REI vs EMS?

**Koli01** · May 28th, 2009, 10:29 PM

Any opinions as to which has the better gear or better values for gear?

**Dredly** · May 29th, 2009, 12:27 AM

REI has amazing deals in their REI-Outlet, often 50%+ for overstock or last years gear. some fantasic deals

Members get a discount and money back at the end of the year, they ship free to their stores and will return ship free from their stores, everything is also warrantied and they don't ask questions with returns.

I've never dealt with EMS

**CommonHighrise** · May 29th, 2009, 01:50 AM

REI has kickin deals online. EMS has good sales and clearances in-store.

Equipment-wise, they're identical, often selling the same item, for the same price, with the same SKU, on the same sticker.

**Koli01** · May 29th, 2009, 11:56 AM

Interesting.
We have a REI store here near Pittsburgh. The closest EMS is in Easty territory.
I was in an EMS in Lake Placid, NY once. Never been to the REI here yet.

**Spishack357** · May 29th, 2009, 11:59 AM

REI all the way baby...Spent boat loads at both and you can't beat REI...Join the Co Op for $20.00 and the incentives/ cash back options pay for the fee with in a year easy...I go to the one in Conshohocken on a monthly basis I would say......

**LittleRedToyota** · May 29th, 2009, 12:01 PM

there used to be at least two EMS stores in pittsburgh...iirc, one was in ross park mall and one in monroeville mall.

REI opened and put them out of business. i did get a few good deals at the EMS going out of business sales.

the REI store put the EMS stores to shame with size and inventory, so that might factor into it. however, in my experience, REI branded stuff is a better deal than EMS branded stuff. i don't have as much experience with EMS stuff, but, in my limited experience, their stuff was more expensive and not as good of quality.

imho, the quality a lot of REI's stuff is on par with the more expensive brands like patagonia, north face, etc. for much cheaper prices even when paying full price for the REI stuff...and, as mentioned above, you can find absolutely ludicrous deals on REI-outlet.com from time to time.

littleredextremelyhappyREImembertoyota

**Grizz2720** · May 29th, 2009, 01:26 PM

I have had a REI membership since 1976. Always check the REI outlet website. It is great and well worth the cost though it has gone up since I joined. Never heard of EMS though.

**GuyMontag** · May 29th, 2009, 01:36 PM

I used to love EMS when we had one. I've shopped at REI a bunch of times now and really like it. I like their shipping policy (not that others don't do this) in that you can order online and pick it up at the store for no shipping cost.
I dig REI.

**Berks_Iraq_Vet** · May 29th, 2009, 02:33 PM

I loved EMS at the Lehigh Valley Mall before they closed it. Great sales. Great stuff. Holds up well.

**Mtbkski** · May 29th, 2009, 03:00 PM

Both stores carry pretty much quality gear. Shop and compare prices and look for deals on what you need. I have been happy with both places using mail order for a couple years now.

Remember.... Quality isn't cheap. But it is worth it. Spend the money and buy good gear. It will serve you well for years to come.