As the middle passes through your hands you can actually feel the change as well, so even if you're not paying attention to the cord you will likely have a sense for when your partner is all of the way out there. The new colors are rad too... pretty simple really... just a kick ass rope made better! This will be my go-to for the next several seasons until they find a way to improve it again! go to full review
Simple, lightweight, rugged. The session pad got a face lift recently but kept its staggeringly low price tag. I really like this little pad. Perfect for your solo circuit after work or for that long alpine approach - as an entry level pad this one is without a doubt the best I've seen. go to full review
I got the shoes at the end of last year. Immediately I liked the colour. I’m a ginger, it spoke to me. I was skeptical that they would be any good but it was going into competition season and I figured I would start in the gym and see how they go. They went fantastic. Sensation in the toe box was excellent. I could feel all the little bumps of the foot chips I stood on and when I smeared on nothing the rubber bit down and the shoe didn’t twist on my foot. I was very impressed so I took..." go to full review
In short, La Sportiva’s “No Edge Technology” is amazing! It has sped up my footwork and given me more confidence on tiny footholds. The Futuras are the best fit for me, and have become my favourite shoes for crimpy climbs. The Geniuses offer all the benefits of the “No Edge Technology” but with more comfort (and they look like friggin’ Ferraris!). I still use the Solutions on overhanging climbs when I need that little bit of extra power on my toes, or when I need to hook my toe on a hold in..." go to full review
In short, La Sportiva’s “No Edge Technology” is amazing! It has sped up my footwork and given me more confidence on tiny footholds. The Futuras are the best fit for me, and have become my favourite shoes for crimpy climbs. The Geniuses offer all the benefits of the “No Edge Technology” but with more comfort (and they look like friggin’ Ferraris!). I still use the Solutions on overhanging climbs when I need that little bit of extra power on my toes, or when I need to hook my toe on a hold in..." go to full review
In short, La Sportiva’s “No Edge Technology” is amazing! It has sped up my footwork and given me more confidence on tiny footholds. The Futuras are the best fit for me, and have become my favourite shoes for crimpy climbs. The Geniuses offer all the benefits of the “No Edge Technology” but with more comfort (and they look like friggin’ Ferraris!). I still use the Solutions on overhanging climbs when I need that little bit of extra power on my toes, or when I need to hook my toe on a hold in..." go to full review
The big advantage of the Eddy is revealed when you start to use it. Somehow, the device seems to recognise the difference between a fall and an energetic payout of rope - it locks cleanly during the former whilst allowing the rope to pull through unhindered for the latter. The device locks when you apply force through the brake-hand on the dead end, when you are feeding rope through, the lack of braking force allows the device to remain open. A proper sharp tug will lock the device even if..." go to full review
The AIR is a good lightweight harness, it is in the mid-price range of £62 (harness prices range from £30 to £100). If you haven't tried a lightweight harness, unencumbered by adjustable buckles, just stripped down to the basics, it is quite a revelation.go to full review
The Cobras perform brilliantly on big routes and ice falls, with even better looks. The fact that they're the weapon of choice for the likes of Simon Anthamatten and Colin Haley speaks for itself. Are they worth €300? To be brutally honest, probably not. The Cobra is in essence, a slightly more snazzy version of the Viper with slight differences in performance, but not justifying the 100 quid price difference. However, for all you gear freaks with money lying around or for those who are good..." go to full review
Would I recommend them to some one climbing mid-grade routes? You can climb mid-grade ice with them without any great drama but you may need adjust your swing and where you aim due to the very curved shafts, particularly if coming from mid-curved tools like Flys, Vipers or Quarks. If you think it is unlikely that you will be climbing harder than V or WI4, then a more general technical tool like those just noted (or perhaps the DMM Apex) could be a better choice, particularly if you are..." go to full review