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Comment by ydant | Hacker News Reader

> Decathlon

Interesting recommendation, I haven't heard of them. I checked out their MTB shorts, and this model[0] is basically identical to a pair I've bought on Amazon from various "Chinese" retailers of different names (like ARSUXEO), which gives me pause due to the massive inconsistency in quality from pair to pair.

Do you know if Decathlon actually takes an active role in the production, or are they just buying bulk e.g. from Alibaba? Their website doesn't really say much and what they do say just feels kind of generic.

[0] https://www.decathlon.com/products/mountain-bike-shorts-900-...

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Decathlon is a French company, they are huge in France and many EU countries (basically the first brick-and-mortar go-to place to buy any sporting equipment if you're on budget, or just need to buy many sporting gear in one place), and the quality of everything they sell if remarkably high, given the low prices compared to the brand names, across all kinds of products.

If someone is copying someone else, it's those Chinese companies copying Decathlon IMO.

Would it be accurate to say Decathlon is the French version of Columbia? Seems like a similar price point at least.

I got my first Decathlon piece last year, Forclaz 100 puffy for 80$, and so far so good.

I've always considered it the European REI/MEC, albeit a bit on the cheaper end.

For some reason outdoor gear in the US seems to go from low quality Walmart stuff straight to high end more boutique brands, skipping a "high volume, durable quality, no need for ultra-technical specs" solid affordability zone that Decathlon seems to operate in.

Not really, Decathlon is much more focused on sports gear, for just about any sport you can think of. You could go to decathlon and pick up a tent, hiking clothes, a climbing rope, a kayak, protein powder and running shoes all in the same store.

As mentioned in the other comment, the closest thing I can think of is REI, but with significantly cheaper options.

Their quality is fine. I have a lot of their cycling stuff. Of course those short are not gone give Bioracer run for its money.. but they are good enough. Their jerseys are good, I have their RC550 bike and it is good(not the tires).

They have dirt cheap fishing gear kids love, also just generic kids clothing is pretty ok.

Their winter ski stuff is also good(clothing, never tried actual skis or boots). It is not high end, meaning heavy not as warm etc but for the price it is great, for riding a lift whole day great deal.

Make sure to check sizing. It is kind "interesting" I can wear medium size ski bibs(686, Burton etc), Decathlon large I could not squeeze into. They were super nice bibs too, too bad they did not have XL or I would have bought them

Decathlon stuff is generally pretty good. I have one of their down jackets and it is amazing (and amazing values!). Sizing runs small.

They do their own designs - not generic Amazon/Ebay stuff.

There's a hiker on Ebay who showed their design studio which is co-located with one of their major stores in France. That way the designers can go down to the store and ask a customer how a new design would work for them.

Its Ikea meets REI

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