Taking the Free Ranges out of the bag, they definitely attracted some attention. The bright green styling is certainly hard to miss, and I was asked a few times about the make of the shoe. 'So iLL? Cool duuuude' was often the response of doubtful onlookers. None the less, I slipped them on to find out how they perform. First impressions were surprisingly pleasing. As someone used to wearing aggressive shoes, they felt comfortable and secure, if a little stiffer than I was used to. Another..." go to full review
The 9.4’s weight, diameter, and resulting performance characteristics bridge the gap between a heavy-duty single dynamic cord and an ultralight specialized redpoint line. It stands up to the challenge of daily high-performance use.go to full review
At first, the tools’ lightness made me feel I had to swing harder than usual. But I later realized good sticks came with proper wrist flicking – I had no swing issues afterward. But for pure ice climbing, I believe the added momentum of heavier heads would help bring them around the top of the swing more effectively. For now, Petzl weights will fit, but Elite Climb is working on its own.go to full review
I’ll continue to test the Revo long-term. My initial impressions indicate that I’ll still prefer the convenience of a GriGri+ if hangdogging is on the agenda. For all other uses, I’ll keep using the Wild Country Revo. I like that it keeps my belaying skills intact, even improving them. I’ll keep an eye on durability, particularly the potential for damage from dirt infiltration.go to full review
The Cobras are great ropes, especially if like myself you're looking for a rope that will last and be up to many different days out across the disciplines. I am totally sold on the UNICORE construction, especially for stuff like sea cliff climbing where the chance of cutting through the sheath while abseiling into a crag is something you need to consider. They handle well and over the last few months have withstood repeated days out on rock and snow. The Cobras sell at £121 for 50m and £145..." go to full review
In recent years Scarpa seem to have hit some sort of magic formula, creating a whole host of rock boots that have swiftly become classics of their genre - the Helix, the Vapour and the Instinct being three particularly notable examples. This formula doesn't actually occur by magic though, it is a result of gettng the right fit, the right design, the right features and then melding them into a single package that feels, well, right.go to full review
Overall, the Scarpa Chimera climbing shoe is a welcome addition to an already stellar line of high performance climbing shoes designed by Heinz Mariacher. Sensitive and lightweight, the Scarpa Chimera is a specialized shoe designed for difficult bouldering and overhanging climbing. Featuring one of the best heels on the market, the Chimera is a must have for the bouldering enthusiasts who need a tool in their toolbox to tackle technical heel hooks and require sensitive footwork on..." go to full review
Overall the precision front point allows the G20 Plus’s to feel like an extension of the boot and your thoughts. Most of the time it takes only one fluid kick and each foot becomes a stable platform that instills confidence even when the ice is shattery. While climbing, these crampons melt away from my consciousness and allow me to focus on everything else, conserving energy, placing appropriate gear, and enjoying myself. I don’t think there is much more you can ask from a piece of gear.go to full review
It's an unlined, slip lasted shoe with a soft microfiber upper, and a nice leather heel pocket, surrounded by rubber, that is great for heel hooking. The Maverink has La Sportiva's proprietary No-Edge technology that gets the toe closer to the rock, letting you use your climbing shoes almost like a second skin, and the XS Grip 2 rubber has excellent friction for sticking to small holds. Much of the forefoot was left free of seams and overlays because the Maverink comes with two markers so..." go to full review