Needless to say, I was impressed at how well the Masai handles on the edges, although hardly surprised. The full-length sole is about as stiff as they come, which proves plenty of under-foot support. Once the laces are tightly fastened and the heel properly secured, the board-stiff sole is tightly secured to the bottom of your foot. This creates the support we rely on while standing on micro edges and the high levels of comfort that is appreciated on big-wall adventures.go to full review

All of this is to say the Edelrid Neo 3R 9.8 felt, handled and performed as a sub-10mm, high-end dynamic rope should. The 50% recycled material was a bonus. I considered the rope a victory in making climbing more sustainable. There were zero perceptible downsides, short of the unavailability of a dry treatment for keeping half a rope’s material out of the landfills.go to full review

The 9.4 Dry Climbing Rope offers decent performance at a tempting diameter. We enjoyed its combination of soft lead falls but tight top-rope catches. Our testers, however, were disappointed with its handling and durability. This rope could be a worthy choice if you can find it on sale, but there are better performing ropes if you're paying full price.go to full review

The rock climbing rope market is a crowded field and we realize cost is a huge consideration for most shoppers. The Bluewater Xenon 9.2 retails at a modest price premium compared to the most affordable ropes. In testing, we didn't identify much in the way of performance to justify the added expense. This is decent rope but it only becomes a great value if you can find it on sale.go to full review

The Edelrid Swift Eco Dry is an 8.9mm rope that comes in lengths between 60m and 80m, and is best used for situations where weight savings is mandatory. We loved our 80m for onsight attempts on 40m pitches at Chulilla and Montsant in Spain, and also laud Edelrid for taking the steps necessary to produce the most environmentally friendly climbing rope they could. While it isn't a highly affordable choice, it is certainly one that is worth the money.go to full review

There is a big difference in price between the different color options for the Sterling Velocity Xeros 9.8. The basic single-tone version is priced a little higher than a budget rope while a premium bi-pattern version increases the cost considerably. We tested the neon green bi-pattern version and were disappointed to find that the difference between the red and black complimentary pattern on either half of the rope was subtle and hard to spot. Although we usually recommend purchasing a bi-..." go to full review

In our opinion, the Mammut Crag We Care Classic is one of the best deals out there for a rock climbing rope. This rope scored near the top of the field while also costing the least. That makes it a fantastic value. There are a couple of reasons, however, why it might not be the best rope for you. The light-colored sheath on the model we tested stained quickly and was difficult to see in photos. Take these small drawbacks into consideration if aesthetics are important to you. One more..." go to full review

If you are looking for a single helmet that will satisfy the safety and comfort requirements for climbing and skiing, this helmet is the best choice currently available. While it isn't cheap, you can consider this equivalent to buying two helmets for the price of one. Its durable construction ensures a long life span, while its excellent, dual-sport performance ultimately saves you money in the long run.go to full review

Ok, so they're perfect on indoor terrain but, it's outside where I've been most surprised by the Souped UP. Performing terrifically on coarser rock types like grit, granite and sandstone with their unrivalled smearing ability, the Souped UP thrives through overhanging terrain too, making the most of a decent downturn and tonnes of flexibility to claw through steeper terrain. Although a pretty limp edger, the sensitivity on nuanced footholds is an understated super power of the Souped UP's,..." go to full review