802 isn't one of those guys - he's just new enough to the buzz that his impressions have been tainted by the SW Oregon Frame Nazi's. Give him time, he'll figure out that NRS frames outnumber all others 10:1, even in Oregon.
With that said 802, you should PM spider and get the details on his frame. It's super nice, I've seen it up close.
You bring up an interesting point, I am one of the ones who ordered a welded frame out of Oregon because thats what I wanted and NRS may be starting to out number welded frames because the shopping demographic is different, people are scared to make decisions anymore, they are scared of buying the wrong thing, NRS is the safe play until they become a good boater, they are too scared to put faith in a professional to set them up properly . It's like going to get fitted for ski boots and getting the ones with no toes because you don't trust the guy at the shop to fit your boot and someone on the internet who has been in the sport a year says buy the toeless one then you don't have to worry about it being right."Dumbest shit I have ever heard".
I don't consider a pipe railing frame custom at all. It is more of a beginner kit for those who think they need to move bars around. If you think thats what you want go for it. I do offer this point, The guy building a high end welded frame can certainly bend simple parts and duplicate a pipe fitting frame "probably for half the cost" the pipe frame builders can't duplicate what the welded guys do that's why they are bending hoops and using allen wrenches if that gives you any insight to skill levels. A NRS style might fit the bill perfect for someone flying in, If I owned anything break down for flying or transport it would be whitewater machine works not all this heavy stuff. The frame pissing match is so old. You can sit on here all day long and read BS. Call around and talk to people, I did and didn't end up with a frame from the general consensus so I skipped the step of having to sell all my stuff and upgrade.
You will notice something about this place, these guys aren't looking out for your best interests of what would work for you. They will never throw every builder out there for you to contact and make your own decision.They have a hardon about making a certain builders life miserable and trying to keep people from buying from him, it's a sick little game they play. If they keep you out of a nice custom frame they win. If you buy one you have a nicer frame and point goes to the other team. Don't let people play your ass think for yourself whatever you choose. I sent you a link to a couple other places these guys won't help you with.
