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Metolius Recon Review

A relatively thin and unimpressive pad that works well to supplement other pads
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Metolius Recon Review (Metolius Recon Crash Pad)
Metolius Recon Crash Pad
Credit: Metolius
Price:  $350 List
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Manufacturer:   Metolius
By Steven Tata ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  Feb 2, 2018
66
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#9 of 11
  • High Falls - 30% 7.0
  • Low Falls - 30% 7.0
  • Durability - 20% 7.0
  • Packing Gear - 10% 3.0
  • Features - 10% 7.0

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.
REASONS TO BUY
Easy to transport
Easy to carry
Easily closed/opened
Handy carpet square
Well made
Durable
REASONS TO AVOID
Does not carry very much gear (barely even the essentials)
Tri-fold hinge is often flip floppy or overly rigid on uneven landings

Compare to Similar Products

 
metolius recon
This Product
Metolius Recon
Awards  Top Pick Award
Best Large Crash Pad
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Bouldering Crash Pad
Top Pick Award
Best Medium-Sized Crash Pad
Best Buy Award
Best Bang for your Buck
Price $339.40 at Amazon
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$399.95 at Dick's Sporting Goods
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$269 List
Check Price at Backcountry
$199 List$189 List
Overall Score Sort Icon
66
83
82
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78
Star Rating
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Bottom Line A decent large pad that didn't stand outThis tri-fold pad gives us plenty of protection, is very durable, and is easy to carryA unique strap system, useful features, and thick foam make this model a fantastic all-around padThis high-quality pad is one of the best mid-sized options in the gameThe combination of high-quality construction, excellent fall protection, and low cost easily make this pad the best deal around
Rating Categories Metolius Recon Metolius Magnum Mad Rock Duo Organic Full Pad Organic Simple
High Falls (30%)
7.0
8.0
9.0
8.0
8.0
Low Falls (30%)
7.0
9.0
6.5
8.0
8.0
Durability (20%)
7.0
8.0
8.0
8.5
9.0
Packing Gear (10%)
3.0
7.0
9.0
8.0
6.0
Features (10%)
7.0
9.0
10.0
7.0
6.0
Specs Metolius Recon Metolius Magnum Mad Rock Duo Organic Full Pad Organic Simple
Surface Size (inches) 60" x 42" 70" x 47" 56" x 42" 48" x 36" 48' x 36'
Thickness (inches) 4" 4" 5" 4" 4'
Weight (lbs) 14 lbs 18.7 lbs 17 lbs 12 lbs 12 lbs
Hinge/Taco Velcro Hinge Hinge Hinge Hinge Hinge
Closing Flap No Yes Yes Yes No
Warranty 1 Year 1 Year 1 Year None, but they do repairs None, but they do repairs

Our Analysis and Test Results

Performance Comparison


metolius recon - alex testing the metolius recon crash pad.
Alex testing the Metolius Recon crash pad.
Credit: Chris Summit

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.

metolius recon - chris summit climbing over the recon on "miners bane" v7 labyrinth...
Chris Summit climbing over the Recon on “Miners Bane” V7 Labyrinth, Columbia CA.
Credit: Chris Summit Collection

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