The Bulletproof functions like a high-end quickdraw should — remaining mostly forgotten until it catches a fall. It does weigh more than other options, but the wear resistance is legitimate. And the quality of construction and materials suggests a longer lifespan than quickdraws with all-aluminum carabiners.go to full review

Overall, the Pilot gets my thumbs-up for single-pitch climbing. Whether in the gym or outside, I most like it for belaying my climbing partner on her “proj,” or for those just learning to climb.go to full review

This is a brilliant idea which has been carried out to perfection by Edelrid. Carrying a couple of these as quickdraw sets when sport climbing will save wear on your rope and everyone else's lower-offs. As a belay karabiner the Bulletpoof is probably one of the best models out there, giving you everything you need in a more durable form while still retaining a reasonably light weight.go to full review

The PICCHU is notably heavier than some kids' helmets, but its robustness and its double rating (for both climbing and cycling) are big plus points.go to full review

The OUISTITI seems less inclined to get twisted than some full-body harnesses - or even some adult harnesses come to that. If it comes out of your bag tangled, just grab the rear tie-in loop, give it a shake and it falls into shape. Putting it on is intuitive enough that it can be done unsupervised - it'd be pretty difficult to don incorrectly.go to full review

Passive assisted braking devices have elicited a lot of "whys?" from people when they spotted us testing them out at the crag. Think of them as a cross between a GriGri and an ATC. If you're partial to tube-style devices but want some extra holding power and security, then the Smart 2.0 is a great choice. If you've always used a GriGri but are open to trying something lighter and less expensive, the Smart also fills that bill.go to full review

If your first thought upon looking at the Black Diamond ATC Pilot is "what's the point of this device?" you wouldn't be alone! However, it does serve a useful purpose for certain scenarios, and we can see gyms that like to have a pre-rigged GriGri on every toprope opt for the Pilot instead due to the cost savings. It also shaves a couple of ounces off your rack, so if you're looking to lighten up all of your gear, this will help you towards that goal.go to full review

The Mad Rock Lifeguard is a compact belay device that does fill a niche need for those who prefer to belay with an assisted braking device no matter the situation but want something a little smaller for long routes.go to full review

In terms of quality of construction, Black Diamond falls around the middle of the pack. Given that the Momentum is their first house-made climbing shoe, it’s not surprising that there are a few kinks to work out. The straps lack the high quality craftsmanship of brands like Butora and La Sportiva, the closure system needs some improvement (see the comfort section above), and the knit upper certainly prioritizes breathability over durability and fit. At $90, the Momentum is one of the least..." go to full review

Performance-wise, I think the D-Lynx is faultless. The front point, given that it’s the same design as the regular Lynx, sticks well to rock, and bites into ice better than other fruit-boot crampons I’ve used, though it is a bit too thick for proper placement in plywood (this applies to World Cup-level comps only, however). The tertiary points are phenomenal for hooking and pulling, and bite into ice and hang onto rock exceptionally. They’re tough, too, and the whole thing is quite light for..." go to full review