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View Full Version : REI is the flippin HEAT


Eagle5US
06-08-2005, 09:34
Gotta love being back in the land of woods and streams.
REI's flagship store is right up the road (45 mi) in Seattle, WA. We have been up there 3 of the last 4 days spending oddles of green noodles :D
These bubbas are all about one thing-getting you out from in front of the TV and into the woodline / river / cliff face etc.

The missus took her first climbing class (Women's intro to climbing) on their 60 foot indoor spire and the instruction was by chick rock hounds that were on target. Instruciton was high quality, technical terms were minimized, 1 instructor for 3 student, 9 students in the class. Gear was provided-2.5 hours of class was only $25. She takes improvement to climbing techniques in two weeks and we signed our daughter up for the "intro to Kids Climbing" this weekend.

They have a "Gear Garage" where I spent HOURS. This is the "I wore it / used it / cooked with it / slept in it and now I want my money back for it" place. Picked up some ASOLO leather boots (that retailed upstairs for $309) for $66.50 :eek: . They looked brand new, return tag said "Purchaser changed mind" SCORE!!! :lifter

Their return policy is 100% satisfaction for the lifetime of the product, or they will replace it. There was ALL AGES and wear condition of products in their gear garage which attested to the validity of their policy. I asked the (rather "grunged" poneytailed clerk) about the gear return, he told me that REI leaves the ethical part on the customer and just takes the stuff back. Pretty amazing in this day and age.

Kimberly is now going to be doing the rock thing-we bought harnesses, shoes, biners, ATC and a myriad of other "climbing stuffs"-so anyany of you knuckles out there with spare (safe) climbing gear laying around that you aren't using-shoot me a price and I'll see if I can make some room in your garage :D

Eagle

AngelsSix
06-08-2005, 18:41
Eagle,

sounds like you are all going to have some fun this summer. I am tossing the idea of getting a kayak around myself. I can't jump/run or hike much anymore, both my knees and my ankles are just giving out (osterporosis?) and I need to find some low impact but outdoor stuff to do. The nearest REI outlet here is a two hour drive to Raleigh, grrr..........

Brother Rat
06-08-2005, 21:07
REI Seattle's always had their stuff together. Do they still have the mountain biking trail around the outside?

Eagle5US
06-08-2005, 21:43
Do they still have the mountain biking trail around the outside?
If they do, I haven't seen it...yet :D

Eagle

pulque
06-09-2005, 16:03
Gotta love being back in the land of woods and streams.
REI's flagship store is right up the road (45 mi) in Seattle, WA.

Eagle, Thanks for reminding me about what I do love about Seattle. I am looking for occupations this summer, and rock-climbing may have just made the list.

RLK
06-11-2005, 10:12
EMS offers comparable products, usually cheaper.

You might want to give 'em a look.

Eagle5US
06-11-2005, 10:15
EMS offers comparable products, usually cheaper.

You might want to give 'em a look.
I have 2 EMS packs and bought a set of ASOLO's from them.
Their customer service hasn't stacked well for me though.

Eagle

RLK
06-11-2005, 10:38
The people you get on the horn when you call CS usually fall into the brain donor/air thief category regardless of where you call. ;)

As an aside, how do you like your kicks? I've got a pair of boot made by a company called Crispi that are about to go Tango Uniform. I don't think I'll be able to find a stateside replacement for them so I've been looking at Asolo and Raichle pretty hard.

Eagle5US
06-11-2005, 11:04
As an aside, how do you like your kicks? I've got a pair of boot made by a company called Crispi that are about to go Tango Uniform. I don't think I'll be able to find a stateside replacement for them so I've been looking at Asolo and Raichle pretty hard.
I have two pair of ASOLO's, 1 pair of Raichle's, and a pair of Vasque's. Wife has a pair of Raichle's as well.
Tremendous footgear on all counts.
This latest pair of ASOLO's is by far the most comfortable for me (so far). If I would have paid full price, I would have been satisfied.
My Vasque's are the oldest at 12 years-the intereior of the heelcup has worn through and the boots look like hell, but the otershell and gore-tex is still intact and doing great.
The Raichle's are also ver strong boots, though a bit stiffer through the break in process-they will certainly last me many years :lifter

Eagle

RLK
06-11-2005, 11:18
Thanks, 'preciate the review. I've been leaning towards the Raichles, mostly because I know more people that have them. I bought a pair of Vasque
Calderas from REI. 2 mo. later and they're puppy fodder. No lie. Just light wear and tear.

Now the big chore. Pulling out my credit card and swallowing the price bullet.

Brother Rat
06-29-2005, 11:34
My Vasques are seven years old and still going strong.