has made it possible to build bows BETTER than ever. BUT there are some makers who also are throwing things together to meet demand from the big box stores (Wallyworld, BPS, Cabelas etc...) and that just means sloppy junk. I don't think anyone honestly believes they will be handing down their Remington Express shotguns, 710 rifles or 700 sps rifles too their grandchildren. The actions are already under way for bows, guns and boats to be built in China. Imagine what kind of crap THAT will be.
Lets not forget about Chinese imported treestands now as well. What a bunch of CHEAP, unsafe CRAP!!! I aint parkin my tail 30' up a whiteoak in something made from recycled sakicans. Lawsuits drove most of our treestand makers offshore, maybe they will be the same thing to bring them back too our shores...
RA