UK Climbing

If you're weighing the merits of the various dual axle units currently available then they all have their pros and cons in terms of performance and price. However when you add up all the minor upgrades then the new Dragons are a big improvement on what was already a good product. With their superb grippy cam lobes, new thumb press and (with reservations) the extendable sling, I can fully recommend the new Dragons for anyone committed to trad who's striving to get the most from..." go to full review

Light, cool and comfortable, the latest Petzl Meteor is robust enough for mountaineering and winter climbing as well as cragging, while the optional addition of face protection for ice climbing sets it apart from most of its competitors. If you are only going to buy one helmet for all your climbing then this would be an excellent choice.go to full review

Is this helmet fit for purpose? Very much so. Ideal for sport climbing to alpine climbing, at home at Swanage as it is on Gimmer, on the Ben in the depths of winter, or sport climbing at Ceuse and always remember to wear it when descending inescapable gullies in the Lake District too, you never know, some idiot may be above you.go to full review

So, is it possible to draw conclusions on these helmets in the light of the earlier discussion? All are fine, but understanding now more about how the design of helmets has to follow the testing standards, I'm less convinced that hybrids are the all-rounder's answer. The El Cap is decent lid and its little peak just makes it look different and cool. I will be wearing it this winter for ice climbing. But now understanding the lack of protection around brim inherent in (almost all)..." go to full review

The Totem is an excellent all-rounder, with a number of specific benefits; furthermore, it is exceptionally well made and as a result justifies it's price tag. For those wishing to go big-walling/aid climbing look no further, this is the cam for you. For those wishing to use it trad climbing, this is the perfect cam for marginal/insecure placements and a joy to use and place. One other piece of good news for those wishing to get a long life out of their Totem, you will be glad to hear..." go to full review

A good mid-level shoe that offers good performance but looses out in comfort level. The narrow fit may not suit everyone and the lacing system isn't as versatile as it could be, but it offered good smearing and better edging than many of the other shoes in this review...." go to full review

All in all I am impressed with the Matadors. They are an excellent choice for steep sport routes and boulder problems as well as the climbing wall. The rubber is sticky but wears quickly, the fit is precise and the heel excellent. A specialist shoe but well worth a look!go to full review

Described as an 'advanced all rounder' you'd expect great things from this Velcro shoe. The 3 straps give it excellent adjustability so it's possible to get a good fit even though it's not made on a female specific last. The low toe box volume also assists in achieving the 'glove' effect. My feet are held in place by the heel cup well enough for effective heel hooks. A good enough fit is achievable for there to be no noticeable roll anywhere, and even..." go to full review

If you are in the market for women's fit shoes that excel at precise edging while still holding their own on smears; and if your goal is technical activities such as sport routes or moderate bouldering; then you could do well with these shoes. A slightly looser fit would also be at home on long trad multi-pitch routes. These aren't exactly the most technical shoe on the market (few if any women's specific models exist in that category, hint, hint) but if you're about to..." go to full review

A good all-round rock shoe and one of the most comfortable that we tested. It has a versatile if slightly wide fit. It performs better as a smearing shoe than on edges and isn't as stiff as you might expect considering it has a half-stiff midsole...." go to full review