Review of "Tour 5" by Extreme Tornado Tours

• Review by: Niels Linthout
• Tour Operator: Extreme Tornado Tours
• Tour: Tour 5
• Year: 2013
• Validated: This review has been validated.

General review

ETT is the best company around, although I haven't sampled any of the others. Being out there in the field with Reed (a few days of the tour at most though) is definitely a highlight! Plus, seeing the Dominator(s) up close is pretty cool too. As far as the tour was concerned, it was simply amazing! Every day (bar the last few days) was a chase day, and we got to see some awesome tornadoes. Including the deadly El Reno one, which got us in some hairy situations, but nothing the dream team of Dave, Kevin, Blake, Shanda and Matt couldn't handle. I felt very comfortable with the tour guides, they are definite pro's! Service was overall very good, although I'd wish they came together once after the season to discuss the good and bad points. That could make the difference. Since we had chase days every day (bar the last few) we didn't encounter any problems. The few small ones that did were handled on the spot. There was no bad weather (apart from the obvious) to speak of. Apart from that ETT is a very professional outfit, and we got on pretty much every tornado out there. I'd say don't hesitate and book yourself on a tour for next year!

Vehicle review:

The vehicles are due for an upgrade I would say, although I'm reliably informed that at least one of the vans has already gone through it! Space is a bit limited, so make sure you get a good setup on day 1. Do take some time to figure it all out! 😉 Apart from that there is free wifi on board, the rooftops come of too and there are big coolers for refreshments (ice and water free of charge!).

Tour guide review:

Dave Holder - amazing guy, runs his socks off to make it all happen! Kevin Barton - lovely man, never stops talking and/or singing! Blake Knapp - big dude and ever so nice! Knows a lot about tornadoes and weather. Shanda Hinnant - best driver ever! Will get you there safe and sound! Matt Phelps - awesome, one of the best!

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