I'm Being Sued. Not. @4xoverland

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  • čas přidán 11. 09. 2024
  • This is an absurd story doing the 4wd rounds not only in Australia, but in the US as well. Here, I stick in my oar and make some waves.
    #4wdaustralia #reviews #youtuber
    Stephan's GoFundMe: www.gofundme.c...
    Stephan's latest video in this case: • DEEP CYCLE SYSTEMS [DC...
    Louis' latest video in this case: • DCS' lawsuit against y...
    Note.
    I do not agree with a commonly held sentiment that DCS batteries should not be purchased because of this story. In my opinion, if their batteries are suited to purpose and perform well, then why not buy them, or even recommend them? In the end, this isn't personal. It's about a product review. One should never forget that.
    Support Andrew: www.4xoverland...
    4XOVERLAND is the home of Andrew St Pierre White’s work. Andrew, AKA ASPW, is one of the world’s best-respected 4×4 writers, commentators and adventure-travel filmmakers. So much so that he is now commonly referred to by his audience as ’ The David Attenborough of 4WD’. His work includes:
    ALSO . . .
    Inspiring and teaching the world’s overlanders @ www.overland-w...
    Teaching video storytelling @ www.beafilmmak...
    Building of remarkable 4wd exploration rigs @www.4xoverland...
    2024 and Andrew is celebrating 40 years of remote overland travel with two new 4wd builds in Australia and three expeditions that include Africa, Australia and Indonesia. 4xOverland is based in Western Australia.
    SHOP: 4xoverland.com...
    INSTAGRAM: / 4xoverland_com

Komentáře • 426

  • @michaelsecomb4115
    @michaelsecomb4115 Před 24 dny +54

    Truth is a qualified defence in defamation. So is if the person honestly believed their statement was correct.
    To sue, you may have to prove the publication was deliberately false.
    Mind you, defamation law is a minefield and even varies state to state.

    • @michaelsecomb4115
      @michaelsecomb4115 Před 24 dny

      More information here:
      www.legalaid.wa.gov.au/find-legal-answers/your-rights/discrimination-harassment-and-bullying/defamation

    • @AutoExpertJC
      @AutoExpertJC Před 24 dny +7

      The opinion defence relies on A) the matter being expressed as an opinion, not as a fact, and B) the opinion being in the public interest and based on 'true facts' which are detailed. So it's not exactly clear-cut. And if you want to rely on truth as a defence, you really need to be able to prove that the imputation you made was in fact true.

    • @michaelsecomb4115
      @michaelsecomb4115 Před 24 dny +4

      @AutoExpertJC yep, it's certainly not clear-cut and varies state to state. When I was in the hot seat, I just sent the defamation threats straight to the lawyers to write the 'don't be silly' letters.
      Will be interesting to see the result of Linda Reynolds thinking the way to rehabilitate her reputation is to sue a rape victim. That's not going well ...

    • @Pat.Mustard
      @Pat.Mustard Před 24 dny

      OP is a wanker… In my opinion.

  • @sounds_like_pain3345
    @sounds_like_pain3345 Před 24 dny +125

    How to destroy your business’ reputation in one easy move

  • @E10Dude
    @E10Dude Před 24 dny +110

    DCS battery, basically never buy & inform others to never buy from them ever again. In my opinion.

  • @andrewmoroney2381
    @andrewmoroney2381 Před 24 dny +114

    I have no idea whether DCS batteries are good or not - but their actions in this case lead me to never buy one of their products..

    • @Sethjxl
      @Sethjxl Před 24 dny +2

      I think this is just your opinion.
      In my opinion.

    • @bigjml
      @bigjml Před 24 dny +3

      ​@@Sethjxl In my opinion your opinion may be correct in that your opinion of the persons opinion is indeed just an opinion.
      Of course I could be wrong or right, after all its just my opinion.
      I would be interested in what opinion you have relating to my opinion😂

    • @fjc_adventures4359
      @fjc_adventures4359 Před 24 dny

      They are shit.

    • @crag8360
      @crag8360 Před 22 dny +4

      They are cheap crap Chinese batteries that use dodgy cells

    • @Treetopflyer777
      @Treetopflyer777 Před 22 dny

      @@crag8360in your opinion

  • @AndrewTinWA
    @AndrewTinWA Před 24 dny +89

    Thank you for bringing further attention to this one Andrew. Great vid (on my opinion)

    • @andrewjones-productions
      @andrewjones-productions Před 24 dny +2

      As yet another Andrew, in my opinion, I support your opinion on supporting Andrew St. Pierre White's opinion.

    • @mikeedwards1682
      @mikeedwards1682 Před 23 dny

      I disagree, so I’m suing you with my opinion, what a world

  • @gregnicholson8349
    @gregnicholson8349 Před 24 dny +70

    in my opinion the actions of the company are far more damaging than the review itself could have ever been. As you said, the whole outcome would have been entirely different if some conversation had taken place.

  • @sassall4284
    @sassall4284 Před 24 dny +33

    It just makes these companies look even worse than having bad products to begin with.

  • @Bubbles12345-cat
    @Bubbles12345-cat Před 24 dny +36

    So, if I leave an unfavourable review comment (in my opinion) on a product's website (say Amazon, or a small

    • @deriusnorris4463
      @deriusnorris4463 Před 24 dny +1

      In my opinion that's the way I see it too...😂

    • @Ryan-ff2db
      @Ryan-ff2db Před 6 dny

      I can't find their batteries on Amazon anymore. I my opinion, they pulled them because of overwhelming negative comments caused by their own actions.

  • @roh5876
    @roh5876 Před 24 dny +49

    In my opinion, the products made by DCS are substandard, and nobody should buy these products. In my opinion.

    • @Andre_XX
      @Andre_XX Před 24 dny +9

      That might not be an opinion. It might just be a fact.

    • @shane1618
      @shane1618 Před 22 dny +1

      Going by the review that the American just did on a dcs 100ah there no better quality than a itech or kings

    • @Ryan-ff2db
      @Ryan-ff2db Před 6 dny

      That's not just your opinion but the opinion of the Australian government who tested about a dozen manufactures batteries. In their opinion DCS batteries performed worse than all other batteries they tested by a significant margin.

  • @Bigcountry_littlelegs
    @Bigcountry_littlelegs Před 24 dny +33

    Thank you for doing this for Stephan

    • @sharontravers3392
      @sharontravers3392 Před 24 dny

      Check out defender mods and travels, he reported on it first.

  • @GeoffreyCroker
    @GeoffreyCroker Před 24 dny +21

    It’s interesting that the Australian competition and consumer agency isn’t all over this. The laws in NZ are very strict when it comes to online reviews and companies trying to influence their online reputation by removing negative reviews.

    • @FuManchu5ltr
      @FuManchu5ltr Před 24 dny +2

      Oh wow! Spotted you in the wild! Love your channel.

    • @kdenyer1
      @kdenyer1 Před 24 dny +2

      I hop that’s your personal opinion 😊 in my opinion it sounds like it is 😂

  • @bilal3827
    @bilal3827 Před 24 dny +18

    The problem with getting sued is doesn’t matter if it’s right or wrong. The costs of defending yourself in court is punishment enough.

  • @coreydark8795
    @coreydark8795 Před 24 dny +41

    That won't even hold up in court..should be thrown out fairly quickly.

    • @jakobi8455
      @jakobi8455 Před 24 dny +6

      maybe - but what about the $100k in legal fees needed to defend it?

    • @ScottMurrayBestFamilyCars
      @ScottMurrayBestFamilyCars Před 24 dny +4

      Is that your personal opinion?

    • @Mikelennon78
      @Mikelennon78 Před 24 dny

      ​@@jakobi8455He can make a claim for costs.

    • @Mikelennon78
      @Mikelennon78 Před 24 dny +1

      ​@ScottMurrayBestFamilyCars Nah,, it's Ringo Starr's opinion.

    • @landrover90
      @landrover90 Před 24 dny +3

      As we are seeing in the UK the process is the punishment.

  • @robdotcom71
    @robdotcom71 Před 24 dny +38

    DCS never thought of the Streisand Effect.....

    • @diab01us
      @diab01us Před 24 dny +1

      Exactly what I was thinking.

    • @bartoni79
      @bartoni79 Před 24 dny

      What’s the Streisand effect?

    • @MorningNapalm
      @MorningNapalm Před 24 dny +2

      @@bartoni79 When you lie, you get a big nose. In my opinion. Or was that Pinocchio? Not sure how Streisand got hers.

    • @gr4vel
      @gr4vel Před 24 dny

      @@bartoni79 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streisand_effect

    • @robdotcom71
      @robdotcom71 Před 24 dny

      @@bartoni79 The Streisand effect is an unintended consequence of attempts to hide, remove, or censor information, where the effort instead increases public awareness of the information.

  • @Queensizemusic
    @Queensizemusic Před 24 dny +21

    In my opinion…here in the United States, this case not only would never be taken up by a court, the justices would have ruled with prejudice to have been a waste of time and the company would have been held responsible for the costs of court

    • @gavanmitchell9095
      @gavanmitchell9095 Před 21 dnem +3

      @@Queensizemusic I think a lot of that is likely to happen here as well. We have strong consumer laws here and I can't see that he's done anything wrong. I feel like they tried to strong arm him and didn't expect the push back. Now it's all gone too far and they don't want to back down themselves. Not facts but my opinion 😃

    • @biastv1234
      @biastv1234 Před 19 dny +2

      In the US , you have anti SLAPP laws that forbid these frivolous lawsuits.

  • @ScottMurrayBestFamilyCars
    @ScottMurrayBestFamilyCars Před 24 dny +23

    When the governor general of Dingo Piss Creek weighs in, things get very serious...
    in my opinion.

  • @sierramantrvlnus
    @sierramantrvlnus Před 24 dny +17

    We have a fella by the name of will p. Which is a pretty well-known fella in America . He just stated today he has received one of those batteries. And is doing a review on it as well. I am sure he is going to mention this as well. As in my opinion a review on a product is important for the consumer not getting screwed.

    • @johnherbert7489
      @johnherbert7489 Před 22 dny +2

      he did review and but it seems someone is trying to take down his video

  • @MorningNapalm
    @MorningNapalm Před 24 dny +35

    I don't have a lot of extra money, and rarely donate, but I donated to Stephan. This sort of nonsense cannot be tolerated.

    • @LockyourHubs4WDing
      @LockyourHubs4WDing Před 24 dny +4

      @@MorningNapalm well done mate, I've donated also.

    • @a9ball1
      @a9ball1 Před 5 dny +2

      Donating to him was the very first time I've ever given anyone money that I personally didn't know!
      And I'm thinking about doing it again.

  • @jasonwooler801
    @jasonwooler801 Před 24 dny +16

    Well said. Turns out the balloons might be feeling a touch foolish and deflated.

    • @user-gl5kj1fm5x
      @user-gl5kj1fm5x Před 9 dny

      but did they have an over-inflated view of their importance to start with?

  • @julesmarwell8023
    @julesmarwell8023 Před 24 dny +10

    guess what just replaced a battery in one of my cars. making sure IT WAS NOT A CERTAIN BRAND. Thanks mate you are doing a fantastic job

  • @nathanhickeyhickey8693
    @nathanhickeyhickey8693 Před 24 dny +10

    In my opinion - I cannot recommend DCS to any person on any basis - due to their behaviour and treatment of us .. the consumer.

  • @Motorallyrider
    @Motorallyrider Před 24 dny +13

    Unfortunately, companies have many lawyers available who thrive on these actions, reasonable or not.

  • @simonhjc
    @simonhjc Před 24 dny +5

    Hi Andrew, this brings back memories. I bought one of the first fjcruisers that came into the country. I spent $15,000 on accessories including bar, suspension, draws etc. the bar took the company days to fit. Wasnt fitted correctly and as such damaged the front guards, grill etc. i was a member of the fjcruiser club and after months of toing and froing finally put up a post about how the product was faulty. This naturally caused a lot of chat. It also caused toyota to void my chassis warranty because the bar exceeded the maximum weight allowed on the front of the FJ. Basically I received from lawyers a threatening email for the same reasons ie being critical of 1. The product 2. The denial 3. The time frame to correct the damage. It was so appalling i sold the fjcruiser and went back to a 79 series. We have every right to be critical of product that does do what its designed to do and/or rhe manufacturer makes claims that are simply bullshit. Interestingly enough the bull bar was made for the US market and our fjs were different…

    • @cjeam9199
      @cjeam9199 Před 24 dny

      @@simonhjc It seems like it may have been reasonable for them to void your chassis warranty under those circumstances. Was it a Toyota dealer that fitted the accessory?

  • @GB-cm6yy
    @GB-cm6yy Před 24 dny +7

    I'm guessing that balloon manufacturer regrets going down that rabbit hole, and is now desperately trying to work out how to unscramble this egg.

  • @bigals.ktms.9937
    @bigals.ktms.9937 Před 24 dny +9

    The world is getting ridiculous, in my opinion.

  • @seanstewart6292
    @seanstewart6292 Před 24 dny +19

    Subaru no longer sends press cars to The Fast Lane Car because they did an honest review of their outback and its cvt. it did not perform as well as Subaru claimed it did on one of their off-road tests, and they called them out.

  • @Johnny-lt5ib
    @Johnny-lt5ib Před 24 dny +5

    I’m no expert, but how is a YT opinion any different to a Google review, both accessible by a wide audience

  • @ianmoore4327
    @ianmoore4327 Před 24 dny +18

    With a history of so many CZcamsrs selling their soles for the marketing coin, it looks like manufacturers and suppliers expect that with every product “provided” for review they will receive a mostly positive review. Now anyone that doesn’t support the marketing message are being threatened. There are so many CZcams channels that you know that you can’t believe anything that comes out of their mouths.

    • @sqd8r
      @sqd8r Před 24 dny +10

      What does any of this have to do with shoes?

    • @adammacfie8591
      @adammacfie8591 Před 24 dny

      @@sqd8ror anything to do with anything, other than the commentator having no idea about YouTubing as a possible business model for people.

  • @jlb4x4
    @jlb4x4 Před 24 dny +5

    Thank you for bringing attention to this. Stefan could go bankrupt defending himself before this nuisance suit gets dismissed. This bullying needs to stop!

  • @badwerds
    @badwerds Před 24 dny +9

    Streisand effect in all its glory

  • @heathwellsNZ
    @heathwellsNZ Před 24 dny +10

    Andrew - have you checked out fellow Aussie and widely respected electronics engineer Dave Jones's EEVBlog video on the subject. He even shows how a branch of the Australian Government have previously provided comparison reports to show technical issues with the product.

    • @MountainGoat9
      @MountainGoat9 Před 24 dny +2

      @@heathwellsNZ as far as I know Louis Rossmann found that report first. It was about different batteries too.
      To be clear I hope DCS will lose that case.

  • @resolvedavid
    @resolvedavid Před 24 dny +4

    Defamation of a business is when someone makes a false statement about a company that damages the company's reputation. This can be done through writing, speech, or even gestures.
    For defamation to occur, the statement must be false, must have been made to at least one other person, and must have caused harm to the company's reputation. If a company can prove that defamation has occurred, they may be able to recover damages from the person who made the false statements.
    This by extension applies to comments about the companies products. All DCS needs to do is prove it’s a false claim and if they think they have a case then what’s the problem. The truth will always set you free.

  • @user-wi4sd2pd2c
    @user-wi4sd2pd2c Před 24 dny +6

    It seems to be a growing trend..Sueing CZcams content creators..

  • @rmcnabb
    @rmcnabb Před 24 dny +5

    Bullying nuisance lawsuit. They hope for a quick settlement or a retraction of the content.

  • @ThatTanWillys
    @ThatTanWillys Před 24 dny +5

    Didn't hear about this, but thanks for the heads up. DCS sounds like a company I wouldn't buy from... In my opinion.

  • @johnwillett4086
    @johnwillett4086 Před 8 dny

    Andrew, you have it exactly right. 👍
    I come from the other end, I distribute pro-audio equipment in the UK and often send products out for review. Ideally I do like to know in advance of publication so I can comment and correct any factual errors - not to change the review in any way, but to just point ot any misconseptions or factual errors. If any problems are found, I would take it on board and report it back to the manufacturers so they can look into it to correct it. Not take any action against the reviewer.
    I have also, in the past, written magazine reviews. In one I found a serious defect in the product and immediately reported it back to the manufacturer. They agreed and found it could be corrected by a firmware update and sent me the correction. In myh review I reported that I had found the problem, added that the problem was fixed by an upgrade and advised anyone who had already bought one to do the firmware upgrade. I actually highly praised the product and did end up buying one. Everyone won, my reputation as an honest reviewer, the manufacturer who listened and fixed the fault, and the customer who had an honest review and early adopters who could easily get the fix.
    A bad honest review should be treated by a manufacturer as an opportunity to look at a product and understand the problem and work on fixing it. A "right of reply" can be useful as it gives the manufacturer a chance to say that they are looking into it.
    Going after a reviewer who has discovered a problem that is inherent in the product is not a good idae as all it can do is to get everything in front of a wider audience that can kill a product dead before the problem can be fixed.
    I always remember the story about Gerald Ratner (large chain of inexpensive jewellery shops) making a joke about one of his products - that one comment killed the company dead and the whole chain of the then well-known shops disappeared from the high street.
    Looks like someone has shot themselves in the foot here - in my opinion.

  • @mohijasmeet
    @mohijasmeet Před 24 dny +4

    Good on you Andrew on speaking up on this, proud of you mate

    • @sharontravers3392
      @sharontravers3392 Před 24 dny

      Check out british engieer , defender mods and travels video on it.

  • @LockyourHubs4WDing
    @LockyourHubs4WDing Před 24 dny +10

    Great to see you getting behind this Andrew, I've personally contributed toward the GoFundMe and would like to encourage others if in a position to do so, to do so as well.
    LiFePO4 batteries without active temperature control have no place under the bonnet of a 4wd. It'll lead to accelerated capacity degradation, and that's not an opinion, that's a fact.

    • @4xoverland
      @4xoverland  Před 24 dny +6

      LiFePO4 batteries without active temperature control have no place under the bonnet of a 4wd. YES!

    • @garypriddin9949
      @garypriddin9949 Před 24 dny +1

      LifeP04 battery chemistry according to a Electrical Engineer specialising in battery design and manufacturing I spoke to years ago, said that no Lifepo4 battery chemistry will last in a under bonnet installation without serious degradation.

    • @LockyourHubs4WDing
      @LockyourHubs4WDing Před 24 dny

      @@garypriddin9949 you could keep the temperatures in check using active heating/cooling like used in most EV batteries.
      Though that might not be economically viable.

    • @alex54545
      @alex54545 Před 24 dny

      Most European car brands and even the last of the Holdens put the standard batteries away from the engine bays… It affects all types of batteries…

    • @LockyourHubs4WDing
      @LockyourHubs4WDing Před 24 dny

      @@alex54545 it does, but LiFePO⁴ cells particularly badly.

  • @AutoExpertJC
    @AutoExpertJC Před 24 dny +3

    Quite, Andrew. Well put. (In my opinion.)

    • @Bubbles12345-cat
      @Bubbles12345-cat Před 24 dny +1

      In my opinion, it's strange that EV manufacturers haven't sued you yet, JC 🤔🤭

    • @RadoDani
      @RadoDani Před 19 dny +1

      You know what is funny? Another CZcamsr (GoldenSound) has been also threatened with a lawsuit by DCS, an electronics company unrelated to DCS the battery company. Look it up 😂 GoldenSound did a review of their $10k DAC and did not like it. The word spread in the audiophile community so fast that the company retracted the lawsuit within days and did everything to sweep it under the carpet.

  • @Petcozee
    @Petcozee Před 24 dny +3

    Would love to see DCS's latest sales graph. Must be in free fall.

  • @delbertsexton6641
    @delbertsexton6641 Před 24 dny +3

    Australia does not have explicit freedom of speech in any constitutional or statutory declaration of rights, with the exception of political speech

    • @intimatespearfisher
      @intimatespearfisher Před 16 dny

      It's going to get worse when they bring in the anti hate speech laws like th UK

  • @spudboy1328
    @spudboy1328 Před 24 dny +1

    Glad to see you're covering this. Stephan will appreciate it.

  • @LVNITUPM8
    @LVNITUPM8 Před 24 dny +2

    They even sent him out a second set of batteries when he first reported a problem. The Australian government did tests on dcs batteries and they were the worst that they tested.

  • @memanue1
    @memanue1 Před 24 dny +2

    Love your content Andrew

  • @harry8506
    @harry8506 Před 24 dny +4

    Welcome to the brave new world where feelings are more important than truth, sorry there is no such thing as free speech in Australia let alone human rights. He is not the only one to be sued for a bad review.

    • @pkae85
      @pkae85 Před 24 dny

      @@harry8506 truth hurts

  • @G_de_Coligny
    @G_de_Coligny Před 24 dny +3

    did you contact Louis Rossmann yet ?

  • @TheTripleDubya
    @TheTripleDubya Před 24 dny +2

    I applaud you for tackling this subject, in my opinion the vendor has screwed themselves over this, it caused me to do research and I discovered that they have built other lackluster products, as reviewed by a professional testing facility at the behest of the government (who they did not sue).
    I just cannot believe that DCS chose this path, in my opinion it is un-Australian and shows a lack of integrity.
    I for one will never buy their products or deal with companies that do.

  • @RallyMichael75
    @RallyMichael75 Před 24 dny +2

    New drinking game. Have one whenever he says “in my opinion”

    • @jb243wp
      @jb243wp Před 23 dny

      And must scull a beer evey time he waves his arms around, we'd all be totally smashed. IMO..
      As Chopper would say, Harden the fuc up Stefan errrr

  • @gonegliding2966
    @gonegliding2966 Před 24 dny +1

    The Streisand effect for a review of a widget has well and truly kicked in, in my opinion.

  • @LiquidAudio
    @LiquidAudio Před 24 dny +1

    Good on you Andrew, agreed on all points. This case really made me angry, absolutely ridiculous, hence my video, too.

  • @awilke86
    @awilke86 Před 24 dny +2

    It's entertaining that they have fanned the flame of their own demise. Anyone who becomes aware of the story will shop elsewhere for a better product.
    Thanks Andrew.

  • @darkerbinding6933
    @darkerbinding6933 Před 14 dny +1

    In the opinion of the OZ government, who tested DCS' battery, it's sub standard compared to the other tested batteries. Again those results were from the OZ government. See Louis Rossman's video for more details on that. What we do get with DCS' is a bunch of bullies, which we don't like. In my opinion... Oh and in the opinion of the OZ government.

  • @user-jz8wd9iy7n
    @user-jz8wd9iy7n Před 24 dny +1

    I can't believe what we're coming too🤦

  • @geoffclarke5901
    @geoffclarke5901 Před 24 dny +1

    Stefan is truely independent which is super rare. On top of that he is a very intelligent bloke who thinks things out well. We need people like him to keep doing what he does.

  • @Rabs73
    @Rabs73 Před 18 dny

    Fully agree with everything you said. Most of the items attached or in my 4wd were purchased after extensive research, including many CZcams reviews and tests (including some from this channel). I have never had anything major go wrong, whichI believe is a testament to the value of the work of people like Stefan in testing gear for us.
    In fact the LFP battery I chose was from a teardown and test by Will Prowse. I just did a 4 1/2 year capacity test and this yielded 98% of the original capacity.
    We all deserve to know the truth when we are spending our hard earned money, especially these days!

  • @HammerRocks
    @HammerRocks Před 24 dny +1

    I agree with you, this lawsuit by DCS against Stefan has exponentially brought more negative publicity for them (DCS), than the Stefan review itself. I watched the review when it first came out and thought at the time, "fair enough", and that was it. I didn't think more if it after that. Now with this bullish behaviour of DCS, for me personally, I will never buy any of their products. I hate bullies.

  • @davidmurphy2960
    @davidmurphy2960 Před 19 dny +1

    Oh is that alll.. I thought Landrover were going to sue you for ridiculing a broken-down new defender that was difficult to put on a tow truck.

  • @tedsaylor6016
    @tedsaylor6016 Před 12 dny +1

    @WillProwse tore "one of those balloons" apart and found garbage.

  • @fatmanoverlanding
    @fatmanoverlanding Před 24 dny +2

    IMO, in the court of public opinion, DCS is losing this battle. This lawsuit is doing more damage to their brand and reputation, than the review Stefan ever did. It looks like the DCS mgmt didn't completely think this through properly. IMO, they shot themselves in the foot with this lawsuit.

  • @vennootje
    @vennootje Před 23 dny

    Great video and I so hope it will backfire on them. Will Prowse made a review vidseo of this battery. Initially, it seems to be working as specified, but when he takes it apart, some very serious issues are laid bare. I love how he describes companies like these as basically sticker makers. They buy Chinese batteries and put their own company logo sticker on.

  • @renierswanepoel9840
    @renierswanepoel9840 Před 24 dny

    I personally feel i am as a over lander and DIY installer at the mercy of accurate and honest reviews. Without these reviews i will be in the dark with regards to quality of products. I paid my fair share of school fees. From replacing 12v battery level indicators (12 units in one year) installed by professionals) From replacing roof rack brackets and manufactured jerry can holders. (Top SA brand started rusting the stainless steel bracket and bolts and the powder coating flaked after 1 month) In South Africa you have little recourse. You either replace or you ask someone to manufacture for you using decent materials. The worst part is i have purchased these items from the biggest 4x4 accessory shops. They provide no guarantee unless fitted by them. In my world over landers are DIY people. I do not need a professional to install a load bar and bracket. And this is how the distribution of inferior products in SA is handled.

  • @qmp666
    @qmp666 Před 19 dny

    The news Paper has articles on opinions of restaurants, clothes . Holidays. Sporting goods. Ect. No difference is there

  • @coastalecofloorsanding

    I’ve bought a DCS battery about 4 years ago for my cruiser to use underneath of the bonnet as the only one back there were claim to be safe and warranty $1499…. Only 5 months later the battery was stuffed, sent to warranty at my cost, and I had to call to find out what’s wrong nearly 5 weeks after I’ve sent to hear that has water to into and my warranty was denied. Water from where??? Rain? Not water crossing …Wel,l at the same time I’ve bought a Chinese brand online to my camper trailer which I took off and installed in the cruiser under the bonnet try and nearly 5 years now just driving back from the cape she’s still under the bonnet not problem and I’ve pay $449 back then … this company is a shame and should just shut they door and stop promoting their products if they don’t back up…

  • @alishabab3
    @alishabab3 Před 16 dny

    This is so typical of these businesses that say so called Australian made batteries when its not.. they are assembled in Australia, the cells, bms, case, cables all made in china. But worse is it just shows that these small businesses hate honest opinions and you know business that can't take honest opinions are a dodgy business. The other thing is its obvious that these batteries and the people that make them have no knowledge of making them.. they just see others do it and think I can do it also. I made my own lithium battery based off military standards as in in a stainless steel case, I made my own 100% copper thick bus bars, the negative and positive cables coming off the bms to the terminal are rated to 340a at 100% use trycab cables, and the terminals are rated to 300a mainly because the battery discharge is up to 300a, the bms is rated to 250a.. People said that's overkill.. But I rather overkill and be safe then underkill and blow up. Allot fo these batteries are made with thin cables to the terminal by adding 3-4 cables of pos/neg, also not using any shielding, cheap Chinese thin steel bars, no active balancers, and a plastic box which has a higher chance of blowing up in certain places put.. like I spoke to a Chinese manufacturer about putting a lithium under a cars hood they said do not do that as the cells no matter what you do are only rated to around 60c.. if it goes higher the bus bars will heat up, the cables will heat up in turn will blow up the cells

  • @coloradomallcrawlers
    @coloradomallcrawlers Před 22 dny

    I worry about this with OnX (offroad map app). OnX tried to buy me out offering me a bunch of money to promote them. I’m pretty sure when I turned them down, OnX got the big channel in my area (TFL, auto reviewers) to start making videos like mine (offroad trail guides). Them making trail guides doesn’t bother me (besides spreading inaccurate info), but if OnX pushed that, that’s dirty. So I take it that OnX is extremely rich (based on how much they were gonna pay me) and possibly dirty (I hope that’s not true). To protect myself, I’ve been saving screenshots of problems with OnX info (inaccurate info, people getting trouble off-road from that info, false advertising). The complete truth is I would love to be an OnX fan and I could use the money they would have paid me (my two old vehicles need work), but I feel I have a responsibility to be honest and to protect my community. I’ve been an offroader for nearly 25 years… I take it seriously (besides our channel name) so that’s why I can’t promote OnX.

  • @janfourie7590
    @janfourie7590 Před 12 dny

    [My opinion and understanding of DCS's video's and other] : Always thought they (DCS) were making big claims (under bonnet use, winching , vibration etc, not using a fancy DC-DC setup) Really sceptic but always hoping they could proof it to last many cycles and survive (plus be affordable) . . . . Lead crystal also made big claims (and a couple failed catastrophically)
    Reputation comes from the proof of claims. [my opinion]
    Would like a vibration proof battery, that can survive outside temperatures extreme plus a turbo as a neighbour and can supply cold cranking and winching amps, and still give 10years plus life . . . . . . (as promised, or claimed) . . . .

  • @johanneswehrmann
    @johanneswehrmann Před 24 dny

    Had to check the date because I thought it was April 1 for a brief moment.

  • @IndianaJBird
    @IndianaJBird Před 24 dny +2

    Is the company now defaming Stefan?

  • @Alan.livingston
    @Alan.livingston Před 24 dny +1

    With these types of law suits they don’t need to win, or even take it to the point of settlement. All they need to do is waste enough of the creators time and money then drop the action. The next time someone thinks about giving them a bad review they will think twice.

  • @redpill4431
    @redpill4431 Před 24 dny

    Decent manufacturers should want feedback so they can then sort the product out, making them and releasing a decent version or upgrading the one that's not up to the current claims.
    The company might make 100 product lines, but every now and then, they release a product that is way below their usual standard, and does not live up to the hype surrounding their product.

  • @dre7767
    @dre7767 Před 16 dny

    I think small businesses in future are going to have a harder time getting recognition or will have to sign contracts voiding litigation if they want reviews.

  • @g0fvt
    @g0fvt Před 15 dny

    It appears that the company MAY have forged timestamps of online warranty documentation so the problem is not just the product. I find the economic bullying of individual CZcamsrs disturbing. Without being too specific I know of a case where one CZcamsr went full on suing another (whose allegations were entirely true) a case that cost a few hundred dollars to initiate but about $80,000 to defend. In that case the person who started the legal process boasted that their aim was not to win but to drain the resources of the other.

  • @a9ball1
    @a9ball1 Před 5 dny

    In my opinion, I wonder if their legal team informed them that it might go wild on the Internet if they pursue legal action against him?
    I know if my lawyer didn't warn me this would happen i would be so angry.

  • @wohnzimmeraquarium4174

    It's a SLAPP, just a strategic lawsuit against him. They want him quit.

  • @klauskainzinger9978
    @klauskainzinger9978 Před 17 dny

    As some one in this review commented, the fact that it goes to court and one has to defend yourself, is a punnishment and is the really bad/disturbing and crimal side. Our legal system is a money gorging self-sustaining criminal syndicate. It doesn't matter who is in the right or wrong. I'ts about money, nothing else. If you can't bring money to the table then you will lose. Particular if you are in a battle against a big business or even worst a corporation which has so much money they can bleed you empty.

  • @michaelkeenan6668
    @michaelkeenan6668 Před 24 dny

    Bravo!! Thanks for joining the community highlighting the issue and rallying together to support Stephan. I highly value you opinion on this issue, as well as Stephan’s opinion regarding products. I highly value the opinions you both provide to the camping and 4wheeling community. I shouldn't have to say …. In my opinion.

  • @maitrikashin3906
    @maitrikashin3906 Před 13 dny

    Brilliant commentary... in my opinion.
    I wrote to the folks at a specific balloon company and suggested how they could have responded differently to opinions about their hot air. Which was, in my opinion, a great release.

  • @biastv1234
    @biastv1234 Před 19 dny

    In America they have ‘ anti SLAPP’ laws that forbid meritless charges like this .

  • @YusufPetersenCPT
    @YusufPetersenCPT Před 24 dny +1

    This will be the same like MKBHD and how he reviews bad products if its a bad product and a fair assumption was done to review it and it's still bad then it's bad the producers and original sellers can't be bullying people into saying it's nice. Just make better products. Your opinion is your every right!!! In My opinion😅

  • @johnherbert7489
    @johnherbert7489 Před 22 dny

    DCS should sue the Aussie govt. too, the independent test report was damning

  • @stco2426
    @stco2426 Před 24 dny

    Good contribution, Andrew. Also good that John and Louis Rossman have made their videos. LR is a strong advocate in right to repair and I've followed his amd this topic for a few years. DCS seem to have never heard of the Streisand effect, but they are in the headlights now. I hope Stefan is successful, in my opinion.

  • @paulkeenan2691
    @paulkeenan2691 Před 24 dny

    DCS website is most supportive and represents a good platform to clarify issues- especially relating to the marketing of their product 😂and their customer support-

  • @WesternAustraliaNowAndThen

    The initial review wasn't really all that bad but the actions of DCS have resulted in millions of people across the world becoming aware of what sort of company they are. I have no doubt their own actions have caused them far more damage that the original review ever could. They obviously were ignorant of the Streisand Effect...

  • @danielgilbert8647
    @danielgilbert8647 Před 23 dny

    In Australian tradition watch as a drinking game when Andrew says "in my opinion" you have to take a drink. kudos for making this.

  • @terryivanov9009
    @terryivanov9009 Před 24 dny +1

    People got to much time on their hands.

  • @jerryfrench2981
    @jerryfrench2981 Před 24 dny +1

    I will not be buying any of their products for my builds. DCS can consider themselves black balled.

  • @Lex-Hawthorn
    @Lex-Hawthorn Před 19 dny

    Once there was 2 Laws, 1 was defamation, the other was Libel. Now its all the same thing, and it apparently even applies to inanemate objects, and even livestock. Same with hate crimes we don't have them in Australia, apparently there is another more 'sensitive' name for that BS now.
    Pure unadulterated Bulls Hit ASPW. In my honest opinion mate. Now that's a get outta jail card that every youtuber should learn to use, Unless they claim to be an expert, then their opinion counts as qualified. In my opinion.. O.o
    You know Andrew, sometimes these companies that are so easily insulted, are most times their own worst enemy.

  • @_allthegoodonesaretaken_

    All reviews now should start with the reviewer stating that they are going to demonstrate how the product performs when being used incorrectly, but then proceed to demonstrate normal real world performance tests anyway. In my opinion. :)

  • @thehamachekco9132
    @thehamachekco9132 Před 16 dny

    In my opinion....I bet DCS is just some foreign based company under the guise of a "small Aussie company" that basically drop ships products. If the brand folds, they will be back under a new name.

  • @robmcd
    @robmcd Před 18 dny

    No one will touch a product by a business with less than 10 employees.

  • @mikedoble729
    @mikedoble729 Před 24 dny +1

    Gold. Respect

  • @gregmillen4712
    @gregmillen4712 Před 20 dny

    While in this instance an ethical utuber certainly appears to be in an unfortunate situation, I think that it is necessary for businesses to have some sort of recourse to the less ethical reviewers. An example would be a reviewer demanding free products or a poor review would appear, which happens to small businesses, particularly in the food industry. Tough subject but it needs to protect both sides.

  • @geraldbarker3083
    @geraldbarker3083 Před 22 dny

    absolutely spot on! Protect free speech! Thank you for talking about this. Only if "We, the people" stick together, and clamor for our rights, they will be stripped from us. Great channel! Love your work. Down with bullies!

  • @Lupodimare1234
    @Lupodimare1234 Před 24 dny

    The subject is serious enough, then most official magazines, depending on advertisement money, doing reviews on whatever topic they are covering, can not be neutral. So having somebody like Stephan doing a serious review must be protected. Otherwise there won’t be any change in quality of the product, here I strongly agree with Simon

    • @notsoniceduck
      @notsoniceduck Před 3 dny

      @@Lupodimare1234 magazines haven't offered opinions for many years.

  • @bobfriesenhahn
    @bobfriesenhahn Před 24 dny

    Honest reviews are important! I have been subscribed to Stephan's channel for many years. Of greatest concern is that most CZcams product reviews are used for marketing purposes, and the reviewers do so in order to get free stuff. If the manufacturer provides abnormal constraints on the reviews, then they are little more than white lies. It goes without saying that obtaining free use of a refrigerator, a solar generator, or a lithium battery system strongly promotes less than candid reviews. In fact, Stefan's channel is one of the few which emphasized the importance of providing honest and complete reviews.

    • @4xoverland
      @4xoverland  Před 24 dny

      Do the maths . Free stuff does not pay the bills. The alternative to 'free stuff' is to buy a battery to review. $800. Make a video. Spend a day making the video and pay for lunch, rent, lights, equipment, battery testing equipment, etc. Google ad income over one year: $300 for a medium sized channel. Do the math. Most good influencers worth their salt, the moment a product maker tries to influence content, they decline the offer.

  • @Anattiti100
    @Anattiti100 Před 24 dny +2

    Andrew PLEASE just HUG the balloon and apologize to it like a gentleman. I’m sure the balloon is very offended. Also lie some, make sure you NEVER say anything you think. People need to get a life asap.

    • @4xoverland
      @4xoverland  Před 24 dny +3

      I did hug the balloon! That's why it popped. IMO

    • @Anattiti100
      @Anattiti100 Před 24 dny

      @@4xoverland 🤣

  • @russelldold4827
    @russelldold4827 Před 24 dny

    Remember the case of United Airlines refusing to replace the guitar damaged by their employees? The guitar owner was a musician who then wrote a song about his experience, and published it on CZcams. The song went viral. United's reputation was seriously damaged by some company official refusing to make good the damage they'd caused.
    Social media has empowered the "little man" to make his case heard in the court of public opinion, and corporate interests and governments are desperately trying to put the genie back in the bottle.

  • @stevewhite939
    @stevewhite939 Před 24 dny

    If your looking for a precedent, look at what happened to the "owner" of a certain facebook page, that was started so owners of a particular, premium, up market, offroad caravan, could express or air their grievances with regard to the build quality and/or customer service experiences. Said company persued the page owners quite vigorously through legal channels, and won. That facebook page doesn’t exist anymore.

  • @jamesmcmillan2656
    @jamesmcmillan2656 Před 23 dny

    Will Prouse just took one apart and he suspects the cells were already degraded down to the 100 amp hours ( second hand?) which means the degradation process for the cells was already on the way. The build quality was terrible also.

  • @whya2ndaccount
    @whya2ndaccount Před 24 dny

    Guessing its you opinion then?
    I notice Stephan's latest video now comes with a lengthy preamble / disclosure at the start.