GREAT VALUE

When you’re at the store comparing two items, you see the less expensive item and automatically assume it’s lower quality, right? In the case of the Climb X HMS biners, you’d be way wrong. These locking biners are a bit stronger than many other lockers (major axis: 25 kN; minor axis: 9 kN; open-gate: 9 kN) and lighter at just under 2.3 oz. And they’re easier on the wallet, too, at about $9 for the screw-gate version and about $13 for the auto-lock. And despite the light weight, their beefy size is really nice for handling with gloves when belaying, clipping in to a rope team, or rappelling in frosty temps. Our tester was even able to set up a rappel with gloved hands and screamin’ barfies after bailing on a wintry attempt on Ant Hill Direct in Eldorado Canyon.