A place called Ralphs?

[Kdsosso 0]

Does anyone have the website info for a gear shop named "Ralphs" in Oregon? I tried doing a search, but still can't find it.

Thanks

[nate_1979 9]

503-630-JUMP is the phone number

I just called him earlier today, sounds like a great place to get gear.. I will be ordering from him at the end of this week.

FGF #???
I miss the sky...
There are 10 types of people in the world... those who understand binary and those who don't.

[Remster 30]

You may also do a search on the forums here and see what comes up. People experiences have varied.

Remster

[nate_1979 9]

hmm.. I quick search has shown me nothing really except for good comments... (cept one guy that was contacting him about "sub-dealer" stuff) .. Seen nothing but good from end users. Particular thread in mind?

FGF #???
I miss the sky...
There are 10 types of people in the world... those who understand binary and those who don't.

[masterrigger1 2]

What he said!
MEL

Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC
www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

[Squeak 17]

Ralph runs "Western Parachute Sales"
There are several people who don't like him, because he doesn't descriminate who he sells gear too. (low timers on small kits).
I bought my new rig through him and have been VERY happy with the service and speed of delivery to Australia.


So you have to make up your own minds.
There's somthing that you won't see often on here,

You are not now, nor will you ever be, good enough to not die in this sport (Sparky)
My Life ROCKS!
How's yours doing?

[nate_1979 9]

Quote

because he doesn't descriminate who he sells gear too. (low timers on small kits).

I guess I wouldnt know for sure, since I'm not buying gear that's beyond my abilities, but he seemed pretty interested in how many jumps I had and what my exit weight was when I started talking to him about the canopy I want to buy...

FGF #???
I miss the sky...
There are 10 types of people in the world... those who understand binary and those who don't.

[TomAiello 26]

I know a guy who bought a rig from him that supposedly had an in-date square reserve in it. The guy had to fire the reserve, and it came out round. I've verified all the elements of the story (i.e. I saw the reserve in question, as well as the receipt for the rig). I've heard that this is the one and only time this ever happened, and the incident has reached somewhat legendary status amongst the Ralph gossip crowd.

Edit to add: I believe the listing for the DZ (not the gear shop, but owned by the same guy and run concurrently) is here.

-- Tom Aiello

Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com
SnakeRiverBASE.com

[freakflyer9999 1]

Quote

You may also do a search on the forums here and see what comes up. People experiences have varied.

I've never bought from Ralph, but that's partially because of him. He refused to sell me gear that he felt might be unsafe for my weight.

[peckerhead 0]

You have that backwards Squeak. Ralph WON'T sell canopies that are too small for those too heavy or inexperienced. He will always try and talk you into something more suitable for your skill level. Some people don't like him because he won't sell them something they have no business buying.
For one thing he does not want to see someone get hurt on gear they bought from him. Second, it makes sense from a business standpoint because he can later sell them something else when they are ready to downsize.

To the original poster: If you go to the drop zone section and look up Oregon DZ's Ralphs DZ is listed as Skydive eagle creek.

Ralph is a straight shooter and you can't beat his prices or service. He offers 100% satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. No bullshit.

I have bought many rigs from Ralph ever since the '80s including my new infinity.

[peckerhead 0]

Here is the website address, I don't know how to do that clicky thing.

www.callralph.hatley.com

[masterrig 1]

Quote

You have that backwards Squeak. Ralph WON'T sell canopies that are too small for those too heavy or inexperienced. He will always try and talk you into something more suitable for your skill level. Some people don't like him because he won't sell them something they have no business buying.
For one thing he does not want to see someone get hurt on gear they bought from him. Second, it makes sense from a business standpoint because he can later sell them something else when they are ready to downsize.

To the original poster: If you go to the drop zone section and look up Oregon DZ's Ralphs DZ is listed as Skydive eagle creek.

Ralph is a straight shooter and you can't beat his prices or service. He offers 100% satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. No bullshit.

I have bought many rigs from Ralph ever since the '80s including my new infinity.

__________________________________

I would have to agree with you! Ralph called me one time, in regard to one of our jumpers wanting to purchase a high performance eliptical. Ralph wanted my opinion as to whether or not, the jumper was 'ready' for such a parachute. From that, I could not say he is 'indiscriminate' in regard to what he sells and to whom.


Chuck

[Kdsosso 0]

Thank you for the replies

[diablopilot 2]

Wouldn't go near him unless I wanted to give my money away for nothing.

----------------------------------------------
You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously.

[BlindBrick 0]

I really think it depends on the situation. People who've bought common sized, new gear seem to have no trouble. OTOH, if you are looking for an odd size, or specific used gear, it gets dicey. I've heard rumors that Ralph will tell you he has something in stock when he doesn't, then scramble like crazy to locate it. Don't know if that's true or not

What I can tell you is that Ralph effectively runied a Spring Break for me. I was planning on spending it jumping at Eloy once I had gear. I called Ralph and asked if he had a container in my size(rare, because I am so big). After getting my measurements, Ralph told me he did and quoted me a price. I told him I was very interested in the container and asked for him to email me some photos. He said "no problem" and promised to have them to me the next day. They never came. I called every few days for the next six weeks. It was always extremely difficult to get ahold of Ralph and when I did get him he always assured me he had the rig and promised to get me the photos really soon. Because he assured me that he did have the rig, I passed on the only other oppertunitty that came up. By the time I realized that Ralph was not going to deliver, it was too late to salvage my spring break plans.

So, I will NEVER CALL RALPH again, but YMMV.

-Blind

"If you end up in an alligator's jaws, naked, you probably did something to deserve it."

[linestretch 0]

I've visited his place several times, and will only go there if I can't find it anywhere else. I can tell you he will discriminate! If you are NOT your average white male, then DO NOT go there. That goes for women too, unless you just like to deal that sorta of stupidity. He's about as redneck as it gets. All the stories above are pretty much what I've heard, and I jump with a lot of folk that have known him for YEARS. Good luck.

my pics & stuff!

[lopullterri 0]

Bought a new cypres from him. When I received it , I realized that it was 2 years old. Made several phone calls and left messages. He was never available and never called back. Finally gave up. Have passed that info on to anyone that mentions his name.

~"I am not afraid. I was born to do this"~