Opinions regarding air based (e.g. Flashed Ronin) bouldering pads
|
There is scant information regarding the (only?) two available "air based" bouldering pads, the Flashed Ronin and the Trangoworld. The following review is all I have been able to find that includes any sort of comparison between the two: info.rockrun.com/reviews/tr… |
|
I have the Samurai air pad Flashed put out a few years ago and rarely use it. Its MUCH heavier than an average pad and covers a smaller surface area too. Its not too convenient for longer approaches and unlike the claims, it is not convenient for flying either (one of the reasons i bought it). The best use IMO is on top of another pad in the prime landing spot in highball situations...that way the smaller size isn't an issue, but its still being used for its primary intended purpose. I took a chance on the Samurai because it was deeply discounted and it was the 8th pad in my quiver and wasnt intended on being an everyday/primary pad...its good to have in some situations, but overall its not as useful as my Organic Big Pad or Simple Pad. |
|
+1 for that. I'd rather have a full organic pad with the half pad and pay about half as much to cover 6 sq ft more. A setup is also lighter. Air pads are comfortable but not worth the money in my opinion. Speaking strictly towards safety, I don't think they add much of an added protection factor unless you are highballing. Like Brad said though, having a landing zone of traditional pads then an air pad on top is unbeatable for highballs. I took about an 18 footer onto that set up and it felt like landing in clouds compared to similar falls on stacked traditional pads. |
|
Thanks Brad and Greg - absent more evidence that the air based pads would substantially ameliorate the type of injuries I'm worried about, I'm inclined to buy a conventional pad at this point. |
|
Go with an Organic Big Pad...you won't be disappointed. I solo boulder 90% of the time and primarily use the Big Pad and feel comfortably protected all the time no matter what the route. |
|
I bought a Ronin on craigs list and rarely use it. As mentioned its better on top of pads and it does great there. I too boulder alone most of the time and only bring it out with groups of people to lay on the top of the pad stack. for the Price i would go organic or even asana. I have seen this new company around called V-Line and there shoulder straps look leagues ahead of the pack but since i have never seen or used them i can not recommend them. |