New concept: GearSlash Store

Online gear shoppers may have heard the term ODAT, which stands for one-deal-at-a-time. Websites like Whiskey Militia and Bonktown are nothing new. But a new ODAT entry, GearSlash.com, adds an interesting tweak to the mix: It’s an ODAT site with a peek at what else is coming up. Plus, viewers have a chance to determine what goes on sale next.

Similar to the ODAT sites owned by Backcountry.com mentioned above, GearSlash features a single deal and lets potential customers know how many products are available in each size (if applicable) and how long the deal will run. But the difference is the right-hand column — it shows four products to come soon for sale, and potential customers vote on which one should be next.

When the featured product sells out or runs out of time, it’s replaced by the item at the top of the waiting list. Shoppers can vote for upcoming products, moving them to the top of the list and into the featured spot. They can also get help from friends to vote an item up. By purchasing consecutive items, shoppers can save even more money by shipping multiple products in their single order (just like the Backcountry.com sites, btw).

The company says it focuses “on smaller, core-focused brands — great gear at a price that helps keep the sport affordable to all.” I checked the site out on a recent Monday and some of the brands were smaller, including The Lifetime Collective and Grenade. Other brands like Nixon watches are regulars on other ODAT sites. But one significant difference was the amount of time each deal was up — about four hours, which is about eight times longer than other sites I view.

According to the company, GearSlash.com brands include Airblaster, Anon Sunglasses, Academy Snowboards, Artec Snowboards, Ashbury Eyewear, Atmosphere Outerwear, Automaton Snowboards, Bent Metal, Celtek Gloves, Elm Company, Flux Bindings, GNU, Grenade Gloves, Holden Outerwear, IS Goggles Lib Tech, Lifetime Collective, Nikita Clothing, Nixon Watches, Roxy Snowboards and Union Binding.

If you’re looking for new gear, GearSlash.com is worth a bookmark.

—Stephen Krcmar lives in Mammoth Lakes, Calif.