|
broganadams
Deleted
Sep 20, 2001, 11:41 PM
Post #1 of 15
(1898 views)
Shortcut
Registered:
Posts:
|
I would like eveybody to list the best and worst shops in your area. My best shops in Portland, Oregon are Climb Max and Next Adventure. The worst store in Portland is The US Out Door Store. Next adventure is the coolest new and used store I have ever found. I have bought $100 60meter ropes and $25 cams and they were all new. They have used tents and snow shoes and stuff that are really cheap.
|
|
|
|
|
krillen
Sep 20, 2001, 11:45 PM
Post #2 of 15
(1898 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jul 19, 2001
Posts: 4769
|
Hamilton/Burlington/Oakville Ontario Canada
best - Adventure Attic - Hamilton
- MEC - Toronto
wrost - Hiker's Haven - Oakville
|
|
|
|
|
compclimber
Sep 20, 2001, 11:45 PM
Post #3 of 15
(1898 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jun 22, 2001
Posts: 683
|
Mountain Miser then Bent Gate Mountaineering
Mountain miser is really awesome and the staff is totally low pressure. But Bent Gate is also really nice they just arent as big....I always feel like I'm going to knock something over in there.
|
|
|
|
|
aulwes
Sep 21, 2001, 12:43 AM
Post #4 of 15
(1898 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jun 26, 2001
Posts: 703
|
Galyans in Kansas City Has a terrible selection of gear, but I do like that they donate lots of money to the Access Fund.
|
|
|
|
|
talons05
Sep 21, 2001, 12:53 AM
Post #5 of 15
(1898 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Aug 23, 2001
Posts: 1435
|
For Fayetteville, AR:
Best: Lewis & Clark Outfitters, sincerely nice people, huge and exciting store. Also, Uncle Sam's Safari Outfitters, cool climbing/mil-surplus/camping/backpack, etc. Friendly staff.
Worst: Pack Rat Outdoors, cool store, but the staff are snobs and treat you like dirt if you're not one of their friends.
|
|
|
|
|
downshift
Sep 21, 2001, 2:03 AM
Post #6 of 15
(1898 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Aug 1, 2001
Posts: 589
|
I have to agree with Krillen with MEC being decent. I've never been fond of Adventure Attic though but in there defence I haven't been there in a while and it might be better now. I really have to agree Hiker's Haven is pathetic for anything climbing related.
[ This Message was edited by: downshift on 2001-09-20 19:04 ]
|
|
|
|
|
kriso9tails
Sep 21, 2001, 3:39 AM
Post #7 of 15
(1898 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jul 1, 2001
Posts: 7772
|
Adventure Attic carries some things that most other store won't, eg. 5.10 dragons. The only problem is that they don't have the volume to place priority orders, but for a local store (8 minute walk for me) they have fulfilled my needs often enough.
MEC is alright, but they're often disorganized, and some of their staff are not exactly knowledgable, although that seems to be the case at alot of stores in this area. They definitely have more selection than most other stores, so there is a certain convenience in that.
|
|
|
|
|
nikegirl
Sep 21, 2001, 6:10 AM
Post #8 of 15
(1898 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Sep 2, 2001
Posts: 5662
|
I have to say that the Portland US Outdoor store is a thorn in my side. Attitude. Will never go there again!!!!:x OMC was the greatest experience! Friendly, REI, also one of my favorites,with past snow boarding knowledge and patient, always a good call.
[ This Message was edited by: broganadams on 2001-09-20 23:21 ]
|
|
|
|
|
downshift
Sep 21, 2001, 3:23 PM
Post #9 of 15
(1898 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Aug 1, 2001
Posts: 589
|
kriso9tails:
It's good to hear Adventure Attic has turned around. I may have to go in and give it a second look.
|
|
|
|
|
krillen
Sep 21, 2001, 4:58 PM
Post #10 of 15
(1898 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jul 19, 2001
Posts: 4769
|
Kris & Down Shift:
John O. at Adventure Attic is really personable and knowledgable. He doesn't have enough selection, true, but he also doesn't have as much demand as MEC. And now with MEC having free shipping in Can. he's going to feel it. MEC doesn't have that personable feel though...some of the employees They come off as...distant. not all, just some.
|
|
|
|
|
wigglestick
Sep 21, 2001, 5:30 PM
Post #11 of 15
(1898 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jul 27, 2001
Posts: 1235
|
In addition to compclimbers selections I would have to say neptune mountaineering is pretty good. Kind of gucci prices but if you are looking for something exotic, they are the most likely to have it. PLus they have a pretty good library and lots of cool nostalgia.
|
|
|
|
|
rck_climber
Sep 21, 2001, 6:13 PM
Post #12 of 15
(1898 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Aug 28, 2001
Posts: 1010
|
Here in the Springs (My opinion only):
Best: Grand West Outfitters. Excellent selection for climbing and just about anything else you can think of, and good, courteous, knowledgeable sales people.
Also, a little hole-in-the-wall shop, Mountain Chalet. They have a surprisingly good selection of gear and the people can't be beat in knowledge and customer service.
Worst: REI. Perhaps it's just a local thing, or becuase they're the big, bad corporate giant on the block, but their climbing department is anemic with just a few shoes to choose from and a couple crappy harnesses. The prices are high and the sales staff is not knowlegeable on any of the products the sell - and that's IF you can grab one long enough to ask a question.
Again, just my opinions and observations.
Talons05, what do you think?
Mick
|
|
|
|
|
wigglestick
Sep 21, 2001, 6:19 PM
Post #13 of 15
(1898 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jul 27, 2001
Posts: 1235
|
If you ever go to the REI flagship in denver go down the street a ways and hit wilderness exchange unlimited instead.(www.wildernessexchangeunlimited.com) they have killer deals on factory second merchandise from CCH, metolius, and BD as well as others. Some of the stuff is so CHEAP! Not a huge selection but good prices on all kind of outdoor gear.
|
|
|
|
|
munckee
Sep 21, 2001, 9:06 PM
Post #14 of 15
(1898 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Aug 28, 2001
Posts: 455
|
I visited Grand west Outfitters in C-Springs this past summer and ended up walking out with $500 worth of stuff. Their sales were fantastic and their staff was very helpful. Neptune mountaineering in Boulder blew me away with their selection, especially on climbing shoes, but the staff wasn't quite as nice. Sort of the "if they don't know you, they don't talk to you" type of thing.
As for here in St. Louis, we have jack for outdoor stores. We just got an REI which has terrible selection, but nice employees. So far, my favorite for climbing gear specifically is the pro shop at the Upper Limits gym. Staff is hit or miss depending on whether you get the annying college student climber or the upper staff members, but selection is good and price is competetive. My least favorite here in town is the Alpine shop. Crappy selection, terrible service, and a long drive. I quit going there after I called to inquire about selections before making the 20 min drive and then arrived to find that they didn't have what they said they did.
|
|
|
|
|
climber_girl
Sep 26, 2001, 11:56 PM
Post #15 of 15
(1898 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Sep 2, 2001
Posts: 216
|
MEC is my all time favorite placs. There are a couple of other places around here but they are just rewally really price. for ex. at mec they have a dmm boa auto-locking for $18 at Trackn'trail-$28!! thats a little expensive for me. So i think i will just stay with mec. the worst places are Trackn'trail and definatley no hands down KUALANE MOUNTAINEERING!! it totally blows a$$@!
|
|
|
|
|
|
