# What's a specific brand of consumer product that's worth the money and then some? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 15, 2017, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-specific-brand-of-consumer-product-thats-worth-the-money-and-then-some/786680 "2017-05-15T19:51:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![D\_Anconia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@D\_Anconia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D_Anconia)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2017, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-specific-brand-of-consumer-product-thats-worth-the-money-and-then-some/786680/21 "2017-05-16T01:33:27Z")
> [@chacoguy](#): > > NRS, Chaco, REI. What’s a Chaco? ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2017, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-specific-brand-of-consumer-product-thats-worth-the-money-and-then-some/786680/22 "2017-05-16T02:11:37Z")
> [@D\_Anconia](#): > > What’s a Chaco? [These](http://k2b-bulk.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?MfcISAPICommand=ListingConsole¤tpage=LCActive&pageNumber=1&searchField=ItemTitle&searchValues=chaco&StoreCategory=-4&Status=All&Format=All&matchCriteria=and&srcFld_1=Title&searchOpDd_1=CONTAINS&srcVal_1=&lrowcount=1&srcType=0&goToPage=) ---
**Author:** ![stillownedbysetters](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/41988e/32.png) [@stillownedbysetters](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stillownedbysetters)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2017, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-specific-brand-of-consumer-product-thats-worth-the-money-and-then-some/786680/23 "2017-05-16T02:42:11Z")
Dr. Pepper - I can spot a (poor) imitation at first sip. Adidas running shoes - models change, but the quality construction remains. ---
**Author:** ![octopus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/octopus/32/3716_2.png) [@octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/octopus)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2017, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-specific-brand-of-consumer-product-thats-worth-the-money-and-then-some/786680/24 "2017-05-16T04:35:43Z")
Publix ice cream. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2017, 5:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-specific-brand-of-consumer-product-thats-worth-the-money-and-then-some/786680/25 "2017-05-16T05:03:02Z")
> [@Wesley\_Clark](#): > > High quality toilet paper. Charmin or cottonelle I use Marcal, and just had a case delivered today. It will probably last me a year. 🆒 Either Bounty or Brawny for paper towels too. Also Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. I’m going to add Tampax tampons, Always pads with wings (wings would have made my teenage periods a lot less unhappy, that’s for sure) and Jockey women’s underwear to the list. Jockey is about $25 for 3 pairs, but they last, like, forever, or so it seems, and they fit my middle-aged body. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2017, 5:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-specific-brand-of-consumer-product-thats-worth-the-money-and-then-some/786680/26 "2017-05-16T05:11:33Z")
[Hypafix](https://www.amazon.com/Hypafix-Dressing-Retention-Tape-Each/dp/B000CDP1I6) Comes in 2,4,6 inch widths x 10 yds. Hypoallergenic adhesive, stays on when wet but pulls off without tearing skin. Besides dressing wounds(which is where I heard of it) it can also secure medical devices. ---
**Author:** ![pullin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c57346/32.png) [@pullin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pullin)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2017, 9:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-specific-brand-of-consumer-product-thats-worth-the-money-and-then-some/786680/27 "2017-05-16T09:29:18Z")
> [@chacoguy](#): > > NRS, Chaco, REI. Not challenging you, just curious. Is REI really that much better? Or is it mainly better for heavy/rugged users (who actually get out in the wilderness)? I’m asking mainly about hardware like stoves, lanterns, etc. I think Coleman or even the Cabelas/Gander brands are OK for the average “outdoorsman”. To the OP: Craftsman or Snap-On tools. My info may be dated because I haven’t had to buy replacements\* for either brand in 35 years. At least at the time, they were worth the higher price. \*I have a picture from 1981 of myself working on an engine with my tools/toolbox beside me. This week I used the same tools, out of the same box, to fix the garage door. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2017, 10:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-specific-brand-of-consumer-product-thats-worth-the-money-and-then-some/786680/28 "2017-05-16T10:31:29Z")
Merrell shoes and boots. ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2017, 10:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-specific-brand-of-consumer-product-thats-worth-the-money-and-then-some/786680/29 "2017-05-16T10:31:58Z")
Saran Wrap. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2017, 11:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-specific-brand-of-consumer-product-thats-worth-the-money-and-then-some/786680/30 "2017-05-16T11:03:00Z")
Another Heinz Ketchup lover, even though the company passed on my marketing idea. Heinz, because Hunts is for \*\*\*\*\*. A friend of mine is in love with Bose products. I’m hearing impaired, so I’m a poor judge of audio. But he’s given me a few Bose products (headphones, stereo) and I’m impressed by the quality construction. ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2017, 12:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-specific-brand-of-consumer-product-thats-worth-the-money-and-then-some/786680/31 "2017-05-16T12:13:09Z")
Another devotee of Pilot G2 Gels. People complain they smear all the time. Just give it an extra couple seconds on glossier stuff before swiping something against it. _Consumer Reports_ did an article on toilet paper some time back. They recommended the 3-ply Walmart store brand White Cloud. **Mrs. FtG** is never going to buy another brand again. While cheap being a store brand, there is still cheaper stuff out there so it is worth the little bit of money. ---
**Author:** ![boffking](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/858c86/32.png) [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2017, 12:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-specific-brand-of-consumer-product-thats-worth-the-money-and-then-some/786680/32 "2017-05-16T12:40:48Z")
Cabot cheese. ---
**Author:** ![Shoeless](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shoeless/32/7099_2.png) [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2017, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-specific-brand-of-consumer-product-thats-worth-the-money-and-then-some/786680/33 "2017-05-16T12:42:37Z")
Another vote for Pilot G2 pens. My only complaint is that the grips can get a little gummy after a while, but they probably weren’t designed to be used for years at a time. At one time I would have said Clarks. I needed some dress shoes for my first job out of college, tried on a pair, and decided I had to have them. They cost more than what I had planned on spending, but those shoes lasted me almost ten years. And sooo comfortable – they are what led me to coin the word “footgasm”. When they finally wore out, I bought another pair, and they were just as good. But I bought a pair a few years back and was not as impressed. Maybe they had outsourced to China by then. ---
**Author:** ![Mr\_Shine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mr_shine/32/464_2.png) [@Mr\_Shine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr_Shine)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2017, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-specific-brand-of-consumer-product-thats-worth-the-money-and-then-some/786680/34 "2017-05-16T12:46:19Z")
Coca-cola zero. None of the the generic brands I’ve tried have come close. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2017, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-specific-brand-of-consumer-product-thats-worth-the-money-and-then-some/786680/35 "2017-05-16T12:49:32Z")
Great Lakes brewery. I’ve never had a bad beer from them. Five Guys burgers. My local pho place. From my limited experience (I drive an '04 model), Audi. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2017, 12:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-specific-brand-of-consumer-product-thats-worth-the-money-and-then-some/786680/36 "2017-05-16T12:54:32Z")
> [@Shoeless](#): > > Another vote for Pilot G2 pens. My only complaint is that the grips can get a little gummy after a while, but they probably weren’t designed to be used for years at a time. > > At one time I would have said Clarks. I needed some dress shoes for my first job out of college, tried on a pair, and decided I had to have them. They cost more than what I had planned on spending, but those shoes lasted me almost ten years. And sooo comfortable – they are what led me to coin the word “footgasm”. When they finally wore out, I bought another pair, and they were just as good. But I bought a pair a few years back and was not as impressed. Maybe they had outsourced to China by then. _looks at username_ There _are_ other brands to try. ---
**Author:** ![Scumpup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2017, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-specific-brand-of-consumer-product-thats-worth-the-money-and-then-some/786680/37 "2017-05-16T12:58:27Z")
Genuine Victorinox Swiss Army knives. Most of them come in well under a c-note. They’re beautifully made, genuinely useful, and you’ll lose it before you wear it out. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2017, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-specific-brand-of-consumer-product-thats-worth-the-money-and-then-some/786680/38 "2017-05-16T13:35:10Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > Great Lakes brewery. I’ve never had a bad beer from them. I’ll second Great Lakes, but say the same for Evil Twin, Lagunitas, Stone, Victory, Otter Creek, Voodoo, Dancing Gnome, Oskar Blues, and a dozen others. ---
**Author:** ![Doctor\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctor_jackson/32/32_2.png) [@Doctor\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2017, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-specific-brand-of-consumer-product-thats-worth-the-money-and-then-some/786680/39 "2017-05-16T14:31:49Z")
> [@igor\_frankensteen](#): > > Puffs an Charmin. Just don’t get them mixed up. As for me, it’s Diet Coke. I will, and have, drink nothing if my only choice is that other big brand of soda. ---
**Author:** ![jtur88](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e9c0ed/32.png) [@jtur88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jtur88)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2017, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-specific-brand-of-consumer-product-thats-worth-the-money-and-then-some/786680/40 "2017-05-16T14:40:49Z")
Coffee - name brands. I bought a cheapo instant coffee (to carry when traveling), and the cup of hot water tasted the same, before and after I stirred in the coffee. Threw it away and bought Maxwell House. Similarly, coffee grounds for brewing are much better under the name brands. Tea, however, tastes the same, all brands and prices. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-specific-brand-of-consumer-product-thats-worth-the-money-and-then-some/786680.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-specific-brand-of-consumer-product-thats-worth-the-money-and-then-some/786680.md?page=3)