Here is my Gateway tale of woe:
We finally got approval to install an 18-hole course at a local county park. I spent 6 months working on the design. It was my first solo design and was going to be the "premier" DGC in our area. I took 6 months because :
1. It was my first. Some body was lamenting that any rumdum can design a course. It seems like that is the case, and I was cognizant of that, so I took my time. I have the skills of a 930 player, but the mind of a 1030.
2. I am a bit of a perfectionist
3. I love this sport. I wanted other local players to see the sport that I love for what it is and not what the other local course offered (look up Capaha Park in Cape Girardeau, MO. It is inherently the most unsafe course I have ever played)
4. Because it is located in a park, safety was the main concern. It was tested repeatedly, wind patterns looked at, etc. I did not want to lay an egg my first time out, as this was-to my eyes- a huge honor, responsibility, and chance to give to my community. I made no monet from it, and probablyput close to $1K of my own money into it. dats luv.
When it came time to order baskets, Gateway seemed like a no brainer. A local disc golf company- what could be better? Here we are with a big bag of money asking if we could give it to them for some baskets. I was told that Dave would need final approval on the design, would need a Co-design credit, and a designers fee or they would not sell to us.
So, no Gateway. Probably never will use their baskets after that. I have established good working relationships with other companies since them. As a disc retailer, I have also had some issues with them on that side of things, but that is another story.
After all that, I will give them their due. They make damn fine putter, for sure. Also, my personal baskets are all Titans and I would not want to change to a different set of baskets.