natural sports

[FISHINGNUT]

I buy 90% of my gear from Rainbow Sports as well. Reasons why...

 

1. Almost always better prices than Bass Pro (with the rare exception where BPS blows something out the door)

2. Doesn't require a day trip to go to the tackle shop

3. If i need something they do not have, Chad will order it in without requiring silly minimum order quantities.

4. If you buy any electronics and/or boat accessories he also provides an installation service which is second to none!!!

Rainbow (Chad) is amazing I dont go there for price but for the service and the willingness just to shoot the breeze about fishing.

Fishing Fanatics in Waterloo also a great spot small but very

friendly

NaturalSports over priced and not willing to help out much unless as stated before your one of the chosen ones or are looking at a $400 rod and reel combo I have been put off by them one to many times I will not give them my money while there are others in town who deserve it more IMO

[Cookslav]

Sure, I think my last post has piqued your curiousity

 

Do they have any recent sales promo's?

I might just need to drop in and have a look around....and up and down

[jace]

Do they have any recent sales promo's?

I might just need to drop in and have a look around....and up and down

 

 

I go past it every day although I haven't been in since he moved to the bigger shop. There's a sign outside about a sale and the trout opener. I should have gone in there when he was moving and had that 40% sale to clear out stuff rather than move it but i slept through that too.

 

as far as the store by the beer store, I was in there for the first time in about a year and i saw a reel in there that was clearly used. It was not priced so i asked how much and how old/used it is. The guy said it wasn't used. It has some telltale signs that it was used quite a bit, there were no scratches or damage but lots of other things that could only happen after being used for some time. If you want know which reel it is, PM me, then go in and see for yourself.

Edited April 16, 2010 by j ace

[BillsTheBassMan]

I've frequented both Natural Sports and Rainbow Sports for quite some time. I have a pretty firm stand on which store is best - Rainbow is far superior and worth the drive from the opposite end of the city.

 

I get this weird feeling in Natural Sports that I just shouldn't be pulling out my wallet . . . ever. The younger guys working there are really trying hard and they are eager to help. Some of the "more experienced" staff seem to strike the fear of god into the younger guys whenever they're in the area and they just tense up and seem uneasy. Small talk and customer service is at a minimum unless you are A) professional or looking to spend lots of cash.

 

I'm also not that fond of the Grand River Bass Tournament that Natural Sports runs. To me, it is a prime example of resources being exploited for money.

 

I'm like most other anglers. I go to fishing stores to just "browse" on at least 50% of my trips. On these trips I generally spend under $100. (Today I went into Rainbow to "browse" and got a great deal on a new baitcaster rod - despite a full store, Chad went into the back and got his baitcaster setup and showed me some of the basics). Regardless, these trips are more for enjoyment so the trips should actually be enjoyable.

 

Price points in stores like this are generally the same that customer service should be the defining factor of what store is better. There have even been times at Rainbow where Chad has talked me out of buying something that may not be ideal for the specific fishing experience I want it for. Chad will always do everything he can to make sure you get your warranties from the major fishing companies whenever you run into any problems. I broke a St. Croix a few years back and he pretty much handled the entire thing - I soon had a new rod. With honesty and service like that Rainbow has earned my business for as long as I stay in the area and beyond.

 

To sum it up - check out both stores - you'll probably see what I am seeing and decide on Rainbow. I generally like to get an XL coffee from Tim's before I go because I'm generally there for an hour.

[nuke]

I live in Waterloo and work in Cambridge. I like both Natural and Rainbow, but find myself going to Tall Tales in Cambridge for live bait in the winter months (shiners). Natural used to have minnows before they expanded, but I don't beleive they do noe (correct me if I'm wrong).

 

Once again, great service at all three places.

 

Mike

[nuke]

I've frequented both Natural Sports and Rainbow Sports for quite some time. I have a pretty firm stand on which store is best - Rainbow is far superior and worth the drive from the opposite end of the city.

 

I get this weird feeling in Natural Sports that I just shouldn't be pulling out my wallet . . . ever. The younger guys working there are really trying hard and they are eager to help. Some of the "more experienced" staff seem to strike the fear of god into the younger guys whenever they're in the area and they just tense up and seem uneasy. Small talk and customer service is at a minimum unless you are A) professional or looking to spend lots of cash.

 

I'm also not that fond of the Grand River Bass Tournament that Natural Sports runs. To me, it is a prime example of resources being exploited for money.

 

I'm like most other anglers. I go to fishing stores to just "browse" on at least 50% of my trips. On these trips I generally spend under $100. (Today I went into Rainbow to "browse" and got a great deal on a new baitcaster rod - despite a full store, Chad went into the back and got his baitcaster setup and showed me some of the basics). Regardless, these trips are more for enjoyment so the trips should actually be enjoyable.

 

Price points in stores like this are generally the same that customer service should be the defining factor of what store is better. There have even been times at Rainbow where Chad has talked me out of buying something that may not be ideal for the specific fishing experience I want it for. Chad will always do everything he can to make sure you get your warranties from the major fishing companies whenever you run into any problems. I broke a St. Croix a few years back and he pretty much handled the entire thing - I soon had a new rod. With honesty and service like that Rainbow has earned my business for as long as I stay in the area and beyond.

 

To sum it up - check out both stores - you'll probably see what I am seeing and decide on Rainbow. I generally like to get an XL coffee from Tim's before I go because I'm generally there for an hour.

[nuke]

Hey Bill, what are your views on Troutfitters in Fergus?

 

Mike

[fshrgy99]

As far as prices at natural ...I just got back from BPS in vaughn where they are asking $799 for a HDS5 ...price at natural seen this a.m. ...$699 (and will not be undersold) Also trout selection is superior IMO at Natural.. As far as customer service ...fishing fanatics hands down (next to the beer store at Hazel and Albert in Waterloo). Any question answered and always time to talk about recent activity. Definitely worth dropping in just to stay in touch and worth spending an extra buck for help.

Rainbow? ....no thanks. Troutfitters ...for the fly fishing specialist and available at Natural if it's closer.

my .02.

Edited April 16, 2010 by fshrgy

[fishdawg]

Fishing Finactics, Tall Tales & Kingsway Sports are my faves when im up in the KW/Gulph area

[Steve]

Natural Sports has the BEST (better the FW, better than BPS, better than JB's) G Loomis selection.

 

I bought the G Loomis FROG ROD at the fishing show from them for 65% of retail (by retail i mean what jb's and fw).

 

I dont know if Vince Castellano works there all the time, but he was the rep who i spoke with at their booth at the fishing show.

 

By far the best booth in the show.

[BillsTheBassMan]

Fishing Finactics, Tall Tales & Kingsway Sports are my faves when im up in the KW/Gulph area

 

I made my first stop by Fishing Fanatics this Sunday and I must say that it was a very positive experience. Good selection, solid prices, but most importantly, GREAT customer service.

 

A good choice for sure along with Rainbow Sports.

[danbouck]

I live in Waterloo and work in Cambridge. I like both Natural and Rainbow, but find myself going to Tall Tales in Cambridge for live bait in the winter months (shiners). Natural used to have minnows before they expanded, but I don't beleive they do noe (correct me if I'm wrong).

 

Once again, great service at all three places.

 

Mike

 

Tall Tales, I refuse to go in there, the service is BRUTAL. I was once called a moron by him for going ice fishing in a blizzard.

[waterwolf]

I live in Kitchener and would rather travel to BassPro once or twice a year than get hosed at either Rainbow or Natural Sports. Don't drive too far or you'll be disappointed.

finally ,the voice of reason! i've NEVER,, EVER had a bad experience at bass pro! 50 or 60 visits and stll regard bps as the best thing to happen to the GTA with regards to the outdoors sports . crappy tire,, walmart, come on! fishing depo,rude ,, lebarons, arrogance.

can't touch their sales,and for me the staff is usually very willing to make an effort.

never been to rainbow or natural, never had the need.

just tired of the tread on BassPro.

[Cookslav]

just tired of the tread on BassPro.

 

Sorry but some times its well deserved...

 

I Drove from Kitchener to Buy Hunting boots, a Wet Sack, and a Survival suit.

$1000+ purchase lined up...

I researched the products called to ensure they were carrying the very same items listed in the catelog....I did all the things a responsible consumer should.

 

When I got there, they didn't have the boots, the next brand up was $80 more, they didn't have ANY wet sacks, and they didn't have the 2 peice mustang survival suits in stock either...even though I had called to check the night before.

 

When I asked the staff if they could check the store room as I was told they had these items in stock the night before they responded "sorry we're in the middle of inventory go ask the customer service desk. they should have time to check"

When I begrudgingly did just that the Desk said " We don't have a storage room, what is on the shelf is all we have."

I of course asked to speak to a manager as I had just driven and hour and a half to buy 3 items I was assured were in stock which were not, and was given the run around by the floor staff....

When I spoke to the manager he offered a rain check...which I said would be great if they could ship me the product, or discount the price to reimburse me for my gas being this would now require a second trip from Kitchener.

I was told that is not possible.

I left, VERY pissed off and wrote nice letter to the GM..........2 years ago with no response.

 

So ya....Screw Bass pro

 

I'm not treading on them for fun, or cause its fashionable.

I have good reason to tread on them.

[fish_d00d]

For the record there are 2 more in Kitchener/Waterloo...One on old king down by the fry wagon on the way to the grand on the left hand side. The other is in the plaza where the beer store is (don't ask how I know that) on Albert I believe or in that area, he's pretty new and a nice chap at that

 

Hazel & Albert, I believe. When I was there years ago, the store had just opened, and didn't appear to have too much stuff. Perhaps they've expanded their inventory since.

 

If you haven't yet, stop by The Grill at University Plaza ... Great burgers ...