[andyd]

I've got a pad that I believe to be of the highest quality, made by Zealot circa 2003 that I bought in Bishop. The build quality is excellent but the foam has softened again.
I refilled it in 2009 with Alpkit Phud foam. I've been impressed with the quality of foam, especially for £35.
Q1
Their foam is now £55, and I'm told it is of better quality. Can anyone verify this from personal experience?

Q2
Does anyone know of any other foam specialists who'll know what I'm talking about if I call them up?

[slackline]

Q1
Their foam is now £55, and I'm told it is of better quality. Can anyone verify this from personal experience?

What about the people who told you?  Unless of course thats code for "bumpf I read on the sellers web-site".

[andyd]

Their words, which I have no reason not to believe, but is the foam £20 better, or just better?

[Tommy]

We have some VH33 matting foam that we're selling at The Climbing Station in Loughborough - you'd get all you needed for about £5. Just ring up!

It's not the high density closed cell foam though, which seems to be what makes the bouldering pads feel nice a fresh.

[slackline]

Their words, which I have no reason not to believe, but is the foam £20 better, or just better?

I wouldn't know the difference (but don't forget about inflation when comparing that price now & the years ago, fuel has increased dramatically).

[andyd]

not sure fuel prices have such an impact on it to warrant such a hike

[slackline]

not sure fuel prices have such an impact on it to warrant such a hike

Neither sure on the exact figures but it will have an impact (and not just directly on the shipping of the foam as there are increased overheads due to utilitiies increasing too and all other aspects of inflation).  But then I don't know the difference between 'better' and '£20 better' either.

What is that you are expecting?  A 57% increase in longevity to justify the increase in foam price from £35 to £55?  Unlikely to see that from a few people's experiences.

[tomtom]

not sure fuel prices have such an impact on it to warrant such a hike

Neither sure on the exact figures but it will have an impact (and not just directly on the shipping of the foam as there are increased overheads due to utilitiies increasing too and all other aspects of inflation).  But then I don't know the difference between 'better' and '£20 better' either.

What is that you are expecting?  A 57% increase in longevity to justify the increase in foam price from £35 to £55?  Unlikely to see that from a few people's experiences.

Foam - is made from oil (or one of the products of the petrochemical industry) IIRC...

[andy_e]

Get some ferrrrm from these guys:

[slackline]

Foam - is made from oil (or one of the products of the petrochemical industry) IIRC...

 

[andyd]

This is correct, however it's not so much the oil price that has risen, more the tax on the fuel made from the oil.

Anyhow, am I spending £55 or does someone have a better idea?

[tomtom]

I paid SteveR from here (who's in france IIRC) £40 for some new foam for a Snap Bun. Seems like thats about what it cost him (he had a go at making some mats and had a load left over). There is lots of different types, weights, thicknesses, open/closed cell etc.. From what I understand, the foam is the largest cost part of a bouldering mat - so seeing as you can't get a decent one for less than c.£110 nowadays - I think £50 is about right...

[andyd]

I guess so. Seems like a lot of things are going the 5.10/Sportiva way these days

[slackline]

I guess so. Seems like a lot of things are going the 5.10/Sportiva way these days

Modern life problems eh.

[andyd]

This is, indeed, a 1st world problem.

[Ti_pin_man]

just replaced some in my black diamond sattillite for 55 quid inc postage from www.foamfurnishings.co.uk - - the sales guy new what I was asking for and I'd even say the quality of the foams (hard and soft layers) is better than what had been in there.  Guys name was Ian. 

Cheers
Joe

[mark20]

I bought new some new foam for my Alpkit Phud, it arrived today, but it's too small since the new Phud is a small taco pad. I thought I made it clear on the phone that I needed foam for the old phud model, but apparently not. Worth bearing in mind if you decide to buy.

[andyd]

You should be able to return it but might have to pay the postage. I might. Be interested in it for another pad for the price you paid. Which city?

[mark20]

I'm in Sheffield

[mark20]

Just spoke to Alpkit - turns out there was some confusion and they sent the wrong foam. Correct stuff is on its way and they are picking up the wrong stuff they sent me. Top guys 

[andyd]

Just received the foam. They sent more than I needed which was nice-"what'll do a lot 'll do a little" as my grandad says.

In terms of quality, this is better foam than before as they said. The closed cell is thicker. I'll report back in three years to let you know if it holds up any better