REASONS TO BUY
Big landing area
Folds up compactly
Simple closure
REASONS TO AVOID
Thin foam
Metolius Colossus Review
Metolius Colossus crash pad
Credit: Metoliusclimbing.com
Price: $289 List
By Chris McNamara ⋅ Founder and Editor-in-Chief ⋅ Jun 27, 2012
Our Verdict
Below is the Review of the Discontinued Colossus Pad
At 4' x 6' the Metolius Colossus has one of the largest landing areas of any crash pad we have seen. But at 3.5 inches thick it is also the thinnest big pads we have seen compared to most big pads like the Black Diamond Mondo Pad that is five inches thick. It is great for shorter falls but not ideal for highball problems unless you stack other pads on top of it. We really liked the old Metolius Behemoth that had an auto upholstery top and hingeless design that allowed you to put a large pack in the middle. Today, we would probably go with a pad like the Organic Big Pad, which is smaller but has thicker foam and is easier to transport all your bouldering accessories with. Or, if we were on a budget, we would stack this up against the Mad Rock Triple Mad Pad. The Mad Rock is only a little smaller, $50 less expensive and gives you way more foam (5 inches). We lean more toward the Mad Pad just because we like having more foam, the ability to lock the hinges closed, and the price.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Likes
The the two hinges mean the pad folds up into a very compact package that is easier to get through thick brush and cram into the back seat of a compact car. When you are going through narrow passageways this pad is much more nimble than a wide pad like the Black Diamond Mondo. Because there are no hinges in the middle of the pad (as with a single fold pad) you are less likely to land on them.
There is only one buckle for closing the pad, which makes it relatively quick to move around and pack up. There is a generous zip pocket for throwing in little nick-knacks and a few pairs of shoes (this is something few other pads have).
It is one of the few pads that can be used as a bed without your ankles hanging off the edge. If you have a truck it makes a great bed liner.
Dislikes
This has the thinnest foam of any big pad. While it is quality foam, we don't feel comfortable using it for highball problems by itself once it is broken in. The tri-fold design and single strap tightening system means you can't carry a medium-sized backpack inside.
Nostalgia
We liked the old Metolius Behemoth pad that was a similar size but had no hinges. Because you folded it twice, it was more of a “burrito” design than a “taco” design. This meant you could put only a medium-sized pack in the middle. It also had a cozy auto upholstery top like on the Metolius Boss Hogg.
Value
A great value, this is the only big pad that is less expensive is the Triple Mad Pad.
—
Chris McNamara
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