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ndforan
Mar 21, 2012, 8:14 AM
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Registered: Mar 20, 2012
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hey, i am a very new climber in naperville illinois. i've been climbing on and off very seldom for the past 2 or 3 years and i recently became extremely interested in this magnificent sport.
since i am still only a beginner and know not too much about climbing, i have been going to the indoor Vertical Endeavors in warrenville to practice. the only problem is its $10 each visit for equipment and being that i want to start going very often the total of cost is adding up.
my question is where is the best place to purchase reliable and quality equipment but at the same time not burn a hole in my pocket.
also, i plan on buying a harness, shoes, belay device and karabiner, and a chalk bag and some chalk. is there anything else i should buy?
thanks for your help everyone!
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TarHeelEMT
Mar 21, 2012, 9:07 AM
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Registered: Jun 20, 2009
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For going to the gym, that's all the gear you'll need.
Any gear bought from a major retailer or local climbing shop will be safe and reliable. You can cruise the major retailer websites for good deals, but your best bet is to go to a local shop and actually try on the gear and get advice as to what will suit your needs.
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bearbreeder
Mar 21, 2012, 9:13 AM
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Registered: Feb 1, 2009
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the 2 things that absolutely MUST fit ...
harness
shoes
try those on at the store
other than that its up to you ...
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shockabuku
Mar 21, 2012, 10:16 AM
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Registered: May 20, 2006
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Try REI here (17W160 22nd St
Oakbrook Terrace, IL). They've got everything a new climber will need and although their technical staff is hit or miss, the company is sound and has a no questions return policy (though they throw out returned climbing gear with the possible exception of shoes).
There's also a Moosejaw in Chicago. Although I haven't been in one of their stores I have ordered from them online a number of times and they seem to be a good company.
Definitely try on shoes before buying. Multiple models, multiple sizes, but stay with a relatively inexpensive entry level model for your first shoe.
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rsd212
Mar 21, 2012, 10:33 AM
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Registered: May 12, 2008
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REI and Moosejaw have had crappy shoe selections lately, but REI tends to have more harnesses (Im talking the Chicago and Schaumburg locations, not sure about the Oakbrook one). Best bet for shoes may be VE, which I assume is where you're climbing. You can likely kit yourself out there, but it is fun to shop around.
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ndforan
Mar 21, 2012, 11:47 AM
Post #6 of 13
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Registered: Mar 20, 2012
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bearbreeder wrote: the 2 things that absolutely MUST fit ... harness shoes try those on at the store
how do i know if they fit right?
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crjanow
Mar 21, 2012, 6:34 PM
Post #8 of 13
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Registered: Dec 17, 2008
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ndforan wrote: hey, i am a very new climber in naperville illinois. i've been climbing on and off very seldom for the past 2 or 3 years and i recently became extremely interested in this magnificent sport. since i am still only a beginner and know not too much about climbing, i have been going to the indoor Vertical Endeavors in warrenville to practice. the only problem is its $10 each visit for equipment and being that i want to start going very often the total of cost is adding up. my question is where is the best place to purchase reliable and quality equipment but at the same time not burn a hole in my pocket. also, i plan on buying a harness, shoes, belay device and karabiner, and a chalk bag and some chalk. is there anything else i should buy? thanks for your help everyone!
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bodie1kanobie
Mar 29, 2012, 1:03 AM
Post #9 of 13
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Registered: Feb 9, 2012
Posts: 8
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Try backcountrygear.com, they have almost everything you will need and also have some great deals. Of course there are lots of places out there to do business with and I shop around a lot but these seem to be my go to guys for just about all of my outdoor gear.
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ndforan
Apr 16, 2012, 10:17 AM
Post #11 of 13
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Registered: Mar 20, 2012
Posts: 3
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 Thanks everyone for all the help. I took your advice and tried on some things to get an idea on sizes and all that jazz.
I ended up deciding to surf the web to find a sale on gear and what I found was what I believe to be a great deal.
Mad Rock Mars harness and Climb X Drifter shoes and Mad Rock bleay tool and carabiner and a Mad Rock chalk bag all for just under $130.
I decided to jump on that. Thanks for the help again everyone!
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macam
Apr 26, 2012, 6:01 PM
Post #12 of 13
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Registered: Apr 26, 2012
Posts: 1
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Try find answer here http://www.wheretobuy.net/
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theextremist04
Apr 26, 2012, 10:06 PM
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Registered: Oct 23, 2010
Posts: 189
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So much Mad Rock...
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