Based on the Grigri 2, this new version operate like its predecessor but features an anti-panic handle that, if the user pulls too far, automatically arrests the descent. This safety feature was incorporated to prevent the belayer from lowering the climber too quickly and pulling farther back on the handle instead of letting it go (which allows the cam to catch the rope). This new handle initially made lowering more complicated and jerky, but after testers learned how to use it, it worked..." go to full review

First placing the helmet on my head, I had a quick learning curve to understand the suspension adjustment system – thin webbing with two small pull tabs. As I stated before, this helmet is adjustable between 54cm and 62cm, so it can fit a variety of head sizes, and figuring out exactly how the adjustment straps works is a breeze. A positive about this is the reduction of extraneous parts, thus making the 2.0 worry-free, as compared to other helmet manufactures suspension systems, which rely..." go to full review

The first thing that every climber has to consider with helmets is how they fit on your head. I’ve noticed over the years climbers seem to be loyal to certain brands because of that, and I have as well. I’d never worn a Grivel before, so I wasn’t sure.

Right away I noticed the webbing system for the Stealth was different than most helmets I’ve seen. The strap that fits around the back of your head is a piece of webbing that moves closer to your head than most helmets I’ve had. Rather..." go to full review

The Mammut Wall Rider is an excellent lightweight climbing helmet that is more durable than a traditional foam helmet. The EPP foam protects the head well, and it’s comfortable to wear. Although the Wall Rider is slightly more expensive than a traditional hybrid plastic/foam helmet, I think the increase in durability and head coverage is worth the extra money.

Given the marginal price difference, significant increase in durability, and zero trade off in protection, I don’t see any..." go to full review

The new Petzl Volta Guide is touted as an ideal cord for “intensive mountaineering,” certified for single, half or twin rope use. Over the last couple of months, I’ve used it on such cutting-edge mountaineering routes as Glitter Gulch, The Machinist and Velociraptor. Not familiar with these alpine test pieces? Yeah, the truth is these are sport climbs, and I haven’t actually done any mountaineering with this rope, but that’s the thing: it’s also great for clipping..." go to full review

The Vergo locked quickly and firmly, according to our tester who used it while training mileage on gym routes. While it lowered, fed slack, and caught falls smoothly, this device shines in the ergonomics department. The Vergo is designed to sit horizontally when in use, and testers found it was a natural position that “caused a lot less short-roping than other devices.” Thumb and pointer-finger grooves helped testers hold the device correctly. This required some adaptation, as most devices..." go to full review

Experienced and new users alike felt comfortable belaying and being caught by the Lifeguard, because the cam engaged quickly when a falling climber weighted it, providing reliable and soft catches. The device lowered well, albeit slowly, especially for lighter folks, but testers never felt out of control. Built from forged aluminum, the Lifeguard is extremely durable, and weighing only 5.4 ounces, makes an excellent choice for trad climbers looking to shave ounces off their rack. go to full review