Thinking of competing... a couple of questions for the vets

Jaskew82 · 02-02-2012, 03:04 PM

So I have been back and forth about competing and lately the thing that scares me most is the initial investment needed along with the costs for each comp.

I have a stumps baby, 22.5 WSM and 22.5 OTG so I should be able to cook everything on them. That said, I don't have a tent, bins, etc. In general, what do you think my initial investment would be to get everything I would need?

Additionally, what do you spend per comp on meats (I have RD membership), fees, etc?

Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

moocow · 02-02-2012, 03:12 PM

We spend $125 in meat an contests. We buy rubs and sauce in bulk for the whole season but I would think it is around $40 for those if you didn't. We use around $7 worth of foil and foil pans and another $6 in paper towels.We also spend around $30 in ice. I know thats not everything but it adds up fast!

mobow · 02-02-2012, 03:23 PM

About the same as moocow maybe a little less on ice. Other things you would need is a ez-up $150.00. Couple of chairs, coolers if you don't already have them $100.00. Folding table $50.00. Fire extinguisher $75.00. That could get you close to a first time and could build from there if you enjoyed it. keith

TooSaucedToPork · 02-02-2012, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaskew82

So I have been back and forth about competing and lately the thing that scares me most is the initial investment needed along with the costs for each comp.

I have a stumps baby, 22.5 WSM and 22.5 OTG so I should be able to cook everything on them. That said, I don't have a tent, bins, etc. In general, what do you think my initial investment would be to get everything I would need?

Additionally, what do you spend per comp on meats (I have RD membership), fees, etc?

Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

Tent - Dicks has EZups on sale right now...Found one for $67.00 normally $119
Couple good camp chairs
Sleeping bag, perhaps a cot
Couple folding tables for prep, storage, box building..etc
Fire Extinguisher
Foil
Foil Pans
Rubs
Sauces
Raw meat cooler
Cooked meat cooler
Beer and liquour cooler (could be same as above)
Hot meat cooler or CAMBRO
Set of good knives
Electric knife or large sharp 14' or larger knife (for brisket)
Latex or Nitrile gloves
Radio (optional but silence drives us nuts)
Shovel (for ash and coal)
Chimney (don't use no lighter fluid)
Trailer or large truck (or both)
Meat - Chicken 18-22 Pieces
Ribs - 2-4 racks
Brisket - 2 packers
Butts - 2
Thermopen or other reliable thermometer
Alcohol pads (or raw therm and cooked therm) to prevent cross contamination
3 rubbermaid tubs for wash water
Way to heat wash water
bottle of bleach
roll of TP
2 rolls paper towels
snacks
Entry fees
Misting bottles
Silicone mops
Charcoal
wood
burn bucket (for ashes)

This is off the top of my head...I know I'm forgeting stuff

boogiesnap · 02-02-2012, 03:44 PM

50 on charcoal
60 ribs
30 butts
40 brisket
25 chicken
50 ice
40 beers
prolly 50 in rub and sauce
250 entry fee
25 foil/pans etc.
50 food for the week-end
20 water
on and on and on.

SirPorkaLot · 02-02-2012, 03:45 PM

When i set up my team in 2009, I spent well over 1,000 getting ready for the first comp. This did NOT include the costs of the comp, meat etc..
That also did not include buying any cookers (I used what i had)

If the contest is local, I budget 600-700 (entry fee, meats, beer, fuel, etc.). If is is farther way, then add in fuel, lodging, etc.

dmprantz · 02-02-2012, 04:00 PM

In case no one has it figured out, I'm pretty analytical and anal about some things, so I have a comp budget. In this budget, my expenses are broken down into four categories:

Bulk Items: Whatever I buy for multiple contests at a time. while I tend to spend more, I would estimate about $100 for you to do one comp, give or take. If you already have some of these items, such as your rub, yours could be less.

Entry Fee: Depends on the comp and is self explainitory.

Per Comp Costs: I estimate $325 per competition. This includes meat, food to eat, adult beverages, garnish, and whatever else I buy and use for that comp.

Gas: I drive a V8 SUV pulling a trailer and have to put in mid-grade gas. I use Mapques to determine how far away from my house the comp is and then budget in $0.45 per mile. That's one way miles, so it could be $0.22 per mile driven, but the $0.45 figure accounts for stops, WalMart runs, etc. Again, it's a budget forecast.

That should be a good start for you, but you may have to tweak it to your situation. You may not buy as much meat as I do, or may buy more expensive cuts or may use more charcoal, or less, different gas/diesel, etc, etc, etc.

As for the equipment, I have no idea because it has taken me years to acquire what I have and a lot of "I should buy X" moments. I would suggest you find or make a packing checklist and go through what you have and what you would need to buy. Price it out on Amazon, etc. To replace what I have would cost over a thousand dollars. You certainly don't need it all though....

dmp

Stoke&Smoke · 02-02-2012, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mobow

About the same as moocow maybe a little less on ice. Other things you would need is a ez-up $150.00. Couple of chairs, coolers if you don't already have them $100.00. Folding table $50.00. Fire extinguisher $75.00. That could get you close to a first time and could build from there if you enjoyed it. keith

unless you are fairly short, you'll want to buy 1 or 2 10' sections of PVC pipe a little larger than the diameter of your table legs so you can raise the table height to a level comfortable for you to work on.

I'm 6'6" and cut mine to be about 18" long, but experiment to see what works for you. This will save you enough in chiropractor bills to pay for the rest of the stuff you need

"Bone to Bark" BBQ · 02-02-2012, 04:46 PM

exactly how do you position the pvc pipe on the table legs? do you just cut it to length and then stick them on the legs? How stable is the table when raised like that?

motoeric · 02-02-2012, 04:52 PM

I would suggest picking up a copy of Startin' The Fire by George Hensler. It's an excellent 'how to start competing' book. Well worth the money for anyone thinking about joining the comp circuit.

Eric

Ron_L · 02-02-2012, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by "Bone to Bark" BBQ

exactly how do you position the pvc pipe on the table legs? do you just cut it to length and then stick them on the legs? How stable is the table when raised like that?

Yes, stick the end of the leg into the pipe. Mine is very stable.

smoke-n-my-i's · 02-02-2012, 05:42 PM

Yes, the table leg extensions are a back saver....

another tip.... get you some scrap pieces of 1/4", 3/8", 3/4" plywood and cut into abt 4" square pieces... they are great for leveling the tables, etc on uneven ground or pavement. I carry abt a dozen of each size.

Ron_L · 02-02-2012, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smoke-n-my-i's

Yes, the table leg extensions are a back saver....

another tip.... get you some scrap pieces of 1/4", 3/8", 3/4" plywood and cut into abt 4" square pieces... they are great for leveling the tables, etc on uneven ground or pavement. I carry abt a dozen of each size.

A package of wood shims are also helpful for leveling since they are tapered.

Jaskew82 · 02-02-2012, 07:10 PM

Thank you guys very much.

rlncookinbbq · 02-02-2012, 07:23 PM

Here is what I got, 9500$ motor home 2500 for cook trailer,tables, work bench knives thermo pen lawn chairs coolers 500$. Then the fuel meat aand if you want to even get close to a call ,a $5oo cook class. So you should budget around 14,000 to get started. Ive been the route,and dont regret any of it. Just sayin RLN COOKIN

02-02-2012, 03:04 PM	#1
Jaskew82 is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 06-20-11 Location: Airmont, NY Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Thinking of competing... a couple of questions for the vets So I have been back and forth about competing and lately the thing that scares me most is the initial investment needed along with the costs for each comp. I have a stumps baby, 22.5 WSM and 22.5 OTG so I should be able to cook everything on them. That said, I don't have a tent, bins, etc. In general, what do you think my initial investment would be to get everything I would need? Additionally, what do you spend per comp on meats (I have RD membership), fees, etc? Any thoughts would be much appreciated. __________________ Hillside BBQ 2013 Stumps Classic - Delivered 4/15/13 Large BGE - Rescued 2012 2010 WSM 22.5" 2010 Weber genesis gas grill Rescued 22.5 Weber One-touch gold Yellow Thermopen BBQ Guru CyberQ 2011 Built UDS - Retired

02-02-2012, 03:12 PM	#2
moocow is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 07-31-08 Location: Belton, mo Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	We spend $125 in meat an contests. We buy rubs and sauce in bulk for the whole season but I would think it is around $40 for those if you didn't. We use around $7 worth of foil and foil pans and another $6 in paper towels.We also spend around $30 in ice. I know thats not everything but it adds up fast! __________________ -Shane Petzold- -MooCow BBQ team- -President of Operation BBQ Relief- -www.moocowbbq.com- -Home of the Make it Take it Drum Class- -kCBS/ CBJ- - Stoker powered stainless steel cabinet smoker-Mini & 3 Regular UDS-BLUE Weber OTG-Saffire ceramic grill-26" plow disc-Green mountain pellet -Haulmark Competition trailer-

02-02-2012, 03:23 PM	#3
mobow is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 12-11-09 Location: Marshall MO Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	About the same as moocow maybe a little less on ice. Other things you would need is a ez-up $150.00. Couple of chairs, coolers if you don't already have them $100.00. Folding table $50.00. Fire extinguisher $75.00. That could get you close to a first time and could build from there if you enjoyed it. keith __________________ WSM 22.5, MCBJ, In The Key Of Que

02-02-2012, 03:44 PM	#5
boogiesnap Babbling Farker Join Date: 04-22-10 Location: NEW ENGLAND Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	50 on charcoal 60 ribs 30 butts 40 brisket 25 chicken 50 ice 40 beers prolly 50 in rub and sauce 250 entry fee 25 foil/pans etc. 50 food for the week-end 20 water on and on and on. __________________ S'mo Q Competition BBQ Team Q so good you gotta have s'mo. Sponsored by Oakridge BBQ twin WSM 22.5's 48" DCS gasser certified MOINK baller farkanaut in training current avatar by N8, prior avatars by grillman.thanks! CLICK HERE to visit the BBQ Brethren Throwdowns

02-02-2012, 03:45 PM	#6
SirPorkaLot Babbling Farker Join Date: 08-31-09 Location: Antioch, CA Downloads: 0 Uploads: 1	When i set up my team in 2009, I spent well over 1,000 getting ready for the first comp. This did NOT include the costs of the comp, meat etc.. That also did not include buying any cookers (I used what i had) If the contest is local, I budget 600-700 (entry fee, meats, beer, fuel, etc.). If is is farther way, then add in fuel, lodging, etc. __________________ Sir Porkalot aka John Back to back winner of the BBQ Brethren Throwdown with a pig leg and something funky CBBQA & KCBS member: Sir Porkalot BBQ Team NC & NorCal (Yes I stay confused) BLUE Thermapen Visit my website: http://www.sirporkalot.com

02-02-2012, 04:00 PM	#7
dmprantz is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 01-11-08 Location: Nashville Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	In case no one has it figured out, I'm pretty analytical and anal about some things, so I have a comp budget. In this budget, my expenses are broken down into four categories: Bulk Items: Whatever I buy for multiple contests at a time. while I tend to spend more, I would estimate about $100 for you to do one comp, give or take. If you already have some of these items, such as your rub, yours could be less. Entry Fee: Depends on the comp and is self explainitory. Per Comp Costs: I estimate $325 per competition. This includes meat, food to eat, adult beverages, garnish, and whatever else I buy and use for that comp. Gas: I drive a V8 SUV pulling a trailer and have to put in mid-grade gas. I use Mapques to determine how far away from my house the comp is and then budget in $0.45 per mile. That's one way miles, so it could be $0.22 per mile driven, but the $0.45 figure accounts for stops, WalMart runs, etc. Again, it's a budget forecast. That should be a good start for you, but you may have to tweak it to your situation. You may not buy as much meat as I do, or may buy more expensive cuts or may use more charcoal, or less, different gas/diesel, etc, etc, etc. As for the equipment, I have no idea because it has taken me years to acquire what I have and a lot of "I should buy X" moments. I would suggest you find or make a packing checklist and go through what you have and what you would need to buy. Price it out on Amazon, etc. To replace what I have would cost over a thousand dollars. You certainly don't need it all though.... dmp __________________ The Beast - Custom Vertical Offset by Bates FEC-100 Large Big Green Egg® Weber Performer

02-02-2012, 04:46 PM	#9
"Bone to Bark" BBQ Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 01-28-12 Location: Hagerstown, MD Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	exactly how do you position the pvc pipe on the table legs? do you just cut it to length and then stick them on the legs? How stable is the table when raised like that?

02-02-2012, 04:52 PM	#10
motoeric Babbling Farker Join Date: 08-07-06 Location: huntington, ny Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I would suggest picking up a copy of Startin' The Fire by George Hensler. It's an excellent 'how to start competing' book. Well worth the money for anyone thinking about joining the comp circuit. Eric __________________ Smoke Signals Current Issue A BBQ Brethren Publication 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Exodus 12:9

02-02-2012, 05:42 PM	#12
smoke-n-my-i's is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 08-27-07 Location: Hillsborough, NC Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Yes, the table leg extensions are a back saver.... another tip.... get you some scrap pieces of 1/4", 3/8", 3/4" plywood and cut into abt 4" square pieces... they are great for leveling the tables, etc on uneven ground or pavement. I carry abt a dozen of each size. __________________ KCBS Member Smoke-N-My-I's Competition BBQ Team 2 Chargriller SuperPros with SFB's(retired) 2 UGLY drum smokers Weber 22 1/2" & 18 1/2" Kettle Super fast RED Thermapen Screaming fast ORANGE Thermapen KCBS Certified Table Captain

02-02-2012, 07:10 PM	#14
Jaskew82 is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 06-20-11 Location: Airmont, NY Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Thank you guys very much. __________________ Hillside BBQ 2013 Stumps Classic - Delivered 4/15/13 Large BGE - Rescued 2012 2010 WSM 22.5" 2010 Weber genesis gas grill Rescued 22.5 Weber One-touch gold Yellow Thermopen BBQ Guru CyberQ 2011 Built UDS - Retired

02-02-2012, 07:23 PM	#15
rlncookinbbq Knows what a fatty is. Join Date: 04-13-09 Location: Indiana Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	need or want for comp Here is what I got, 9500$ motor home 2500 for cook trailer,tables, work bench knives thermo pen lawn chairs coolers 500$. Then the fuel meat aand if you want to even get close to a call ,a $5oo cook class. So you should budget around 14,000 to get started. Ive been the route,and dont regret any of it. Just sayin RLN COOKIN