Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

Scheels Review

Tuesday, March 19th

2024 Sporting Goods Store Reviews

Top Consumer Reviews Best-In-Class Blue Ribbon Award Scheels Review 5 Star Rating

Scheels

5 Star Rating
  • Prices range from $1.49 to $21,000
  • Thousands of items on sale
  • Kids' and adults' gear
  • Casual and pro gear
  • Practice gear
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee
  • Returns at any time
  • Price match guarantee
  • "A-" rating from the BBB
Top Consumer Reviews Best-In-Class Blue Ribbon Award

Scheels has a fascinating origin that traces back to Friedrich A. Scheele, a German immigrant who initially planted potatoes in Minnesota. Using the proceeds from his potato farm he established a small hardware and general merchandise store, which would later become the Scheels we know today.

Retails stores with nationwide reach

Now, Scheels operates 30 stores across 13 states. It offers a diverse array of sporting goods, apparel, footwear, and more, featuring renowned brands. What sets Scheels apart is their unwavering commitment to people and the communities they serve. The company donates 8-10% of its profits to showcase its dedication to giving back.

Amazing UI for product searches

Scheels offers a highly user-friendly website featuring a modern design and a streamlined user interface. The navigation bar is hidden under a drop-down which keeps the site from looking over-cluttered. The sports gear is separated from the rest of the wide variety of inventory in the "Sports and Outdoors" section. From there, customers can choose either to shop by general sports or outdoor activities or to narrow their search by a particular sport type that they're interested in. Once you get into the browsing window, the site provides a convenient set of filters to help you refine your search by price, gender, size, color, and brand among other filters. Our favorite part? The sports types are organized alphabetically so you can find what you need at a glance.

Best Sporting Goods Stores

Huge inventory with pricing for everyone

With such a huge inventory, we were excited to get into the pricing at Scheels. In this review, we checked out the pricing for three key sports to see how the Scheels pricing stacks up against other sports retailers.

  • Starting with football gear, Scheels has 543 items in stock. These range in price from $1.49 for a mouth guard to $595 for a pro-level helmet. We love that these prices are highly competitive as they include tons of pro-level gear including shoulder pads and other must-haves for pro footballers.
  • For golf players, Scheels has an impressive 2,231 items in stock. The prices range from $1.99 for ball markers to a $21,000 launch monitor. There are items at Scheels that we haven't seen at other retailers, with a wide range of prices for pro golfers who need full sets of clubs and practice gear to just the basics for casual players.
  • Finally, we checked out the soccer section at Scheels. There are 302 different items for sale for soccer with prices ranging from $3.99 for youth armbands to $589.99 for a goal net. Again, the price range is reasonable considering the number of items available for pro players and casual or youth soccer items.

Checklists for pros

One of the features we loved at Scheels was their checklist options. For example, on the football page, Scheels has a clickable link that offers "Expert Content: Football Checklist" . Clicking on this opens a page with a full gear list that has clickable links to different parts of the Scheels website, so customers can see where to buy the essentials for gear at the pro level. They offer this in each sport category, exemplifying Scheels' commitment to a seamless shopping experience as well as supporting pro players with their merchandise.

100% satisfaction guarantee

Scheels offers a customer-oriented 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. If you're not completely satisfied with your purchase, you have the option to either exchange your item or receive a refund from Scheels. Unlike some rival retailers' strict return policies, there's no time limit imposed because the primary aim is to accommodate customers' needs effectively. So, you can change your mind about Scheels' products at any time. However, it's important to note that while returns are encouraged, shipping costs are non-refundable, and items must be returned in their original condition.

Price matching pros

Another bonus of shopping at Scheels is the company is dedicated to matching prices if customers find that a competitor is selling an item at a lower cost. To qualify for a price match, the item in question must be the exact same brand, model/style, size, and color as the one found on Scheels' site. The customer service team at Scheels will do all the verification work for you, and ensure that the competing retailer is authorized to sell the particular sporting gear you want to price match.

Best Sporting Goods Stores

Rebates available

Scheels offers money-saving rebates on specific items, a helpful initiative considering the potentially high costs of sports equipment. These rebate opportunities can be located on Scheels' dedicated rebate page, and these offers change periodically. To maximize your savings, make sure you check this page for any new rebates. As an example, at the time of this review, Scheels was providing rebates of up to $200 on certain archery and hunting items.

Top scores from BBB and reviewers

Scheels boasts a stellar reputation, earning accolades from the Better Business Bureau and third-party review platforms. The BBB has granted Scheels an impressive rating of "A-," surpassing many competitors in this review. And, when we checked out the reviews, we found that Scheels enjoys an average star rating of 4.3 out of 5, as reported by verified customers. Shoppers particularly laud Scheels for its competitive pricing and commendable customer service. Even when complications with orders arise, Scheels consistently exhibits efficient and effective resolutions, leaving customers thoroughly satisfied.

Top sporting retailer in this review

Bottom line? Scheels has it all. They cater to casual players, fans, and pros all in one easy-to-navigate website. It receives impressive ratings and reviews from customers, prices are competitive, and with tons of special features like checklists for pro players and a 100% satisfaction guarantee, shopping at Scheels is a no-brainer. For these reasons, it scores the top spot in this review for the best place to find sporting goods online today.

Where is the Best Place to Buy Sporting Goods Online Today?

Sports, a significant part of our culture, come in various forms, appealing to a wide range of enthusiasts. These activities have produced iconic athletes who've left their mark on the sporting world, inspiring countless individuals. Over the years, sports have garnered immense popularity, with millions participating either as players or passionate supporters.

Thanks to the convenience of online shopping, acquiring the perfect sporting goods has become more accessible than ever before. Numerous online retailers offer not only convenience but also access to the latest and most innovative sports gear and apparel, empowering athletes to perform at their peak levels. Furthermore, customers sometimes have the option to customize items like equipment, providing a personalized touch to their sporting experience.

The Best Sporting Goods Stores Compare Sporting Goods Stores Compare Sporting Goods Store Reviews What are the best Sporting Goods Stores Best Sporting Goods Store Reviews

Sporting Goods Store FAQ

That's easy: if you need it to play or practice a sport, it's considered "sporting goods" ! Think of it as all the equipment involved in activities like baseball, lacrosse, or even yoga, from bats and balls to protective gear and uniforms.
Selection, availability and pricing. You'll have a hard time finding a local retailer that can beat online stores in all three of those aspects. Especially at the peak of the season, when inventory near you is at an all-time low, shopping online makes it easy to get what you need.
Choose a store that has what you need in stock and that has a great reputation for quality and customer service. You can also look for customer-friendly perks like a rewards program, free shipping, or frequent promotions and discounts. You may want to consider buying from a retailer that has a brick-and-mortar store near you, for simple returns and the ability to order online and get same-day pickup.
Many stores will give you free shipping on orders that meet a minimum amount (like $50). Given how spendy sporting goods can be, you should be able to qualify with most purchases.
If you're in a rush, you might have the option of paying for expedited shipping to get next-day or 2-day delivery. Otherwise, expect your order to take about a week to arrive.
Most online sporting goods stores offer a 30-day return policy on new, unused items. Some retailers go the extra mile and let you return your purchase with no time limit, as long as you have the receipt. Be aware that returns may incur a restocking fee and/or shipping fees to send the items back to the store.
Yes! Some sporting goods stores will give you a generous discount if you're buying equipment for a team. Look for that information in the links at the bottom of the retailers' websites, or reach out to their customer service team before placing an order.
Sometimes. You can usually see those options after you add an item to your cart (e.g. monogramming), or you may need to work with a customer service rep to place a manual order (e.g. putting team logos on shirts).
Compare the Best Reviews

Continued from above...

However, not every retailer has the same stuff. Whether you're looking for gear to spruce up your pro game, or if you're just getting into a new sport and need the essentials, different retailers focus on different types of players (or even some for just fans). There are even retailers that focus more on one sport than the other, which is why there are so many retailers out there in the modern marketplace. But this can also be a good thing. It means there's a sporting goods store out there for everyone.

From casual neighborhood games to professional leagues, there's a sport for everyone. According to data from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), approximately 9.6 million children aged 6 to 17 and around 12.5 million adults aged 18 and above engage in sports each year. From youth leagues to collegiate competitions and national leagues, sports cater to people of all ages.

Whether you're a parent supporting a youth league, a member of a local sports team, or someone aspiring to excel professionally, you recognize that athletes require more than just skill and dedication - they need top-quality equipment tailored to their chosen sport. A well-crafted set of gear, from the appropriate sporting equipment to the right apparel, plays a crucial role in enhancing a player's confidence and performance.

With the abundance of online options for sporting goods, it can be overwhelming to make a decision. If you're unsure where to begin, we've got you covered. Here are some key considerations to help you determine the best online sporting goods store for your needs:

  • Price: Comparing prices across retailers ensures you're getting the best value for your money. Some sites offer price matching, while others offer rebates or sales. So, keeping your budget in mind and which sites cater to that budget can help you make the best decision for sports gear.
  • Returns: Most companies have completely different return policies. Keeping in mind how long you want to be able to decide on new sporting goods or whether you can try out items before returning them can help you narrow down options for those that best serve your sporting needs.
  • Selection: A wide range of options is a winning strategy when looking for a sporting goods retailer. Options that offer inventory for casual players, fans, and pros are ideal. Or, if you're looking for specialized practice equipment, that might change where you need to look.
  • Reputation: Finally, check out the customer reviews if you're still not sure where to shop. Scores from the Better Business Bureau and verified reviews from customers just like you can help you stay in the know about which retailers best service sports players and fans just like you.

To enhance your sporting experience, Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and rated the best options for purchasing sporting goods today. Our aim is to simplify your online shopping journey, allowing you to focus on enjoying your favorite sports activities to the fullest!

The Best Reviews of Sporting Goods Stores