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Guest
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I’ll bite, although perhaps not in non-blather format.
For strap connections and buckles and such I look first at ITW Nexus (Thanks to Charlie Wilson for pointing me in their direction when I was looking for grommet straps). dang, they must carry 100 different kinds of buckles in that category alone. Who knew there were so many choices?
http://na.itwnexus.com/
If it is manufactured they probably have it. It is worth clicking around on their site if only for outfitting ideas. For example, something as simple as cord locks .
http://na.itwnexus.com/products/categories/plastic-buckles/cord-products
BTW – Nexus Grommet Straps, useful in a number of different applications.
http://na.itwnexus.com/content/bottom-strap-grommet
The downside is that it is hard to order directly from Nexus (although they used to ship up to 10 of their smaller items for free/trial…maybe still do). If you do business with a well stocked outfitter they probably order from Nexus, so if you see some oddball gizmo that is the solution to an outfitting problem ask them to order some for you.
For on-line ordering of wee parts and pieces I am partial to the TopKayaker on-line store (even for canoe stuff). Good, knowledgable prompt folks, and I’ve never had a problem with an order. If I’m ordering small parts and pieces on-line I’ll look there first.
http://topkayaker.com/
For webbing I have used Rochford Supply. Well, I used them once. They were having a too-cheap-to-resist sale on 1½” poly webbing and I bought rolls in red, black and blue (they didn’t have green on sale). Three 100 yard rolls, for re-webbing seats and etc. Somewhat more than a lifetime supply it seems; I still have 200 yards in the box.
http://www.rochfordsupply.com/shop/Webbing/index.html
For FRP materials I use Sweet Composites or Express Composites (the latter again thanks CEW)
http://sweetcomposites.com/
http://www.expresscomposites.com/
Some random other on-line sources for sundry or hard to find odd items:
Jamestown Distributors
http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/main.do
Duckworks
http://www.duckworksbbs.com/
Having provided links to on-line sources I feel compelled to say that I’d rather make my purchases in person, in a brick and mortar outfitter shop, speaking with a knowledgeable paddler who may be able to suggest a better product or solution. I’ll pay the State tax, avoid the shipping charges and come out ahead on the enlightenment side. Plus the HazMat shipping charges for some stuff, or the bulk shipping charges when purchasing something bulky like a bun of minicel can make in-person purchase far less expensive.
To that end I keep a running list of stuff that I need or am running short of, and when it is long enough to merit the 90 minute drive I head up to Blue Mountain Outfitters.
http://www.bluemountainoutfitters.net/
Which brings up another way to find gizmos and gadgets. When I am traveling I enjoy breaking up the drive with a visit to outfitter shops along the way. I’ll look over my intended route and see if I can locate a seemingly well stocked outfitter not too far off the highway or byway.
The potential hazard there is that I may find something I didn’t even know I needed. Which brings up yet another possible thread topic. Got a favorite paddleshop or outfitter?
These guys are right in my travelling wheelhouse, but unfortunately they are 3 hours down the inter-State, just about where I have settled in for a long day’s drive and I’ve yet to stop.
http://www.paddleva.com/
