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Not for Goldilocks
Ok, blondes can wear this fine, but maybe not picky people. I wore this helmet for 5 years rockclimbing, mountaineering, ice climbing, and even occasionally backcountry skiing (and once on a bike, not recommended!). It kept my noggin safe from many many scrapes, tossed ropes and falling rock and debris, but never was the most comfortable. I have a small head and thus bought the smaller size (size 1?), forgetting to leave room for a hat. The larger size was so big I couldn't get it to tighten small enough. If the chin strap on the smaller size had been a wee bit longer it would have made all the difference, but alas, after much discussion with the manufacturer, there was no way to fix it. I've never had a problem shoving a ponytail in the Elios, but I recently upgraded to an Elia. It is much more comfortable, although I prefer the adjuster knob on the Elios. Good weight for durability.
Only What you need, not what you don't
This is the first piece of "lead" gear I ever bought, and its worked out quite well. The rubber insert holds the biner position well for smooth clipping and both sides open and close smoothly. I also like the piece of mind that the "no chatter" wire gate provides. Good mid-weight draw. I have 10 "normal" length and two longer ones to use as anchors and find myself frequently taking them with on alpine routes. I find that these draws are easier to work with on routes than my friends' shorter and/or wider dogbone draws.
Just what the belayer asked for
This is my 3rd buddy from the ATC family. Exactly what I need for multipitch climbing, and everyday sport. Teeth hold the rope well, although appear to be starting to wear a bit smooth. Heavy use for two seasons. Will take it into a shop to have checked out. Grip still makes for a nice secure rappel.
Workhorse
This was the second ATC I bought, and it served me well for many years until I got into multipitch and sprung for a Guide. Still my gym belay device. Friction gives you a lot more control. Just right if setting up an auto-lock or multi-belay isn't needed.
Beginners Only
I belayed on this for years with no problem. Until there was one. He was about 75 pounds heavier than me, and while he wasn't falling, he wasn't stopped either. Without teeth I was only able to perform a slow, controlled descent (~2ft/min). Safe, but no longer good enough for my needs. It works, but I don't recommend teeth-less ATCs to friends anymore. I still keep mine as a spare. Better than no device!
Clutz-proof, ish
This had all the features I was looking for -- slim and strong, pounding end, and attached to my harness. I often let it hang behind me if I'm doing a lot of cleaning, and have never had a problem with it up on the rock. And I'll always know its there.
Too bad its not made of air, but that's typical of full-featured and durable.
Great for Leftists
This biner is great for those of all political affiliations, but amazing for Left-handers! As a left handed belayer I am able to operate (lock and unlock) easily with either hand using the "push in and twist" instead of the "down and twist" of most autolockers. I've used this as my main belay biner for years and it still auto-locks smoothly. The "green for go" ball is also a good visual check of system safety.