Originally Posted by
tfar
Thanks for the quick answer. If it happens on both bags but through different use, it being likely that TB uses the same zipper on those products, I'd say it is probably related to the product itself and not to your use of it.
So it would seem there is a time when the rubber coating simply starts to disintegrate. A common problem with rubber products but certainly not unavoidable.
I know the TB forum is not the most neutral place but perhaps there are people who have experienced the same thing. Perhaps it was also a faulty batch of zippers they used.
Anyways, another reason why I really love YKK #10 plastic tooth zippers. ^
Till
Yeah. The zipper guards get moved around every time the zipper is opened and closed. Although it never gets caught in the teeth, the rubber part just shreds away ever so slowly, making the rubber portion look uneven with certain parts showing more of the zipper teeth than others. I tried looking on the TB site for a zoom in, but I can't find a picture of it so you'll just have to use your imagination.
From a distance, the bag looks okay. It's just when you inspect the zipper areas up close that you notice the slivers and the gaps.
Although I've spent a lot of money on my TB bags, I'd like to be somewhat objective and point out this zipper guard thing just in case someone decides to make a purchase and be as anal as I in noticing this.
I didn't buy the bags right at the same time. My purchases were perhaps about 6 months apart.
Other than that though, I've liked my TB products, and just purchased a Synapse as a daypack.