Rock and Ice
Though marketed as an introductory piece of gear, I was pleased to find that the Djinn is one of the best sport-climbing quickdraws. The only noticeable differences between the Djinn and the Spirit are 14 grams and five bucks.go to full review
Yes, I’ll use the Mega in place of a locker for belaying and rappelling, and am psyched to finally have a locker that will remain operational in winter conditions.
For those of you who wonder how the Mega is to open when you are wearing gloves: Depends. It’s more difficult to operate than some lockers, easier than others.go to full review
The major drawback of the Anniversary Rope is the fact that it only comes in 60-meter lengths. Although many climbs don’t demand anything longer, the trend in some areas is toward extensions and longer pitches of 35 and even 40 meters. If you climb in these areas, then this won’t be the rope for you. If, however, 30 meters is the extent of your particular klettergarten’s climbs then it would be a stretch to do better than the Anniversary.go to full review
Having nearly had a nasty accident when a clip-on crampon popped off my boot while leading, I was keen to try the new GSb system on the Grivel G14 crampon and Scarpa Freney XT boot. Touted as the fastest and most-secure crampon attachment system yet, the GSb (Grivel/Scarpa binding) eliminates the crampon's standard toe bale, replacing it with a steel hook that inserts into a hole in the toe of the boot...." go to full review
The XLC Nanotech is the first of what I suspect will be a new breed of composite crampons—the frame is 7075 aluminum, but the front points are stainless steel. Specifically, Sandvik Nanoflex steel, an alloy C.A.M.P. says is 60 percent stronger than regular steel. The steel points extend the crampon’s durability and let you tackle hard ice such as that found in spring couloirs, or scratch up the odd patch of rock.go to full review
The XLC Nanotech is the first of what I suspect will be a new breed of composite crampons—the frame is 7075 aluminum, but the front points are stainless steel. Specifically, Sandvik Nanoflex steel, an alloy C.A.M.P. says is 60 percent stronger than regular steel. The steel points extend the crampon’s durability and let you tackle hard ice such as that found in spring couloirs, or scratch up the odd patch of rock.go to full review
The finish and design of the Sabretooth are impressive. The components, from the heel strap to the bales, are stout yet the crampon feels (and is) light and agile. I wouldn't hesitate to take the Sabretooth on any mountain...." go to full review
As a technical crampon, the Cyborg is excellent, and you'd be pressed to get better performance outside an integrated bolt-on crampon rig (aka fruitboots). Two thumbs up for ice of any sort, rock, ice and rock (alpine climbing!), and even technical mountaineering when you need the precise performance of vertical front-points and are willing to sacrifice some security on snow slopes...." go to full review
Though marketed as an introductory piece of gear, I was pleased to find that the Djinn is one of the best sport-climbing quickdraws. The only noticeable differences between the Djinn and the Spirit are 14 grams and five bucks.go to full review
Black Diamond bills the Momentum 3S as an entry-level four-season harness, but unless you are sport climbing at the highest level where the difference of a few ounces might matter to your psyche and self worth, this 13.4-ounce harness is good for anyone, doing anything. Ice climbing and hard mixed climbing being the exceptions, since the Momentum 3S lacks ice-clipper tabs or a place to attach them.go to full review