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Had discussion at work about a Notebook that starts at £50 and goes up to an incredible £250 but is seemingly money well spent if you like nice notebooks. I was wondering what other very expensive things there are out there that are definitely worth the money. Excluding cars and bikes.
Tools (mostly).
Knives.
Hot cross buns,
iPads, though it hurts me to say it.
I'm a fan of speakers.
Ruark Mr1s, Q Acoustics M20s and a Dali Oberon surround setup currently being the devices of choice.
Also, coffee grinders, I have a Niche and a Commandante c40, both overkill and totally lovely.
The Patagonia R1 air I got as a present at Christmas, it's been amazing on frosty dog walks this week.
Festool Countersink Bit
Cost more than the dill driver - I've had mine for 16 years, used for every job (I buy screws in boxes of 2000) - I've replaced the pilot bit once and given the the countersink a little re-sharpen once too in that time
Rega Planar 2 turntable. Bought new for nearly a month's wages forty years ago. Never failed to work perfectly, no maintenance other than 1 belt and a few styluses. It will outlive me for sure and my kids have their eyes on it as part of their inheritance.
A pair of Agile Parcours wellies. 15 years old, used and abused every day in the winter. Look as good as new.
A Gerber lock knife, now at least 25 years old. Used loads, abused and neglected a fair bit, also looks as good as new. It still locks so tight it's like a fixed blade despite occasionally being used to pry stuff (don't judge).
A few licks with a stone every few months and it stays shaving sharp. Come to think of it, it may not qualify as it wasn't particularly expensive. About $40 on a trip to the US. I'm guessing around $80-$100 now?
Heli skiing/biarding. One day 13 years ago cost me over £600 for six runs with maybe 45 minutes total boarding time. Still one of the best days of my life.
I think on many things if you appreciate the marginal gains or using something that you perceive to be better quality (like a notebook) you can justify it.
Sometimes spending more does get you better quality.
I follow someone from here's wife on Instagram (bramble cottage, she's been posting crows of late) , she draws with Caran d'Ache pastil pencils. I have a few of them but at £3.20 a pencil they're pretty dear good for deep rich colours between pastel pencils and soft pastels.
If you're going to be using something regularly then a lot of the time it's worth paying more IME. Buy well and buy once.
If you're only using it intermittently then something cheaper will often suffice.
If it's just going to be a one off use then bargain basement will be fine.
With more expensive stuff, a lot of the cost goes on hidden features such as design and testing, which tends to make it more durable and easier to use.
Proper Goodyear Welted shoes and boots will last you a lifetime with a decent cobbler.
Kitchen Knives.
Apple stuff tends to last longer than the alternatives IME.
Mattresses and furniture.
Some technical clothing. KJUS make very good and very expensive ski wear.
Ti Honey stove https://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/bushcraft/RD106.html.
I've had one for 10+ years, used it loads both as a twig burner and with meths penny stoves.
So well thought out, light and showing no signs of giving in.
I bought a very expensive Frahm jacket a few years ago and was a bit sceptical. I now have probably half a dozen of them !
Out walking the dog 3 times a day in all weathers, so they all get a fair bit of use and are as good as new.
Surely an expensive notepad is the opposite of something that is 'definitely worth the money' as it serves no purpose other than to show to other notepad fans how much you've spent on a notepad?
Some things where there's a notable difference in quality between budget and expensive: power tools, waterproof jackets, hiking boots.
Exposure lights
Marino wool base layers
Agree about hifi / speakers
Hilleberg tents. They aren’t perfect but they are better than any other tents I have used.
Surely an expensive notepad is the opposite of something that is ‘definitely worth the money’ as it serves no purpose other than to show to other notepad fans how much you’ve spent on a notepad?
I wouldn't buy one myself but I understand why someone might. These days most people's experience of paper is cheap printer paper. Good writing paper is expensive but worlds apart in quality and is a joy to use with a nice fountain pen. Add that to a nice tactile leather binding and you have something which gives pleasure to own and use in the same way as any other quality 'accessory'. See also handbags, watches etc. Nothing to do with just showing off imo.
I get that you might not want one, but surely it doesn't take much imagination to see why others might like to own nice things?
Nice pens. Functionally the same as a Bic, but my Wingback ballpoint is a beautiful thing to hold and use and that makes it worth the money to me. Totally understand that most sane people would think a hundred quid for a Bic is slightly bonkers. Then there's the other 70 or 80 'nice' pens and pencils I own...
Conversely, unlike most other shutterbugs, I'm an anti-gear snob when it comes to photography. Cheap, crappy gear for me every time. My 'good' camera is a second hand 12 year old M43 body with a selection of '60s and '70s Eastern European lenses. Most of my photos are taken with old phones and compact/action cameras.
But all the responses to this thread are going to be deeply subjective and subject to the whim of personal circumstances.
+1 the regs planar 2, mine is also about 40 and only needed one new drive belt.
Is this thread an attempt to coax out the strange watch thread folks?
regular physio appointments.
trips away with friends or wife
Experiences (that don’t help destroy the planet) not things.
Bread. Proper hand made bread. Preferably sourdough.
Yeah, £4 or £5 is really expensive in my book. I’m a cheap date 🙂
Flying old fighter planes.
It's all relative isn't it?
I mean a Rega Planar turntable would be considered entry level to some people.
To me a Moleskine is a very nice, expensive notebook.
I tend to stick around the "105" level, not cheap but not crazy expensive with 80-90% of the functionality.
Steiner binoculars, not Zeiss, for example.
something which gives pleasure to own and use in the same way as any other quality ‘accessory’. See also handbags, watches etc. Nothing to do with just showing off imo.
The thread title was "definitely worth it", but this argument kind of comes down to "I just really like it". Which is fine but I'm not sure that's what the poster meant? Anything can be justified as "definitely worth it" in those terms.
Is a high fashion t-shirt 'definitely worth' £600 if you just really really like it? It'll probably have a certain cultural cachet, and maybe even resale value.
See also the watch thread - absolute madness IMO, but I'm sure I've spent money on stuff that the watch fans would consider equally pointless. I would struggle to say it was "definitely worth it" but I'm happy anyway.
Merrell for my feet but hate it when they stop making your favourite pair as I don't want to look rugged like Ive just read Wainwright or I'm busy doing next week heading up to Mullguy for 5 days
I used to always buy de Walt boots now to they are pretty crap and so many models to choose from
I’ve heard you can spend thousands on a bicycle.
My PHD sleeping bags. UK made, top quality. Unlike most suppliers there is a choice of several different lengths and widths to get a perfect size if you are not average size.
My Shand really does not do anything that a bike 1/6th the price does not (infact you can probably buy more capable bikes for less)- but it makes me feel good riding it. Makes my heart sing just to look at it. an example would be the hope brakes. Not really functionally superior to shimano at many times the cost but boy are they beautiful
Vitamix Blender.
Not only better than all other blenders but lasts forever.
SEBO vacuum cleaners. See above.
Kenwood Chef - my mum's one from 1962 is still going strong.
Oakleys - may seem overpriced but their backup is second to none.
Hope Tech. Likewise.
Most overrated expensive stuff. That would be a good thread.
Here's a couple:
Park Tools.
Exposure Lights.
"Bread. Proper hand made bread. Preferably sourdough."
Absolutely worth it IMO. If you're a bread fan, some of the best bang for your buck around.
What else can you get for £4.50 that makes you go '****ing hell, this is absolutely brilliant', every time, as you stand in the kitchen eating bread and butter on a Saturday morning? Absolute bargain
Second decent wellies. Le Chameau. Bought 10 years ago. Used, abused, dog walks, garden. Price per hour of toasty dry feet is very low and they are still going strong.
Second also tools of any kind.
Having just got an exposure light, after ****ing about for years with ones that were not quite as good in many small but hugely significant ways ways, I agree with that one.
also: I’m an astronomer, visual only and preferably as analogue as possible (though I do have DSCs on the Big scope to find the really faint and fuzzy), I have 2 Dobsonians made by David Lukehurst (amongst other scopes currently in the garage, and I have been through a quite a few in my life so far)
I was out with them with the cub scouts in the local park this week, and reminded just how utterly perfect they are. One is 20yrs old, the other 10, they are as aesthetically and functionally perfect as they were when I got them. And they are perfect. The movements are absolute perfection, they balance perfectly irrespective of sizes of eyepiece, although rarely needed colimation is a breeze, they both break down and build up easily and consistently, they are rock steady so focusing is accurate and stress free, vibration is non existent, and the views. Oh my, the views.
I’ll chuck in a Glatter collimating laser and Tublug as utterly perfect at their jobs as well.
David Lukehurst suddenly, and very sadly, died last week, which makes them even more special and their use more meaningful.
The best wellies (longest lasting) I have had have been (and still are) my Dunlop 10 quid ones. They refuse to die.
I really miss my Dualit toaster and kettle from the UK, but the cheap ICA toaster works and kettle duty is now the responsibility of a Le Creuset induction/wood stove. I'm going to say Le Creuset, I have some pans that my dad bought when I was a very young kid and they are amazing to cook with.
I kind of agree about expensive/knife is a good thing, but then I look at my collection of work-related Moras and realise they were all about a tenner and are amazing.
Meh, reality is that functionality is only a part of any buying equation, expensive stuff adds looks, niche, finish and so on into the equation, think too many people try justifying their buys too much, if you want it, have the funds and aren't hurting anyone, just buy what makes you happy.
A good quality, well screwed together watch.
You can wear it every day; maintenance costs are low - occasional service, replacement leather strap when needed, bracelets don't (generally) need replacement.
Look good.
Good ones retain their value well; some appreciate in value.
They can be passed on to the next generation.
Definitely worth it.
+1 for Sebo and Exposure Lights.
Nice cutlery. OK all mine is second hand and didn't actually cost much but I eat every day with silver forks and spoons and bone handled knives.
My custom made Daleboot ski boots. I have nonsensically wide feet, and until I bought my Daleboots every ski trip was an exercise in either pain, or boots flapping around so much I couldn’t control my skis. I now have a pair of ski boots that fit perfectly, and are literally the most comfortable footwear I own. Seriously - I just tried them on in advance of a trip to France next month and it was like putting on a pair of thick socks.
They were eye-wateringly expensive, but they perform a function that was impossible with cheaper options - all of which I had tried. I have had them since 2011 and will get a few more years out of them yet. I fear I will have to shell out for another pair at some point, but if skiing still exists by then I’ll find the money somewhere.
And +1 to good bread!
A few years ago, HP calculators.
A good quality, well screwed together watch.
Applepay on my wrist is a killer app.
depends how you define "worth".
Applepay - is that expensive and definitely worth the money?
Or are you just sniping with a pointless comment?
Shimano MW7 winter boots - may not be expensive to some people, but were the most I've ever spent on shoes. Have been a complete game changer for my winter riding.
Gore Phantom Infineum jacket - spot on for my needs.
In both cases I see it as 'buying well' in that they should last well and I will get plenty of use from them.
Paintballing birthday party for thirteen year olds. Was a truly excellent day but 10p every pull of the trigger and we took 12 young boys who exercised considerable restraint.
Someone mentioned handbags up there. Agree with this. My missis used to get through a 20 - 30 quid one every couple of months, either because they broke or just got replaced by another because of the relative low cost. Has a couple of Mulberry ones now which last for years as they don't go out of style and are really good quality.
50 odd posts and no one has said coke and hookers. What's happened to this place!
Having had a think I'd say nothing. There is certainly a value in buying better quality that works well or lasts longer but that doesn't fall into the really expensive category. You are well into diminishing returns or just buying into the style or brand once you go there.
Going part time.
Cost:- a fortune in lost income
Benefit: more time to go biking, walking the dog, swimming, and trying to reduce the likelihood of an early death.
Someone mentioned handbags up there. Agree with this. My missis used to get through a 20 – 30 quid one every couple of months, either because they broke or just got replaced by another because of the relative low cost. Has a couple of Mulberry ones now which last for years as they don’t go out of style and are really good quality.
MrsRNP and her business partner make custom leather goods, their handbags are many many thousands. A recent handbag comission was for £10k for a wife's big birthday. They supply Royal family members in the UK and abroad.
Seeing and knowing how much work, skill, time, tooling, and materials goes into each piece (and the very modest profit levels) I'd say they are worth it but 'worth' has different values to different people.
Chris King headsets and bottom brackets
Meile appliances
Clothes that actually fit
Experiencing new things
DT Swiss spoke key, Shimano chain tool
Pyrenex Made in France jackets and sleeping bags, Rab too.
Acoustic and electric guitars around a grand, Yamaha LL16 for example
Madame's horse
Bromptons
I realise that I've failed on the really expensive part, the most expensive thing I own is the house I'm sitting in which is roughly the average French house price, so not objectively expensive.
It’s all relative isn’t it?
I mean a Rega Planar turntable would be considered entry level to some people.
Agreed, but forty years ago when I bought mine, it was an eye watering extravagance for a poorly paid 19 year old. I'm sure I could easily afford something far 'better' now, but I've never been a hardcore audiophile and I now have to add age related hearing loss into the mix. So I doubt if objectively 'better' according to some hifi geek would equate to practically better for me. So I'll be keeping it until my kids get to fight over it and my vinyl collection when I croak!
Applepay – is that expensive and definitely worth the money?
No but the hardware to do it is expensive and definitely worth the money.
Jumpers. I have quite a lot of cashmere, all bought in mill sales. £80 seems like a lot for a nice heavy jumper but it retails at £800 so actually a bargain and so lovely.
I have non matches cashmere socks at 50p a pair
And use unfinished seconds jumpers as base layers. Comparatively merino is a bit rubbish.
Currently sitting in cashmere shorts, absolutely ridiculous items of clothing but so go for dotting about the house.
Or are you just sniping with a pointless comment?
Not at all. I love watches, but since getting an Apple Watch with the ability to use Apple pay I don't think I'll have a watch without that functionality ever again. It's also really useful for boarding passes and the like. I got mugged for my Rolex years ago. My friend sold his after getting an Apple Watch because it never got used.
<br />I realise that I’ve failed on the really expensive part<br /><br />
Pyerenex jackets look pretty expensive.
Rolex
Delvaux hand bags
Custom made shoes
Custom steel road frames
Milwauke tools
YMMV
Nice cutlery
actually yes - I went to the David Mellor factory / museum just to road test some cutlery before buying
Has a couple of Mulberry ones now which last for years as they don’t go out of style and are really good quality.
I think that with all leather goods you get what you pay for.
I've got a Mulberry wallet that I think has been going for decades without falling apart.
Heli skiing/biarding.
yep.
Alaskan style.
PB Swiss hex keys
Maps on my Apple phone
Clarks and Lake wide fit shoes
my friends Mercedes Estate (no idea if the model but it’s a new car). I am not into cars at all but when gives me a lift it is a really nice place to sit.
I would have said Fivetens but with the sales at the moment they’re not even that expensive so I’ll say Purdy roller poles and brushes.
Northamptonshire shoes
Le Chameau wellies bought in 2005 - eye watering at the time for a pair of wellies but been to Glastonbury , raved in them, dog walks , shooting weekends still excellent and will probably outlast me.
Ducati motorbikes - anyone who likes the smell of petrol and leather will get this one.
We are one Carbon wheel rims... Outlasted all the other rear wheels I and various riding buddies have owned , slightly chipped cosmetically but never a worry about them letting me down. or the fear of having to bash the dents out of them to keep going.
Exposure lights , purchased the big daft one 6 years ago... brilliant piece of kit.
A Norris smoothing plane ,
I bought one a couple of weeks back, and , my god, it's brilliant! Nearly a hundred years old, a bit tatty looking, but it pisses over any other plane I've ever used. Now on the lookout for one of their jointers...
Ducati motorbikes
Arai crash helmets. Amazed at how good they were when I first got one.
Really expensive is relative - my Rotring Rapid Pro (at £20) is 10x an equivalent plastic 0.7mm clutch pencil but the Pro feels solid and well weighted with its brass construction. I use it all day, everyday at work and enjoy each time I pick it up to write or draw.
Camera film.
**** me it's expensive these days.
But way more fun to use and develope than string at a screen filled with thousands of shite shots you rattled off.
Plus the cameras are amazing.
Arai crash helmets. Amazed at how good they were when I first got one.
'Good' in what way? Not a popular view amongst some of my riding buddies, but I'm a bit of a sceptic about Arai being so much better than other helmets or worth the significant premium. I've owned Arai, Shoei, Schuberth and loads of other brands, budget and premium. Arai are perfectly good helmets (with great marketing) but I don't see how they are significantly 'better' than a lot of other brands. To me there are two main criteria for a helmet, it meets or exceeds all current safety regulations and it's a really good, comfortable fit. IME the best fit when trying on loads of helmets isn't always one of the more expensive brands. My current helmet, a HJC is the most comfortable helmet I've ever owned but is probably half the price of the nearest equivalent Arai. Personal view obvs, ymmv!