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Old 07-13-2009, 09:57 PM   #1
ducatiduane
 
the chemist's Avatar
 
Joined: Feb 2007
From: Cheney

I Ride: but not on the street.
VholdR rant/rave
So I bought a VholdR about two weeks ago and was excited to get some on track video. I finally got to test it out this weekend at Nesba. Well, Saturday I recorded two sessions before I had a mechanical that put me out for the day. Got the video off the camera and was ready to go for sunday. After recording two sessions sunday morning I decided to put them on my computer and wipe the memory. I go out for the third session and I'm following Moaka (who's on a motard). Getting really good footage of him sliding it into 3, 9, 2, etc. After about 5 laps we come out of turn two and he sticks his foot out. I move over slightly and see something laying in the middle of the track. WTF? That looks like a camera...so I look down to my mount and guess what...there is no camera there. I pull off and tell the marshal, go pick it up after the session...the attaching velcro came undone in the middle of the session and my camera fell off....blowing apart. I was a little mad about losing the footage and the brand new camera. Yea...four sessions out of it before the stupid thing fell off.....

So today, I email VholdR telling them what happened and asking if there was anything we could do. I expect them to say that they're sorry but there's nothing they could do since its not a proven flaw etc etc. MAYBE get one for a discount


Instead, I get an email that basically says "we will of course cover it under the warranty. email us your full name, address, phone number and serial number and we'll get the exchange started. "

Just wanted to let everyone know, because I dont think I've ever got such great customer service. Of course, I havent actually gotten the exchange yet. But, I feel its defiantly worth letting people know about.


My recommendations to ANYONE on the fence about a camera from VholdR
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Old 07-13-2009, 10:00 PM   #2
Pit Crew
 
ChrisMag's Avatar
 
Joined: Apr 2009
From: Portland, OR

I Ride: 2007 KTM Super Duke
I had a defective one. Their service was very good.

Recommend next time looping the leash through something fixed to the bike, just in case.


By the way, I tested the Contour HD clips (both 720p and the 60fps SD mode) with Premiere Elements 7 and also (via a friend who works for Adobe) Premiere Pro 4 (CS4?), and the H.264 files seem to edit fine.

You can get Premiere Elements 7 on Amazon for $63.00.
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Last edited by ChrisMag; 07-13-2009 at 10:04 PM..
 
Old 07-13-2009, 10:03 PM   #3
ducatiduane
 
the chemist's Avatar
 
Joined: Feb 2007
From: Cheney

I Ride: but not on the street.
“ Quote:
Originally Posted by ChrisMag View Post
I had a defective one. Their service was very good.

Recommend next time looping the leash through something fixed to the bike, just in case.
Yea, thought about that afterward. The only problem is there's nothing near my mount to loop it through. Figured ill just drill two holes in the bodywork, put a zip tie through and then put the leash around that.
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Old 07-13-2009, 10:04 PM   #4
Moderator
 
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Joined: Mar 2008
From: Roseburg, OR

I Ride: to be determined
Wow. That's awesome. I'm very happy with mine.
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Old 07-13-2009, 10:10 PM   #5
WMRRA Qualifier
 
88dx's Avatar
 
Joined: Jan 2008
From: Bellingham

I Ride: On the sidewalk
Did you find anyway to cut down on the wind noise? I only used mine 3 times but even with 4 layers of tape all I can hear is wind at speed.

http://www.vholdr.com/node/34691
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Old 07-13-2009, 10:18 PM   #6
Pit Crew
 
ChrisMag's Avatar
 
Joined: Apr 2009
From: Portland, OR

I Ride: 2007 KTM Super Duke
“ Quote:
Originally Posted by 88dx View Post
Did you find anyway to cut down on the wind noise? I only used mine 3 times but even with 4 layers of tape all I can hear is wind at speed.

http://www.vholdr.com/node/34691
I think I read that the firmware update improves it, perhaps via less mic gain. I noticed my replacement is super insensitive.
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Old 07-13-2009, 10:54 PM   #7
MotoGP Contender
 
rowlex's Avatar
 
Joined: Apr 2006
From: everett

I Ride: 01 929RR
you said the velcro came off? so did the double sided tape mount stay on? When I installed mine i attached the tether cord to that mount.
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Old 07-13-2009, 11:09 PM   #8
OOk
beansbaxter is too lazy to come up with something but he will get to it, eventually...
 
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Joined: Sep 2005
From: kerklund
Blog Entries: 31
“ Quote:
Originally Posted by the chemist View Post
.so I look down to my mount and guess what...there is no camera there. I pull off and tell the marshal, go pick it up after the session...the attaching velcro came undone in the middle of the session and my camera fell off....blowing apart.
Duct tape, bro. It's a cameraman's safety wire. Srsly. I always have 1 or 2 roll's in the pits with me. Everything I put on the bike is double duct taped.
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Old 07-13-2009, 11:11 PM   #9
Superbiker
 
coastiepete's Avatar
 
Joined: Apr 2007
From: Port Angeles WA

I Ride: 2007 ZX-10R SE, 2005 450 EXC, 1980 GS750 Cafe Project
That's cool they took care of you. As i have been thinking about getting one, i was wondering how you think it would hold up in the sand? like while riding the dunes?
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Old 07-13-2009, 11:21 PM   #10
Endorsed
 
Heavenz11's Avatar
 
Joined: Apr 2008
From: Puyallup, WA

I Ride: mongoose
WTF? I didn't see Moaka riding a motard! damn it i Missed it! lol.. who's bike did he use? oh and sorry about your camera
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Old 07-13-2009, 11:33 PM   #11
Training Wheels
 
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Joined: Apr 2009
From: Whistler BC
Their customer service is amazing, probably some of the best I have seen of any company. I had problems with mine and they sent me a brand new one and I havent even opened the box yet, still has the factory seal on it. Anyone want to buy it? It's not the latest HD version but the one prior to that.
I am in BC Canada....
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Old 07-14-2009, 12:03 AM   #12
GixxerTek
 
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Joined: Apr 2006
From: Tacoma

I Ride: 2 Race Types and 1 Tard @ NESBA Events
“ Quote:
Originally Posted by the chemist View Post
So I bought a VholdR about two weeks ago and was excited to get some on track video. I finally got to test it out this weekend at Nesba after I installed it.
Hmm

fixed for you!!!!

So they warranty you installing something huh?

Maybe Yoshimura will warranty that muffler of yours also.
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Old 07-14-2009, 01:02 AM   #13
MotoGP Contender
 
Avboden's Avatar
 
Joined: Oct 2007
From: Pullman/Spokane, Wa

I Ride: 2007 BMW F800S
“ Quote:
Originally Posted by ChrisMag View Post

You can get Premiere Elements 7 on Amazon for $63.00.
I just puked in my mouth a little. Tell me your joking about using that program?
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Old 07-14-2009, 07:24 AM   #14
Retired
 
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Joined: Jun 2006
From: Federal Way

I Ride: KTM Supermoto, Plated YZ426 Supermoto, 74 Suzuki GT250 Hustler, Yamaha GT80
Very cool. Great news!
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Old 07-14-2009, 07:57 AM   #15
Superbiker
 
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Joined: Mar 2006
From: Marysville, Wa

I Ride: better than him^^some day
“ Quote:
Originally Posted by the chemist View Post
Figured ill just drill two holes in the bodywork, put a zip tie through and then put the leash around that.
We did that from the get go, to avoid your exact problem. Glad they are taking care of you.
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Old 07-14-2009, 08:13 AM   #16
WMRRA Qualifier
 
wsmc831's Avatar
 
Joined: Jan 2008
From: Los Gatos

I Ride: TL-s, KTM 300, 690 Duke
Three of us bought ContourHD's for a long trip a couple weeks back, they come with a clip link on a string to prevent this from happening.
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Old 07-14-2009, 08:21 AM   #17
Superbiker
 
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Joined: Mar 2008
From: Seattle, WA
Sorry dood. I hope this isn't my fault showing you how to disconnect and rotate the inner mount from the outer. Frankly, I am amazed they warrantied that for you. Another thumbs up. As others have said, tether to the mount/bike and duct tape. As you saw, I did away with using the mounts altogether and went the foam plus duct tape approach. Worked very well on one camera. On the other.....

So, I bought two of these and have been trialing the first one for two weeks with growing concern. I was getting absolutely terrible video capture. For two weeks I thought it was a combination of my poor mounting skills and their dodgy mount. On Saturday, I said F it and duct taped (with foam for vibration damping) both to the bike and went out. Well, my batteries died pretty quickly but the footage I did get showed fantastic footage (relatively speaking) on the camera I hadn't used yet, and shitty footage on the one I had been trialing.

Long story "short", VoldR told me this morning they were happy to replace the dodgy camera under warranty based on the footage I uploaded. Sweet. Very happy with their post-sale support so far.

I also learned a lesson about gearing at PR on Saturday. I was tapped out at ~163ish (according to gearing calcs not speedo) on the front straight. Tons more torque though

“ Quote:
Originally Posted by GixxerTek View Post
Maybe Yoshimura will warranty that muffler of yours also.


Next time remember to put the stuffing in the turkey before sewing it up.
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Old 07-14-2009, 09:02 AM   #18
Pit Crew
 
raephell's Avatar
 
Joined: Mar 2008
From: Seattle

I Ride: Suzuki GSX-R600K7
Wow...must have been a day for camera's falling off! My gopro randomly just fell off that day. I so wish i was recording when it did. Stayed on all the way from albertsons in north seattle to new castle (suction cup mount lower front facing back) and then on the way down the hill to the beach it just fell off. I happen to see my buddy behind me pull over and it didn't even cross my mind until i saw him holding it. Just a scratch, still works
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Old 07-14-2009, 11:00 AM   #19
Newbie
 
makotosun's Avatar
 
Joined: Jun 2009
From: Longview, WA

I Ride: Honda Magna, Honda Valkyrie, Yamaha DT400, CT70 - Really!
“ Quote:
Originally Posted by OOk View Post
Duct tape, bro. It's a cameraman's safety wire. Srsly. I always have 1 or 2 roll's in the pits with me. Everything I put on the bike is double duct taped.
Another choice with less residue on your paint is Gaffers Tape. It is the stuff that pro camera folks use by the case.

Gaffer's Tape

Available in a variety of colors too
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Old 07-14-2009, 11:32 AM   #20
Slow Eric
 
eric's Avatar
 
Joined: Mar 2006
From: Seattle
Blog Entries: 6

I Ride: Street: Bike #1 Track: Bike #2
I had one fly off my bike at well over 100mph and it bounced down the road for about 1/4 mile. I lost the memory card and battery but it still worked.
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Old 07-14-2009, 12:29 PM   #21
ducatiduane
 
the chemist's Avatar
 
Joined: Feb 2007
From: Cheney

I Ride: but not on the street.
“ Quote:
Originally Posted by GixxerTek View Post
Hmm

fixed for you!!!!

So they warranty you installing something huh?

Maybe Yoshimura will warranty that muffler of yours also.
hey, i had it installed well before the track
and it wasn't the instal they were covering. because the actual mount is still on the bike. there is a connector between the mount and the actual camera, that the camera slides onto and then velcros onto the mount. that is what came off.

“ Quote:
Originally Posted by vagrant View Post
Sorry dood. I hope this isn't my fault showing you how to disconnect and rotate the inner mount from the outer. Frankly, I am amazed they warrantied that for you.

Next time remember to put the stuffing in the turkey before sewing it up.
I'm thinking it had a lot to do with how much my bike vibrates. So no, its not your fault for showing me lol. And yea, I was very surprised as well.

Hey, when you cook thanksgiving for the first time, you gotta learn by trial and error. Sometimes the turkey gets burnt...so next time you know how to fix it
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Old 07-14-2009, 11:30 PM   #22
WMRRA Qualifier
 
88dx's Avatar
 
Joined: Jan 2008
From: Bellingham

I Ride: On the sidewalk
what do you guys use to edit your vids?
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Old 07-15-2009, 01:06 AM   #23
McLovin'
 
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Joined: Sep 2007
From: PDX.....Tempe?

I Ride: faster than Djoplin riding 1-up
“ Quote:
Originally Posted by 88dx View Post
what do you guys use to edit your vids?
I'm using a 30-day free trial of V9.0 Sony Vegas (per a recommendation from vholdr forum), and have been really pleased with it so far.
Seems like one of those programs where the BASICS (i.e., adding music, chopping/splicing vids, fast forward/slow-mo, subtitles, transition effects) are really easy to do, but there's a bunch of more advanced options for those who are uber-geek.
The biggest draw to this program, from what i can gather, is that it's designed specifically FOR editing HD videos, so there's relatively minimal loss during the conversion process. I can't tell the difference on a widescreen TV from my "processed" clips and the HD originals..

BTW I did a 1/2 trackday today with PSSR, and took a gamble on "The Wind Noise Problem" by actually mounting my ContourHD.....
.
.
.
..
in the ram air intake.

Result?
BEST audio I've ever gotten out of this unit at speed
I'll have a video up later today (Wed.), but seriously the audio kicked ass. I'm still kinda dumbfounded. All I did was put 1 layer of electrical tape over the mic hole, then mounted 'er smack dab in the middle of my intake...!
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Old 07-15-2009, 01:06 AM   #24
Pit Crew
 
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Joined: Apr 2009
From: Portland, OR

I Ride: 2007 KTM Super Duke
“ Quote:
Originally Posted by Avboden View Post
I just puked in my mouth a little. Tell me your joking about using that program?
I use Production Studio, but I did play with the trial version of Elements 7, and I liked it. have you tried it, or are you basing your opinion on the original version (which did suck balls)?
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Old 07-15-2009, 08:44 AM   #25
WMRRA Qualifier
 
wsmc831's Avatar
 
Joined: Jan 2008
From: Los Gatos

I Ride: TL-s, KTM 300, 690 Duke
I tried Vegas Pro, was much more than I needed. Cyberlink Power Director fit the bill as it does AVHC which my handheld HD cam is, still does the ContourHD just fine. Less than 100 bucks...but you better have a serious PC to handle editing HD.
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Old 07-15-2009, 12:15 PM   #26
McLovin'
 
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Joined: Sep 2007
From: PDX.....Tempe?

I Ride: faster than Djoplin riding 1-up
HERE IS THE VIDEO


that i was talking about, shot yesterday at PIR.
please ignore my shitty clutchless upshifts, still learning....
great audio for being mounted in the ram air intake, IMO!!
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Old 07-15-2009, 12:48 PM   #27
Superbiker
 
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Joined: Mar 2008
From: Seattle, WA
Amazing sound MCA. Would you mind posting a pic of the mount setup?
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Old 07-16-2009, 12:05 AM   #28
McLovin'
 
MCA8690's Avatar
 
Joined: Sep 2007
From: PDX.....Tempe?

I Ride: faster than Djoplin riding 1-up
“ Quote:
Originally Posted by vagrant View Post
Amazing sound MCA. Would you mind posting a pic of the mount setup?


All i got from the day, and ya gotta squint.
Again, I just mounted it in the ram air intake via 3M adhesive mount, zip-tied to ram air "grill."
Piece of electrical tape covering the mic hole, as well.

Please note that it's a ContourHD.
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Old 08-06-2009, 02:19 AM   #29
ducatiduane
 
the chemist's Avatar
 
Joined: Feb 2007
From: Cheney

I Ride: but not on the street.
so a couple days ago i got my box from vholdr. (took so long due to me forgetting to ship it out). I told them "the battery was destroyed and the card fell out...i plan on buying new ones" because they asked me to ship those back with the camera. they told me that it wouldnt be a problem. so i open my package today expecting to get a new/fixed camera. no.

new everything. battery, memory card, camera, 3m adhesive mount. brand new sealed package. vholdr is amazing.
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Old 08-06-2009, 02:31 AM   #30
Picture Whore
 
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Joined: Apr 2008
From: TACOMA / 253

I Ride: my bikes...and all my friends bikes lately
and ur up past ur bed time.


reported
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Old 08-10-2009, 11:51 AM   #31
Superbiker
 
odin544's Avatar
 
Joined: Apr 2007
From: Kennewick, Washington

I Ride: '08 Ducati 848 street , '03 R6 race (for sale), '07 R6 race
“ Quote:
Originally Posted by the chemist View Post
so a couple days ago i got my box from vholdr. (took so long due to me forgetting to ship it out). I told them "the battery was destroyed and the card fell out...i plan on buying new ones" because they asked me to ship those back with the camera. they told me that it wouldnt be a problem. so i open my package today expecting to get a new/fixed camera. no.

new everything. battery, memory card, camera, 3m adhesive mount. brand new sealed package. vholdr is amazing.
Glad to see they took care of you. I'll be contacting them today about the same thing. I lost 2 ContourHD's this weekend. Lost the first one in Saturdays race. I had the tether attached though so it just skipped around on the pavement through every corner. I'm amazed I wasn't black flagged. But I didn't notice it had come off the mount. Then I mounted a brand new one on the tail of my bike and it came off in practice Sunday. I safety wired and duct taped another new one on for the race Sunday and didnt have an issue. I did see how Mike M had his mounted though. Very good idea. Using the goggle mount and zip tie it to the bike. No velcro to fail! With the way they slide onto the mount I dont see the need for the velcro in the first place?
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Old 08-10-2009, 01:39 PM   #32
Zone Head
 
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Joined: Apr 2007
From: Mukilteo, WA

I Ride: with a kneedown on my Assault Bike.
“ Quote:
Originally Posted by odin544 View Post
Glad to see they took care of you. I'll be contacting them today about the same thing. I lost 2 ContourHD's this weekend. Lost the first one in Saturdays race. I had the tether attached though so it just skipped around on the pavement through every corner. I'm amazed I wasn't black flagged. But I didn't notice it had come off the mount. Then I mounted a brand new one on the tail of my bike and it came off in practice Sunday. I safety wired and duct taped another new one on for the race Sunday and didnt have an issue. I did see how Mike M had his mounted though. Very good idea. Using the goggle mount and zip tie it to the bike. No velcro to fail! With the way they slide onto the mount I dont see the need for the velcro in the first place?
Ahhhh so that was YOU?! I heard about that. I got there late, but I guess you were a topic of discussion at the riders meeting...


Any cool video to show for it?
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Old 08-16-2009, 06:53 PM   #33
Superbiker
 
odin544's Avatar
 
Joined: Apr 2007
From: Kennewick, Washington

I Ride: '08 Ducati 848 street , '03 R6 race (for sale), '07 R6 race
“ Quote:
Originally Posted by evil_dave View Post
Ahhhh so that was YOU?! I heard about that. I got there late, but I guess you were a topic of discussion at the riders meeting...


Any cool video to show for it?
Nope, lost the battery and SD card. I didn't hear it mentioned at the riders meeting? oh wait I showed up a few minutes late for Sundays meeting too. It sure wont happen again though. I don't trust their mounts anymore.

I cant seem to get anyone from VholdR to contact me about it.
No reply to emails or phone calls.
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Old 08-18-2009, 08:40 AM   #34
Zone Head
 
motostunter's Avatar
 
Joined: Aug 2006
From: Portland, Or (Bethany)

I Ride: 03 636
After reading this thread, I decided to hook the leash for my Vholdr to my fairing, and pur a zip tie through the clip. Well, the camera fell off of the mount while at the track. No worries, I had it mounted to the fairing, and a zip tie through the clip right? Wrong, the clip broke! Now, my camera is laying somewhere around PIR, with some good video of me dicing it up with an R1. Guess it is time to get the contourHD
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Old 08-18-2009, 09:22 AM   #35
Pit Crew
 
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Joined: Aug 2008
From: Medford, OR

I Ride: my 2006 CBR600RR like a friggin pansy
I have a method I used on a friend's vholdr that ELIMINATES wind noise, and won't cost more than $3 or so. I bought a chunk of felt like you would see on a subwoofer box, wrapped the entire camera, save for the lens, mounting slot, and on/off controls, and electrical taped it all on there. Looks kinda goofy, but it works great. I'll try and upload a pic or video.
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Old 08-18-2009, 09:30 AM   #36
Training Wheels
 
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Joined: May 2009
From: Vancouver, WA

I Ride: 2007 Suzuki GSX-R600 K7 Matte Black/Black
I heard similar stories about the VholdR customer service. They take care of their customers. I know which camera I am going to buy next. VholdR ContourHD for sure.
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Old 08-18-2009, 12:09 PM   #37
Superbiker
 
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Joined: Apr 2007
From: Kennewick, Washington

I Ride: '08 Ducati 848 street , '03 R6 race (for sale), '07 R6 race
I finally got ahold of their customer service yesterday. They asked me to send some pics of the camera and said it would probably just be replaced. So now I'm just waiting for them to figure out what they want to do.
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Old 08-21-2009, 01:03 AM   #38
Superbiker
 
odin544's Avatar
 
Joined: Apr 2007
From: Kennewick, Washington

I Ride: '08 Ducati 848 street , '03 R6 race (for sale), '07 R6 race
well 3 days and no word from VholdR. I guess I'll be spending my time tomorrow trying to call them since they cant do what they say they will do. Pretty piss poor customer service if you ask me.
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