King-Keyser Ski & Racquet Shop

I hate to do this but this place has changed big time. I remember going here as a little girl and seeing the ski selection as being endless. Now — overpriced clothing galore. Which is sad because that means one of two things: either people can’t afford to ski or board anymore or the owner doesn’t worry about inventory. Which I’m sure by the looks of it and location of this place people in that area think it’s cute to own ski wear for the heck of it… I’m sorry but $ 160 for a ski beenie is quite ridiculous and a jacket at $ 200 I can purchase on moosejaw or online cheaper won’t cut it for me. The other down side is the sizes … They don’t carry much in the lines of sizing or brands– when I asked about a huge goggle brand (We are talking Olympians wear this and promote it) the woman looked at me dumb founded. Ummmm last time I checked this is a shop that that carries bulk apparel/​accessories, right?- you are telling me there’s no awareness on brands? Oakley, anon and smith are great but there are a couple other big ones out there that would fly off the shelves too. Also, an excuse that the season has ended (never even started here in Illinois yet) or that you don’t carry a brand of something or even offer to order it pre-​paid and then try the switch and bait sales tactics on another product doesn’t work for the knowledgable ski/​snowboard people. But all and all I guess this store works for the rich and famous wannabes… Obviously, the people with money have no clue what they are buying into — my 3 stars go to workers who didn’t try to up sell me on junk I didn’t need !

High end outdoor gear, mostly on the very expensive end. If you’re going skiing though, do it. My son needed just the ski pants and they had a great selection of brands that would certainly last. He has an Obermeyer coat and the store had pants in Obermeyer and other brands that were a good color match.
I also needed gloves for myself, and got a fine pair of Kombi for ~$ 60. The more dexterous model would have been a lot more money ($ 90).
Nice people — great advice.

I was referred here by REI since they did not have what I was looking for. I must say that Jim is a great guy. He helped me select cross country skis and bindings and boots to meet my needs. Additionally, he advised me on skis for my wife and kids, even though they were not purchased at his store. All around great experience with a very friendly and knowledgable group of people.

Jim & Co. know their stuff! Would not buy a piece of equipment from anyone else! Been going there for 25 years. Nuff said.

great selection… I’m ready for snowboarding season at last!!!
but Damn I hate the cold otherwise. This is the first year I have a complete ensemble and won’t have to resort to renting anything. For all of you who are looking for a bargin, buy after the season like I did, I saved a bunch on the advice of the sales guys at KK’s. They said if I don’t HAVE TO HAVE IT, wait to get it. I know it’s hard to imagine me waiting to buy anything but I did. I dealt with rented boots for one last season and now have the best boots made last year for a fraction of the cost.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve over spent here too… I’m not perfect. However, i feel a lot better about the jackets I’ve bought at a premium when I saved so much on the boots, that’s all.

Very pricey, and has limited selection of sports gear. However, the products that are carried at this business are all great quality and has nice clothing choices even though it is limited. However the staff seem to be very knowledgable with the items stocked and occasionally you can find a sale on a great item!

Love this little shop! The staff is super knowledgeable (especially with boot fitting — these guys know their stuff!). They carry lots of the apparel brands that I can’t resist — Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear, Prana, Carve Designs — love love love. Anytime I need to update my ski equipment, this is where I head. Its worth the trip from the city! (They do also carry stuff for snowboarding and cross country skiing, and I think tennis –I don’t do those sports, but I would assume they are just as helpful and knowledgeable!).

great ski shop in the suburbs. customer service is good and they are very nice, though they could be more attentive and have a bigger selection (the place is not large). but a good option in the ‘burbs.