2010-03-12 | ABC Dirtbagger Rope Tarp by daflin
Good: Functional. The tarp part of it will do the job.
Bad: Folding up isn't great -- velcro on the sides helps bundle it up, but the buckles used to hold it all together are poor quality and can't be cinched tight. One wimpy strap for a shoulder. Again, functional and you get what you pay for
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2010-03-10 | Evolv Pontas by pengshi
Good: Very sticky rubber.
Bad: Can't think of any except the toes are very aggressively slopped, so my toes are always squeezed together very tight.
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2010-03-08 | La Sportiva Mythos - Women's by rg1027
Good: First climbing shoe that I can comfortably multipitch in AND still feel my feet afterward to hike down the descents. Great, sticky sole.
Bad: Definitely stretches over time but worth it.
Alternatives: No alternatives. I love this shoe! |
2010-02-26 | Mammut Smart by facebookuser
Good: Extremely easy to feed slack when lead belaying, auto-locking feature is excellent and comparable to a grigri. In general, very similar to a gri-gri in operation but cheaper and lighter.
Bad: A bit sensitive when lowering someone, and auto-locking does not lock 100% like it does on a gri-gri, so, you can't really take a hand off the rope when someone is hanging as with a gri-gri.
Alternatives: gri-gri, cinch, reverso. this one is the best though. |
2010-02-23 | La Sportiva Batura by ErikW
Good: Phenomenal warmth out of a single boot - it's right up there with the lightweight doubles. For it's warmth, there's nothing that can climb like it, not even close. It edges like a champ, and the sole stays rigid no matter how much torquing you give it. For those who appreciate ankle flex, this boot rocks it on mixed lines and french technique approaches. Climbing-wise, best warm boot I've ever had.
Bad: I agree with the other reviewer, that the flex point at the front of the ankle wasn't as well thought out as it could have been. It hasn't rubbed me raw yet, but it is annoying if you don't get the lacing just right for the approaches. I might do some retro-fitting to it during the off season, as I think it's fixable.
Alternatives: If you prefer a lot of warmth with a more rigid ankle, go with the Nepal EVO. Not as warm, but also a phenomenal boot. |
2010-02-16 | Mammut Phoenix 8 mm by jonnymtman
Good: Good light rope for alpine climbing. I cut mine down to 30m for short sections and raps reducing the weight, but truly half ropes are made to be used in tandem.
Alternatives: EEDELWEISS Discover 8mm |
2010-02-15 | Metolius Multi Loop Gear Sling by jonnymtman
Good: Organize gear, resists sliding, adds a level of comfort. Mine is sued on the inside which resists sliding unlike other gear slings. Nice to separate cams, nuts and other pro while climbing trad.
Bad: Weight, it is extra gear but so is toilet paper and i still take that. Your choice
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2010-02-08 | Wild Country Helium Quickdraw by protohyp designs
Good: Everything. They are light, they are easy to clip and clean from a route. Just as pretty as a quickdraw can get. I have 36 of them and love each and every one of them |
2010-01-08 | Black Diamond Rocklock by chris.cohoon@cadence.org
Good: Nice, big basket size for fatty ropes while belaying or using the Munter, clove hitch, etc. Rounded for less friction which is nice during self rescue or while belaying a featherweight.
Bad: A little on the heavy side.
Alternatives: Metolius Element, Petzl Attache. B.D. Vaporlock if you're wanting more friction while belaying. |
2010-01-06 | Black Diamond Freewire Quickdraw by pengshi
Good: For the price, this is a very light and nice quickdraw. It's also very easy to clip in, probably due to the wire gate.
Bad: Can't think of anything yet.
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2009-12-19 | Metolius Boss Hog Crash Pad by alpinenovel
Good: Everyone touts the organic pads but when compared the metolius feels more substantial and like a better value. One you get a carpeted top which helps with shoe cleaning and ads style points. You get a firmer foam which i prefer to fall on from afar. The side pouch is nice to store a roll of tape and guide book and the fold over flap closure system is great to keep gear stored while on back. You dont end up getting to your favorite new problem only to realize that a shoe fell out the bottom. It also feelsvery durable. I had a madrock in the past. All the buckles tore away after a few months.
Bad: a chest strap would help and im not sure why the waist strap is removable. its not really in the way but could become lost if not used.
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2009-12-13 | Black Diamond Camalot C4 by abelrevenge
Good: Very reliable and well built
Bad: Variety is the spice of life. There are definitely some size cracks these don't protect great.
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2009-12-11 | Petzl Elios Helmet by bencounter
Good: Used for caving and climbing - no brain damage so far. Great helmet. Lightweight - clips around side are great for holding a headlamp.
Bad: Warm helmet - sweat like crazy in a cave.
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2009-12-07 | Petzl Dragonfly 8.2 by dbattin
Good: Bright, Dynamic, Good knot tying
Bad: DURABILITY! It's the beginning of Dec. I've been on the ice four times and the sheath on these ropes looks worse than my old ropes that were used for five seasons.
Alternatives: Bluewater Excellence 8.6
Always remember to stick with what works. |
2009-11-29 | Black Diamond Raven Pro by stanhope2003
Good: Simple ice axe. Have it in 65cm. Good general mountaineering axe. Light weight but still has great durability.
Bad: No issues.
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