I went into a Sport Chalet for the first time. (For you AZ guys it is just north of Phoenix on I-17) They had the Ritter PSP for $21.99. They also had two hard to find PSK items. They had the Wind Storm whistle for $4.99 and the glow in the dark version of the Suunto Clipper compass for $7.99. I have never seen the Wind Storm in person so I had to buy one. It was my favorite color: florescent yellow. It is very loud. I need to compare it to the Fox 40 Micro and the Storm. Other than that it looked like an upscale Big-5. Mostly clothes and ball sport items.

that is where i got my PSK from and I would have to agree with you one upscale big five thing. I was a little dissapointed but did find the servis to be better. I cant wait to go to an rei!

At first look, I though the same... a Big 5 with quality products, but I have found quite a few items there that I can't find elsewhere(at least locally). It isn't my first choice for an outdoors store, but it is far better than many here in AZ.

Craig... it won't be too long until our Cabela's opens!

From best to worst how would you rate Big 5, Sport Chalet, rei and cabelas. Just the stores not there websites or catalogs. Thanks

Well, that is a complicated question... thiis will be a multiple part post, the forum wouldn't accept the whole post as one <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

First off; Big 5 is clearly dead last! Poor quality and variety of products, inadequate knowledge base of employees and poor customer service.

Sports Chalet is better than most ?main stream? sports stores, and I have found a few items there that I was unable to find elsewhere locally. A few employees had a surprisingly high level of knowledge. It is a carries a wide range of products, but small selections in each category. So, we?ll say Sports Chalet is ahead of Big 5, WAY AHEAD but in this list it?ll be third.

Now, for the next two… REI and Cabela’s are different types of store and hard to compare.

REI is my first choice for high quality, lightweight backpacking and camping equipment. My local REI is a poor example of an REI store at least physically; the employees (and their knowledge base; except when discussing electronics and GPS) and customer service are outstanding! It is typically my first stop for most outdoor equipment and supplies.

Cabela’s carries a different and specialized product line. They carry a huge range of products for hunters, fishermen and outdoorsmen (or at least what I grew up understanding to be the definition of outdoorsmen). If you need this type of equipment, if you aren’t looking for super light weight backpacking supplies, or need heavy duty outdoors equipment Cabela’s is your store. I was very impressed with their selection of knifes/tools, optics, camouflage clothing, and firearms. I have only been to one (Buda, TX) and was favorably impressed. The employees and their knowledge base are impressive and, like every REI I have visited, extremely friendly.

In this list, we’ll call it a tie for first between REI and Cabela’s. Item’s I cannot get from one I can from the other. Combine the two and I might as well just have my paycheck direct deposited into their accounts!

Thanks romania,
I really appreciate your reply. All I had till age 16 was a big 5 which never really impressed me. The first time I went to a Sports Chalet I almost fainted from excitement. I have yet to go to an rei or cabelas but know I may just have to make the hours drive just to see what they have.
<img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Alan,

Is the Paradise Valley REI your local one?

Thanks!

No, Tempe... it is in our first due so I get to go on duty, but it is a poor, poor example of a REI... PV is better, but I ahve been a a bunch in other states that blow both away!