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Best place to buy rock climbing gear without paying an arm and a leg

Original Post
Lucas W · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2013 · Points: 30

Hey i've just started getting into rock climbing and decided it's time to buy my own gear. I'm wondering where the best place to buy gear is (preferably online sites/stores). I'm looking for good reliable gear that's resonably priced, and it doesn't have to be the newest model or most expensive since i'm just a poor college student. Also this might be off topic but i'm also looking for some good guidebooks (i'm talking about paperbooks not downloadable books/apps since I don't have a smartphone). Any recomendations or thoughts for any of the above is greatly appreciated.

Ian Stewart · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2010 · Points: 155

Moosejaw.com price matches and gives reward points even on price-matched items.

Backcountry has phenomenal service, will usually price match even though they don't advertise it, and they don't charge tax in CO (which is why I usually use them).

Aside from that, all online stores are pretty much the same.

As for the guidebooks, you'll need to specify WHERE you're wanting to climb.

Brendan Blanchard · · Boulder, CO · Joined Oct 2010 · Points: 590

Check mountain project's "Dirtbag Deals" on the right side of the home screen for starters. Google shopping will help you look as well.

For names, I'll start the list. Basically, go with whatever is cheapest.

backcountry.com
ems.com
rei.com
altrec.com
alssports.com
backcountrygear.com
e-omc.com
campsaver.com
usoutdoor.com

I'm obviously forgetting some, but these are some I've personally ordered from. At any time you can usually get 15-20% off any given climbing item. Best case, you'll get ~30% off.

EMS and REI have big seasonal sales that give around 30% off if you get lucky. Always have an eye open. If you're in the NE, in EMS stores they give a 15% student discount on full priced items, all the time.

Good luck picking up gear, and beware, it's an addiction...

Jon H · · PC, UT · Joined Nov 2009 · Points: 118

Just use the Buy&Sell board right here on mountainproject. You can pick up everything gently used at prices better than even steep online discounts.

Additionally, MP user whittlesticks runs the website coloradocrackgear.com and he is running their spring sale which amounts to roughly 20% off just about everything in the store. Good deals are to be had there as well.

Jaime M · · Chattanooga, TN · Joined Jan 2013 · Points: 85

Moosejaw and Backcountry are both good.

Rock/Creek is having their annual 5.10 Days of May sale right now--15-20% off a lot of climbing gear.

NC Rock Climber · · The Oven, AKA Phoenix · Joined Dec 2009 · Points: 60

Pro deal at REI.

Just kidding...

ZackB · · Littleton, CO · Joined Aug 2012 · Points: 0

Coloradocrackgear.com is having a sale right now through May 6th.

Ben Brotelho · · Albany, NY · Joined May 2011 · Points: 520

Make sure to check steepandcheap.com often, as well!

Avi Katz · · Seattle, WA · Joined Sep 2010 · Points: 260

Lucas-
If you check the ForSale forum on this site there are some really good deals. Buying used gear can be intimidating but don't hesitate to call me if you want a second opinion on something you've found. I've bought and sold lots of gear on here and with one exception have had really good results.
All the retails sites listed above are reliable as well. I've "google shopping" searched for some items and found them even cheaper on sites like Zappos or whatnot.
Best of luck

Greg Pouliot · · Rumney NH · Joined Jul 2012 · Points: 90

o2gearshop.com has some pretty killer deals sometimes. It's hit or miss though. As it's already been said, Backcountry and moosejaw kick serious ass.

Lance S · · Maryville, TN · Joined Jul 2012 · Points: 10

Just as a heads up, stay away from o2gearshop. They have very limited climbing gear posted right now anyways, but the customer service from that place is abysmal. True they have some good prices, but it is a total crap shoot as to if you actually receive your order or if it shows up in any sort of timely fashion. If you do find something priced low on o2gearshop, just get moosejaw or backcountry to price match.

Evan Sanders · · Westminster, CO · Joined Dec 2010 · Points: 140

Always check steepandcheap and Department of Goods before you buy anywhere. You could be missing out.

Lance S · · Maryville, TN · Joined Jul 2012 · Points: 10
Greg Pouliot wrote:o2gearshop.com has some pretty killer deals sometimes. It's hit or miss though. As it's already been said, Backcountry and moosejaw kick serious ass.
Haha, sorry Greg I was writing as you were posting. No offense to any o2gearshop fans, I personally have just had some pretty terrible transactions. I ordered some climbing shoes and after about 6 weeks of back and forth with customer service, I ended up canceling. Major headaches for me personally.
Larry S · · Easton, PA · Joined May 2010 · Points: 872

I just ordered some shoes from The Gear Co-Op. Got a great price, free shipping, ordered late Monday night, had the shoes on my feet Wednesday evening.

kovacs69 · · Dallas, TX · Joined Apr 2011 · Points: 1,025
Gear Express

Check out their "Blowouts" section for good deals.
Larry S · · Easton, PA · Joined May 2010 · Points: 872

Check out your local shop too if you have one nearby, some of them will price match. I try to buy from mine unless it's something they don't carry. Plug for my local shop - They're climber owned - https://www.eastridgeoutfitters.com/home.html

Sir Wanksalot · · County Jail · Joined Sep 2011 · Points: 10
Avi Katz wrote: I've "google shopping" searched for some items and found them even cheaper on Zappos or whatnot.
That's some solid advice. I've also found soft goods and such at steep discounts on non-climbing sites. Pretty sure I saved about 60% on my Sprotiva BoulderX mids, and my buddy got a deep deal on Katanas, both from zappos!

suprised nobody mentioned mountaingear.com and wildyx.com
419 · · Sacramento · Joined May 2010 · Points: 520

Another vote for:

coloradocrackgear.com

Check out the Spring sale going on now!

-Jonathan

Sir Wanksalot · · County Jail · Joined Sep 2011 · Points: 10
Jake Jones wrote:Online. Incidentally, they just started stocking the new BD X4s for those of you that have been salivating over them for a while. $55 right now.
STFU Jake Jones! That 20% off CAN'T APPLY to those! I'm fucking calling them right now!

Who's got the number for Bent Gate?
Allen Corneau · · Houston, TX · Joined May 2008 · Points: 80

In addition to what has already been mentioned...

geartrade.com/

It's used by regular sellers and it's the dumping ground for Backcountry's returns department.

Evan Sanders · · Westminster, CO · Joined Dec 2010 · Points: 140
Avi Katz wrote:I've "google shopping" searched for some items and found them even cheaper on sites like Zappos or whatnot. Best of luck
That's because google shopping has changed to advertising. Companies now have to bid for a position in the google shopping search results.
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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