Chockstone Forum

      Sponsored By
      ROCK
   HARDWARE

Chockstone Photography

Australian Landscape Prints

Chockstone Forum - Gear Lust / Lost & Found

Rave About Your Rack Please do not post retail SPAM.

Topic Date User

Bouldering mats - Info required please... 14-Jul-2005 At 10:01:07 AM take!

Message

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted by 'Burger' in another tread...

Couple of questions.
Does anyone have an opinion on what the Direct hit pad from mountian designs is like and the tools smaller solution mat.
And can anyone tell me the approx price of the franklin drop zone 11 and who stocks them.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I like the Direct Hit pad (see post above) I think its better than my friends Whippet pads that they bought a while ago. The Direct hit has a firm top layer (similar material to the old Morey Boogie boards) and is 'fully featured'. We also have a Venus mat which is less rectangular and thinner than the Direct Hit. The Venus pad is good too and has similar foam properties as the Direct hit. Though the Direct Hit is a bit thicker so tends to take bigger falls better. Both work.
During my shopping around I noticed that the U.S. name-brand pads in the standard size (approx 1200x900x80) were usually around $400, while the bigger mats would go to $500. I think Mtn Des also had a Franklin mat and Mtn Equipment had Metolius and Tools mats. If you get a taco style mat don't store it folded up (...like they do in the shop!) as it damages the foam and it stays crushed where folded.

Most of my walk-ins are short so I'm thinking of removing the backpack type straps from the Direct Hit and fitting just a single over the shoulder strap with quick clips to remove it when bouldering. When I get the time I would like reinforce inside the corners of both mats with 'Seam Grip' (flexi glue)... one day.

Good luck