Alpha Sport 12cm
Description
The Alpha Sport quickdraw gives confident handling and easy clipping. Alpha carabiners have grippy back bars, deep rope baskets and a shape that sits naturally in the hand for ease of use. Solid gates improves handling and clipping action, and a rubber keeper on the rope end ensures the carabiner loads in its strongest orientation. The Alphas are mounted on a thick nylon sling that makes it easier to haul back to your high point on a route. The quickdraw for sport climbers who prize easy handling and quick clipping.
Retail price
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Weight | 112 g |
Dogbone Size | 12 cm long, 24 mm wide |
Dogbone Material | Nylon / Polyamide |
Dogbone Strength (kN) | 22 kN |
Top Carabiner | Alpha Sport Straight -
US$ 14.50
|
Bottom Carabiner | Alpha Sport Bent -
US$ 14.95
|
We really like the DMM Alpha Sport and can't say enough good things about this quickdraw. They clip and unclip exceptionally well, and are an excellent option for harder sport climbs. Now if only they didn't cost so much…
The DMM Alpha Sport is a grade-A quickdraw for dedicated sport climbers. It’s strong, buttery smooth to clip, and super durable. But I think my favorite feature is the stylish DMM logo on the dog bone that makes it look like you’re sponsored.
Which is why I’m a huge fan of the DMM Alpha Sport Draw. These quickdraws seem to be created for ease of use and a luxurious clip. “They clip themselves”, a climber partner of mine said after using mine. The dog bone is also a healthy size (26mm) for picking it off your harness and clipping in, or at a last resort grabbing the draw at a bolt to clip in and avoid taking the whipper.
There is little to be critical of, as the Alpha Sport is a near perfect quickdraw for sport climbers. At 113g it’s heavier than its two main rivals, the 104g Petzl Spirit and the Black Diamond Livewire at 106g, but for the redpointers the Alpha Sport is aimed at this is unlikely to be a problem. The grey colour scheme is professional and sleek but, as this features on so much of their kit, a more distinctive colourway might have been a good idea. Top Lakes dark-horse Jon Freeman told me they “look boring”, though he did concede that they were nice to clip! [NB: You might be in luck Dave (and Jon), new colours may appear in the future, as per the red image at the top of the page. R+R]
My only substantial criticism would be that the loop at the bolt end of the sling is a little too wide, meaning that the pro clip can be a bit loose for stick clipping. Those who use proper clip sticks won’t find this a problem, but when we were using the dirt bag (tree branch and stone) method this got quite irritating!
All things considered, I would recommend the DMM Alpha Sport highly. Above all their other great features, the smooth and reliable clipping they facilitate puts them at the top of the tree for me.
In use I found the Alpha Sport quickdraws just brilliant, the carabiners performed in all sport climbing situations from on sighting to redpointing. They came into their own when working routes. The Alpha Pro was big enough to get my hand into when I needed to pull up and the chunky sling was great when my hands were sweaty. Both the Alpha Pro and the Alpha Clip had a ridged spine, the added friction it offered was welcome in the high to reach clips.
How to use DMM Quickdraw, Maintenance and Servicing, warnings and lifespan with instructional pictures.