Many equate Orvis with the rather recent advent of big-box stores dominating retailing. I find it hard to believe that some people have disdain for an American Company that has been in business selling fly-fishing and outdoor gear for over 150 years. A company-owned Orvis store is right in my neighborhood, and I buy some stuff from them, mostly when I find a sale. IMO, they have some good stuff and not so good stuff, and tend to be overpriced on some of their merchandise, but most FF stuff is overpriced.
The one thing about Orvis is that many independent fly shops carry Orvis brand merchandise and sell it for the same price as Orvis does, unlike Cabela’s or Bass Pro shops which directly compete with the fly shops with their proprietary store brands as well as selling all name-brand merchandise.
I try to buy good stuff that will perform well and last a long time, and I try to buy it for best price possible. I’ve found from experience that buying decent stuff that performs well, lasts, and has a good warranty that is backed up by the retailer, is in the long run the most economical. Also, with that being said, the highest priced stuff is not always the best stuff. Sometimes Orvis stuff fits the bill, sometimes not.
I suppose someone driving a Lexus or BMW would cause some people to have the same reaction. I really don’t care what other people drive, or what brand of FF stuff they use, but I am sometimes puzzled by why people care about such things. BTW, for those that do care, I drive a Toyota truck (I also have a ’90 Chevy pick-up in my driveway) fish mostly Sage rods, and have an Orvis vest pack and waders– they perform well, last a long time, are backed up by the manufacturer, and I got them for the best price possible.