Pro Q

[Norcoredneck]

I went to another forum that I visit and there are a couple of threads and references to other forums about the Pro Q. Seems these folks do not like it at all. They figured it would work as well as a WSM but it doesn't. A couple of guys have modded the vents and fire pan which helped. So let the Brethren be warned.

[ComputerMike]

I bought the Frontier which only has one bottom vent. On the second cook I was ready to pretty frustrated with the thing. Once I add an extra intake or two and raise the charcoal pan it should be fine but as is its non functional. For what I paid I should have bought a WSM. It was cheaper even with a stacker but I don't think it was worth it in the long run.

[BBQ Grail]

Let's remember that a member of this forum is the creator of the ProQ. Ian is a good guy and I'm sure will eventually chime in. Constructive critiques are good and any business person will appreciate that. But as this thread moves forward can we make sure it's civil.

ComputerMike and Norco your posts are not what prompted this. I just fear for down the road.

[Smokin Gator]

I know a lot of people are looking forward to the 20 inch diameter model and for the extra section they are making for the WSM.

[Norcoredneck]

Originally Posted by trp1fox

Let's remember that a member of this forum is the creator of the ProQ. Ian is a good guy and I'm sure will eventually chime in. Constructive critiques are good and any business person will appreciate that. But as this thread moves forward can we make sure it's civil.

ComputerMike and Norco your posts are not what prompted this. I just fear for down the road.

That is what this forum is about. sharing info, good and bad. If someone makes something that people are unhappy with they should be able to voice their opinion and not have to sugar coat it. I work hard for my money and invite opinions on products. Nice to read peoples trials of new products before rushing out and buying one. Hell if Ian wants to speak up or prove his product send me one. I will be fair and everyone knows I can always use another smoker.

[Dr_KY]

The new ProQ Excel 20 has 3 air vents in the base and several other improvements. I look forward to owning one soon if my money is right.

BTW I'll be smokin on one this weekend.

[Divemaster]

Originally Posted by Norcoredneck

That is what this forum is about. sharing info, good and bad. If someone makes something that people are unhappy with they should be able to voice their opinion and not have to sugar coat it. I work hard for my money and invite opinions on products. Nice to read peoples trials of new products before rushing out and buying one.

I don't think anyone is saying that opinions have to be sugar coated... Just have to be constructive.... To complain about a product without giving an explanation is just complaining... Nothing can be done to correct the problem.

We used to get grills from Weber every year when I cooked for NASCAR. Mid season they would show up with an Eng. & Craftsman to hear our comments and what we thought could fix it. The next year the grills would be changed/modified with some (if not all) of our suggestions... It worked well.

Give an explanation as to what happened and what you did to correct it and you are not only giving a heads up to those that have not purchased the product but also a way to correct a problem for those that already have it.

Originally Posted by Norcoredneck

Hell if Ian wants to speak up or prove his product send me one. I will be fair and everyone knows I can always use another smoker.

I too am willing to throw myself at it and try it out if he wants to send me one...

[Norcoredneck]

Originally Posted by Divemaster

Give an explanation as to what happened and what you did to correct it and you are not only giving a heads up to those that have not purchased the product but also a way to correct a problem for those that already have it.

I personally don't own one but like a lot of folks here are intrigued by them. I just posted thread as a warning for people to do there own research before buying one. I would have posted links but wanted to be respectful of the Brethren rules about links to other forums.

Offer still stands, If Ian wants a skeptics honest opinion send me one! Oh yeah Divemaster also.

[Ian Mack]

Originally Posted by Norcoredneck

I went to another forum that I visit and there are a couple of threads and references to other forums about the Pro Q. Seems these folks do not like it at all. They figured it would work as well as a WSM but it doesn't. A couple of guys have modded the vents and fire pan which helped. So let the Brethren be warned.

It would be helpful for you to give us a link to the forum you mention, as I too can point you to others that have people who are happy with their units.
Let me state here, that I do appreciate any feedback on our products (good or bad) and where viably possible, will continue to improve and enhance our models. The few people that have written to me directly with suggestions, will attest to fact that we bend over backwards to make things right.
I will be the 1st to admit that the initial units we made were not perfect, the main complaint being the lack of three vents in the base... this unit was designed primarily as a smoker (to run at between 200 - 250) which it does well, I guess I forgot about the few that like to run their units at 350 +, having said that (and in aid of research) I modded one of my bases and fitted an extra 2 vents, now while this sure did improve the top end temps, I found it difficult to control and have been successfully using my "one vent" unit for the past year. Incidentally before I manufactured the units, in my research, I found that the majority of people ran their WSM's with just the one vent open.
All cookers, no matter how similar they look, behave differently and will take time to work out just what the best way is.
As we are a company that respects what their customers want (unlike other manufacturers) on our new models, we have added 2 more vents, in order to please those people that would like to run at hotter temps.

Brethren beware

[Ian Mack]

Originally Posted by Norcoredneck

I personally don't own one but like a lot of folks here are intrigued by them. I just posted thread as a warning for people to do there own research before buying one. I would have posted links but wanted to be respectful of the Brethren rules about links to other forums.

Offer still stands, If Ian wants a skeptics honest opinion send me one! Oh yeah Divemaster also.

Sheeesh dude, you don't even own one???

If I had a dollar for every person that said "send me one to test".... I wouldn't have to bust my butt trying to sell BBQ's

[Countryhb]

I don't understand why a brother of our forum would create a product and not run it through trials with this bunch.

[Ian Mack]

Originally Posted by Countryhb

I don't understand why a brother of our forum would create a product and not run it through trials with this bunch.

unfortunately I only found this fine establishment a little bit late in the process.

[CaptGrumpy]

Originally Posted by Ian Mack

unfortunately I only found this fine establishment a little bit late in the process.

Ian,
Maybe get someone that does reviews on these kinds of things do one for your product and learn from there. Try the naked Whiz, that is what the guy does and he does a fair and unbiased test. Just a thought and this way you know you are getting the full report good & bad.

[Ian Mack]

Thanks for the advice Capt, I'll look into it.
There are quite a few people (admittedly not hundreds of thousands) who use our product for competition cooking and are quite happy with the way they work... I guess it's just a case of getting used to how they operate, as like with any new cooker.
I'm not a brilliant cook, but mine does exactly what I want it to do and yes I have used a WSM before

[Countryhb]

Originally Posted by Ian Mack

unfortunately I only found this fine establishment a little bit late in the process.

I saw your start date after I posted...bummer. Maybe you can run your next test product through the board.