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Metolius Recon Review

A relatively thin and unimpressive pad that works well to supplement other pads.
Metolius Recon Crash Pad
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Price:  $280 List | $264.95 at Backcountry
Compare prices at 3 resellers
Pros:  Easy to transport, easy to carry, easily closed/opened, handy carpet square, well made, durable
Cons:  Does not carry very much gear (barely even the essentials), tri-fold hinge is often flip floppy or overly rigid on uneven landings
Manufacturer:   Metolius
By Steven Tata ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  Feb 2, 2018
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66
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#9 of 10
  • High Falls - 30% 7
  • Low Falls - 30% 7
  • Durability - 20% 7
  • Packing Gear - 10% 3
  • Features - 10% 7

Our Verdict

The Metolius Recon is a medium-large crash pad that folds into three sections and is easy to carry, hence the name Recon. It was not one a favorite, as we prefer either a light and affordable pad that can hold a lot of gear or something more substantial. The Recon gets lost in the middle.


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Metolius Recon Crash Pad
This Product
Metolius Recon
Awards  Editors' Choice Award Top Pick Award Top Pick Award  
Price $264.95 at Backcountry
Compare at 3 sellers		$240 List$199 List$210.00 at REI$299.95 at Backcountry
Compare at 2 sellers
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Pros Easy to transport, easy to carry, easily closed/opened, handy carpet square, well made, durableStraps to attach a second pad, plush suspension, sturdy foam for high fallsVersatility, soft but dense foam with multiple hinges conforms to uneven landing surfaces and cushions short to medium length falls very well. It also hauls a lot of gear well and has handy featuresSuper durable, amazing foam, lightweightFolds open and closed better than any other taco-style pad, innovative zip-up flap closure system securely stores gear, well made, sleek look
Cons Does not carry very much gear (barely even the essentials), tri-fold hinge is often flip floppy or overly rigid on uneven landingsFoam is hard for low falls, stiff for uneven landingsSpecialized, the soft, squishy, shredded foam and slightly lumpy "baffles" are not the best for some long, high falls - they could possibly roll an ankleLack of features, doesn't pack much gear wellDoes not pack large or bulky loads of gear well, no center lifting handle, Velcro and zipper could wear out prematurely
Bottom Line A relatively thin and unimpressive pad that works well to supplement other pads.Great crash pad distinguished by its innovative strap system for carrying a second pad and many other features that other pads lack.A unique pad with plush foam and plenty of space for packing gear.The best crash pad of its size.An expensive pad given its size and thickness.
Rating Categories Metolius Recon Mad Rock Duo Mad Rock R3 Organic Simple Petzl Alto
High Falls (30%)
10
0
7
10
0
9
10
0
6
10
0
8
10
0
7
Low Falls (30%)
10
0
7
10
0
6
10
0
10
10
0
8
10
0
7
Durability (20%)
10
0
7
10
0
8
10
0
7
10
0
8
10
0
8
Packing Gear (10%)
10
0
3
10
0
9
10
0
10
10
0
6
10
0
7
Features (10%)
10
0
7
10
0
10
10
0
6
10
0
6
10
0
8
Specs Metolius Recon Mad Rock Duo Mad Rock R3 Organic Simple Petzl Alto
Surface Size (inches) 60" x 42" 56" x 42" 55" x 35" 48" x 36" 46" x 39"
Thickness (inches) 4" 5" 4" 4" 4"
Weight (lbs) 14 lbs 17 lbs 18 lbs 11 lbs 12 lbs
Hinge/Taco Velcro Hinge Hinge Hinge(s)/Baffles Hinge Taco
Closing Flap No Yes Yes No Yes
Warranty 1 Year 1 Year Lifetime limited None, but they do repairs. 3 Year

Our Analysis and Test Results

Performance Comparison


Alex testing the Metolius Recon crash pad.
Alex testing the Metolius Recon crash pad.

Padding Falls


With 4" of foam, the Metolius Recon did not stand out for its cushioning abilities. Similar to the Mad Pad layering, but thinner, the Recon has 2.5" of open cell foam between stiffer closed cell foam layers that are 1" on top and 0.5" on the bottom. It was plenty thick enough to cushion medium and low falls but we preferred the thicker foam of Mad Rock's Mad Pad and Duo for high falls and rocky landings.

Chris Summit climbing over the Recon on "Miners Bane" V7 Labyrinth Columbia CA.
Chris Summit climbing over the Recon on "Miners Bane" V7 Labyrinth, Columbia CA.

The Recon becomes very rigid when the Velcro hinge flaps are secured, but this is often as helpful as it is annoying. It is hard to lay flat on uneven terrain and with the flaps secured it can sometimes be too rigid — it slides out of place or sits unevenly. If you frequently climb over uneven or rocky landings, this pad is not the best choice. When the flaps are secured the rigidness also makes the pad work great as a back pad against a vertical surface or to flatten the landing over a crevice.

Packing Gear


The main drawback with the Recon's tri-fold design is that it holds very little gear. This pad barely fits the essentials (shoes, chalk bag, etc.). Our testers found most of our pada that folded in half worked well to carry a small daypack with all of the essential items, the recon was unable to do this. Our testers preferred the Mad Rock Duo for its ability to carry multiple pads as well as a small day pack.

Features


When folded up for carrying the Recon resembles a suitcase and can be carried like one, making it a great secondary pad. A separate main pad can be used to carry the group's shoes and extra gear. The carpet square sewn onto the center of the pad works well for drying/cleaning shoes and makes a sort of bullseye to aim for when jumping/falling.

Durability


With multiple layers of foam and relatively thick body fabric, the Recon proved to be a durable pad. Its foam softened up gradually and seemed less sturdy than that of the Mad Pad or Black Diamond Mondo.

Best Applications


The Recon is best for bouldering in areas with flat landings and works especially well as a supplementary pad because of its ability to be carried like a suitcase. The tri-fold design is similar to that of the Mad Rock Triple Mad Pad, but with thinner foam. The Recon is one of the best secondary pads with its quick single-strap closure, compact design, and easy-to-transport shape.

Value


The Metolius Recon is about the same price as comparably sized pads, yet not as thick. The Mad Rock Triple Mad Pad is 1" thicker, 2" wider, and 10" longer with a lower list price. If you're looking to maximize area per dollar the Triple Mad Pad provides a better value and is better for cushioning hard falls.

Conclusion


While it wasn't a favorite, the Recon worked well covering a large area for flat landings. We liked the Mad Rock Triple Mad Pad better as a standalone pad because of its larger area and thicker foam but would use the Recon as a second pad.


— Steven Tata