Anyone had an alpkit project before ? looks fucking massive not sure about quality though
is that the "simple"?
I have the Alpkit Project. I bought mine in November last year and have used it at least twice a week, every week (including during lockdown as I use it for my board).I'd recommend the version I have in a heartbeat. I got it for £200 when Alpkit were having a site wide sale, so it was unbeatable value for money wise and their customer service was brilliant (they didn't have any in stock, but I emailed them asking if they'd make one for me, and they did!). The foam is great and I really like that it has two closed cell layers. It makes it great to land on on uneven surfaces. So far it's holding up well and I haven't noticed it soften that much. It's also very thick, which again makes it very comfy to land on regardless of height.It's also absolutely flipping massive. It genuinely just won't fit in most cars. It's bigger than any other pad on the market, which is great as long as you can get it to the crag; I've often been able to go out with just the Project where previously I'd have taken two other pads. I wouldn't say it's any heavier than others though.The carry system is good and comfortable, although I did recently break it and had to sew the straps back on (I'd been strapping two other pads, plus fan, etc. to it, so not that surprising). HOWEVER....I understand that since I bought mine they've completely changed the carry system. UKC reviewed it recently and were scathing, rightly so. I can only guess that they needed to cut costs, as it sounds like the new version is a total pain to lug around (apparently the straps just fall off at times and are only secured with velcro centrally, which comes off as soon as you try to carry anything else in it). Have a look at the UKC review.Hope that helps.
My conclusion with pads is that the saying "buy cheap, buy twice" rings completely true. For years I tried the alternatives (Moon and Alpkit) and initial smug satisfaction at saving money turned to disappointment at having to replace them far earlier than expected. Having finally bitten the bullet and bought an Organic I certainly don't regret it.
Damn, are Moon considered cheaper? I was under the impression they were one of the better ones.I will say though, to anyone with tears or holes in your pads, take them to alpkit and they’ll repair them for like £15 it’s bloody great service and quick too!
I believe alpkit project now has the straps which bradders older model used to have.
So what is the pads leagues then? Who is premiership big 3, 1st division etc etc
The Franklin pad I have is showing no signs of wear but I expect they are difficult to get hold of!
I left it in a cave where the sea wouldn't be able to get to it, but underestimated N Sea storms. It's now probably part of Pacific Garbage Patch; I was gutted for a) losing it and b) contribution to marine pollution.
Missing from this list are the new Troll pads which look pretty good, probably like a better quality Alpkit. Someone jump in a give a less biased review (my mate designed them)...