April 2026

XStem Project Update

Where Things Stand

The last update covered ISO validation and the fork in the road between a small-batch US run and a larger production effort at a lower price point.

Since then, I've been deep in sourcing conversations. CNC shops in Oklahoma, New Hampshire, the UK, and Taiwan. Anodizing, laser etching, hardware, packaging. Every conversation taught me something, and several of those relationships will matter down the road.

But here's what it comes down to.

Every alternative path improves one variable while resetting others. Better unit pricing, but new tooling. Closer shop, but unproven process. Overseas volume, but months of lead time.

And the big one: any new manufacturing partner means the parts go through ISO validation and rider testing again. From scratch. That's not a shortcut. That's a restart.

The supply chain behind the current prototypes has been vetted. The parts have been tested. The results are documented. That work is done and it counts for something.

So rather than chase a better number on paper and push the timeline out indefinitely, I'm moving forward with what's proven.

What's Next

I'm opening a pre-order for the first production run.

The details, including pricing, deposit structure, and batch size, are coming in the next email. If you raised your hand in the Facebook groups or sent me a message directly, you'll hear from me directly before the public announcement.

This isn't a Kickstarter. There's no stretch goal. It's straightforward: if there's enough committed interest to justify the run, production starts. If there isn't, I'll know the answer and can plan accordingly.

More soon.

- Bruce