Jax Ames Outdoor Gear

Category:	Outdoor Sports Store
Address:	4723 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50014, USA
Phone:	+1 515-292-2276
Site:	jaxgoods.com
Rating:	4.1
Working:	9AM–8PM 9AM–8PM 9AM–8PM 9AM–8PM 9AM–8PM 9AM–6PM 10AM–6PM

Location

Jax Ames Outdoor Gear: A Comprehensive Review

Quality of Service

Customer Service

The organization has received mixed reviews regarding customer service. While some customers praise the staff for their helpfulness and expertise, particularly in the fishing department, others express dissatisfaction with the management's attitude. The latter group describes the management as unresponsive and indifferent, often giving one-word answers and showing a lack of engagement.

Expertise

The store's expertise in specific areas like firearms and outdoor gear is a point of contention. Some customers feel that the staff lacks adequate knowledge, especially concerning firearms, while others have had positive experiences getting their bows tuned or receiving advice on fishing gear.

Availability

Product Range

The store offers a wide range of products, from hardcore backpacking gear to Boy Scout uniforms and patches. However, some customers note that the store lacks certain items they would expect to find in an outdoor sports store, such as silhouette targets for shooting.

Stock Availability

There are no significant complaints about the availability of stock, but some customers mention that they would prefer to see a broader selection in specific departments.

Pricing

General Pricing

The general consensus is that the store's prices are high. Some customers are willing to pay a premium to support a local business, but others find the pricing to be a significant deterrent.

Price vs. Quality

Customers have raised concerns about the quality of some products, such as water bottles, not matching their price points. In some instances, customers have had to contact manufacturers directly to resolve issues with newly purchased items.

Products and Services

Outdoor Gear

The store offers a variety of outdoor gear, including fishing setups and hiking equipment. Customers appreciate the range but wish for more specialized items.

Firearms

The store also provides services for FFL transfers of firearms. However, the staff's knowledge in this area has been criticized as lacking, with some customers advising against purchasing firearms from this location.

Staff

Attitude

The staff's attitude is a significant point of discussion. While some find the staff helpful and cheerful, others describe the management as indifferent and unresponsive.

Expertise

As mentioned earlier, the staff's expertise varies depending on the department. Some customers have had excellent experiences with knowledgeable staff, while others feel that the store could benefit from more specialized knowledge in areas like firearms.

Location

Accessibility

The store is located in Ames, Iowa, and is one of the few sports stores in the area. Some customers recommend driving to Des Moines for more options, but others appreciate the local availability.

Convenience

The store's location is convenient for residents of Ames and the surrounding areas, but some customers from places like Des Moines find it less convenient due to the drive.

Photos 60

Reviews 10

Jason Arment

Although it is useful for some to use Jax for a place to ship weapons they have purchased from third parties as required by law in order to do a proper FFL transfer, that is the high water mark of Jaxs customer service. They lack many of the things that one would think would be standard for a outdoor sports store. They have no silhouette targets, a VERY limited knowledge on firearms, and their prices are awful. These things, in and of themselves, do not necessarily constitute a deal breaker as it is one of the only sports stores in the small town of ames. What is the deal breaker is the extremely poor attitude of the managing staff. Im not sure if their "I dont care" attitude is ported over from the attitudes of other gun shops, but it is certainly present. When I go to an out doors place and the manager has no time for anything but to sit behind his desk and chat with his unintelligent hangeron friends that come in to waste time, this example carries over to all of the staff. If anyone has any serious outdoor needs, I would recommend Jaxs only if they had no other options. I would recommend K-mart, Walmart, and driving to des moines before going to Jaxs for any serious reason. Also, if you are purchasing firearms, DO NOT GO TO JAXs. There firearm knowledge is of the same of level of a child. They take snobbish pride in having no knowledge of how to dissemble or reassemble any weapons from the soviet block countries; weapons that even the most layman rifleman has in his command. Their ignorance to what weapons would be useful for concealed carry is astounding, on par with that of a peacenik hippy. I only use Jaxs for FFL transfers, and every time I am there I wonder how it stays open.

A Private User

Im afraid i have to agree with the review "Jax is a no go by Jason" The management staff are horrible. I like to keep my shopping local but its really hard when the management are jerks to me. They have absolutely no problem showing their I DONT CARE attitude. To them customers seem to be a waste of time. Their manager Andy is the biggest jerk around he doesnt care, doesnt give you the time of day and gives you one word responses of "no" and walks away or starts playing on his computer. Ive been there multiple times and every time I have any type of interaction i get the feeling that im not wanted there and I usually leave then and dont come back for a few months. The rest of the staff are very helpful and cheerful and try their hardest to help me find whatever im looking for. They have a great selection of everything and from hardcore backpacking to boy scout uniforms and patches, but the prices arent good at all... actually they are horrible. Listen up Jax and fix the problems so I can shop there again!!

A Private User

Horrible customer service... That is how I would rate my last time there. I had just bought an insulated water bottle from their store for $25 earlier in the day. The first time I filled it I noticed it was leaking from the lid. After inspecting the bottle closer I noticed that the welds on the top were not smoothed out very well and it was causing a bad seal with the lid. I live in Des Moines so I called the store prior to driving back to Ames. The employee that answered the phone told me that I should just use duct tape to fix the leak. That was not what I wanted to hear after buying a premium product and was the last time I will ever deal with JAX. I had to contact the manufacturer to get my issue resolved and a replacement bottle sent out.

Michael Goettsch

Went in to get a new fishing setup add I havent been fishing in two decades and decided it would be fun for the summer to do with friends. Staff pointed me to their fishing department and told me either of the people working were very knowledgeable about local spots and could help me pick out what I needed. Was asked what type of fishing I preferred and what I was used to from years ago. Staff pointed me to some inexpensive options and some step up options and took the time to explain why the price difference. Also helped me pick out tackle and got me setup with rod, reel and line. Easily the best experience Ive had at a sporting store. No pressure and lots of listening before making recommendations.

Don Williams

They have been better the last few times Ive been there. A few years ago you could not get noticed as workers would just talking amongst themselves and ignore. My son gets great service there, they know him- hes spent about $700 in the last year and knows whom to speak to. Jax has high end items and they are naturally high priced. However, they have items that you cannot find anywhere else in Ames. I like to go in at Christmas time. Ive bought boots there when they go on clearance. Back in the old old days the army surplus store was a great place to shop.

A Private User

Jason, sorry about your bad experiences, but I think you are expecting more than what Jaxs can provide you with. You seem to be some sort of expert on firearms. Yet you expect general sports enthusiasts to have a greater knowledge than you. Try the old-timers in the specialized gun shops. Yes, Jaxs prices can be a little high. but Im willing to pay more and support local. I have had nothing but pleasant experiences in Jaxs. Their staff is always willing to help me find something. The have a good selection of everything we need here in central IA.

Beth Brandt

Broke my ankle 2 years ago. Went in and described my issues and was matched with 3 different options, all better than any other shoe/sporting goods retailer that Ive visited--and Im a woman who likes to shop! Plus, the price was actually better than anything I could find on the Internet. Now they might not be the cheapestevery time, but their service has always been top notch (not my first trip there). Will DEFINITELY be back! I appreciated what I thought was the nearly list art of service!!!

Giordano Zampa

Terrible customer service. I went in looking for some handgun ammo and was not acknowledged by the staff as they were too busy talking with each other. After a few minutes I interjected and was met with an I cant be bothered attitude. After asking about a specific brand, I was spoken to in an incredibly condescending tone and treated like I was a child. I would rather run out of ammo than return to Jax. Definitely will not be going back.

David Tucker

I have read the reviews and Im really surprised. I have been helped by different individuals and felt they went beyond the call of duty. One example; I had a shell jammed in my gun and at no charge a sales person spent 20 minutes on me fixing my problem. Another time I had a bow tuned up and was thrilled with the help I was given shooting my bow. I have felt these guys are experts in what they do..I would highly recommend.

44carolinagirl

Have gone in many times before and have not been happy with their service. Thought I would give them one more chance and went in to buy and brand new Mathews bow with all the extras. None of the workers would even look at me let alone talk to me for more than twenty mins. Needless to say I will be buying the bow with a different retailer. Jax, you just lost a $1400 sale.