I know a few of you guys use Mariner Sails but has anyone used Mountain Sports? Looking at the ride 135

I have never used Mountain Sports, but know the crew quite well at Mariner and they are a bunch of great guys that will stand on their head taking care of customers as well as supporting some very deserving charities at every opportunity.

Just my 2cents worth and I am obviously a wee bit biased. I just never looked any further after buying my first Hobie from them. I am bout to go back for another PA.
They will take whatever you want to White Rock lake for an in water demo weather permitting.

Tight lines, Phill

I've never heard of Mountain sports.
I will second the sentiments of Carver. The guys at Mariner Sails are great people to deal with. They have meet me after closing time on a Friday afternoon. Went out of the way to make sure I had they right kayak. They also loan out demo's for us to use at the HOW and RISE functions. That and they will be there if you ever have a problem with your kayak.

Ive spoke with Mike at mariner sails and he seems very knowledgeable with kayak. Was just wondering about Mountain sports because its closer. But ive heard nothing but good about the staff at mariner sails, so that's probably were ill go.

Thanks

Can't go wrong with the guys at Mariner. They are first class.

I have bought three yaks from mountain sports in the past 12 years. Last one was about 3 months ago. I just went to mariner for the first time 6 months ago shopping around. Mariner have some nice folks there and the prices seemed about the same. I went with mountain sports because it is closer and I never had any problems, so if ain't broke don't fix it. They took me to lake Arlington to try out the yak in the past. They also have a demo day, but I think it's a couple months away. I have also bought a lot of climbing gear from them also. Both shops will treat you well, I guess you could flip a coin LOL!

We love Mountain Sports and the guys there. I just got my WS 135 from them last month and a WS 115 in September. They gave us great information and were very friendly. They have good specials on their yaks and supplies. If they are closer then give them a chance and swing by there first, save the gas! Best of luck in your search and you will love the 135!

Plus when you get the yak you get 10% off accessories if you ask at mountain sports.

Have shopped both. MSports is a lil closer for me so i go there more often. Never had a bad experience at either but Mariner has always gone out of their way. think it starts at the top.

Check them both out before you buy. I was looking for the best deal when I purchased my yak from Mariner Sails. The staff and customer service are top notch. I still stop in from time to time, great People.

Have shopped and bought from both (Bought a YAK for the wife at Mariner Sails, but have only purchased accessories and camping equipment at Mountain Sports). Actually started shopping at both before I got into kayaking -- found Mariner through their windsurfing connections and Mountain Sports for camping equipment. First time the wife and I actually looked at kayaks and got interested in them was at a windsurfing swap meet at Mariner Sails. Now my windsurfing equipment is getting much too neglected and I think it is jealous of my yak.

Both have great people and great service from what I've experienced. Have more "personal" experience with Mariner and I have to admit ... they are almost more of a "community" than a store, but I would never hesitate to recommend either place.

My brother in law bought his coosa from them. they have a fair amount of kayak gear and lots of clothing/hiking gear as well. They are knowledgeable of kayaking. Very close for those of us in the ftw/arlington area.

You know with all the kayak places around here maybe we can get them to step up and sponcer our local fishing tournament? Or perhaps donate a few kayaks for How and RISE events to be used? I know Mariner Sales does that already. But if we can get them to help support the local kayak community it would be cool too. Does any one know the guys down at Mountain Sports good enough to see if they would be willing to help?

I bought my Coosa from MS as well. Nice folks, showed me how to properly tie the boat down to my roof rack and took the time to do that after they were closed at 6.

If I needed camping equipment I'd stop in again, or looking to buy another Jackson kayak.

When spending as much as we do on kayaks good service is expected and normally given by most kayak shops. Plus people that are into kayaking are normally pretty good folks anyway. I have had good experiences with several Kayak shops in DFW and Austin. Never had a bad experience yet and I hope it stays that way.

Both have been excellent evertime I've been to either. You will be in good hands either way.

I live in north and when I was searching for a kayak I knew wanted a Hobie with a Mirage drive. In my search I found local Hobie dealers close to my location which were Back Woods & Mariner Sails. I opted to go to Back Woods since it was a lot closer and bought my Outback (in golden papaya, not my preferred choice). To make the long story short, a little over a year later my paddle broke and my Outback developed a crack in the hull, not at the same time though. I called Back Woods on both occasions to see if they can help me with anything. Unfortunately, all I got from them was "We're unable to help you without your original sales receipt." I thought I was SOL since I had lost my receipt. I started looking for where I can get my kayak repaired and after asking around other TFFers (Shaun & Todd) they recommended Mariner Sails. They said if anything, MS could point me in the right direction. I emailed MS and Mike replied. I explained my predicament and Mike just told me to come on down and see what he can do for me. I was like "Wow, I didn't buy my Hobie from him and he's willing to help without hesitation." Mike did inform me that he'll also need my original sales receipt, but he also advised that Back Woods should also have a copy of the receipt since my Outback wasn't purchased that long ago. I contacted Back Woods and indeed they had a copy. I asked them why didn't they offer to print out or even look for my receipt when I 1st called about my broken paddle or crack hull? All Back Woods could say was "We apologize, but I was misinformed." Needless to say, I walked out of Back Woods with my receipt and have NEVER went back.

Mike at Mariner Sails got me warranty replacements for my paddle AND Outback!!! Turns out all my damages were covered under warranty and didn't cost me a penny!!! Now, how's that for customer service??? Even though I wasn't originally a customer of Mariner Sails, but I am NOW!!!Also, Mike got my Outback in Caribbean Blue my preferred color

The guys at Mountain Sports are some good people and I buy lots of stuff from the at good prices like for example they sell indvidual padeyes super cheap. But Mariner Sales has been a strong supporter of the local kayaking community. They have given their time and use of their products for various events both for charity and to promote the sport. And Carver is right when he says they will stand on their heads to provide you the best service possible.

I vote for Mariner but have never gone to the other store.

Thanks so much for all of the kind words. It lets us know that as a locally owned independent business, we are hopefully achieving our goal of serving you with the best possible variety of products, at fair competitive prices, and adding a big dose of friendly value added customer service, advice and support to the local fishing and paddling community.

THNKS AGAIN!