The DMM Dragon Cams and Orbit Rope Rock
As climbers await the new-gear announcements at the upcoming 2016 Summer Outdoor Retailer, we have to stop and look at two great products released by DMM this year. First are the new DMM Dragons. The original Dragons were many climbers’ favourite and the leading U.K.-based gear manufacturers decided to upgrade them for this year. The new revolutionary TripleGrip lobes increase contact area with more bite points and have a raw aluminum finish, which results in more holding power in less-than-perfect placements, on wet rock or on soft rock.
We have used the Dragons on Squamish granite, Rockie’s limestone and Ontario sandstone. The Dragons locked into place on the granite, more than almost any cam we have ever used. The many grooves on the lobes grab the small quartze crystals and don’t let go. On limestone, cam lobes often slip and walk due to the rock’s soft and shattered nature. The Dragons once again performed well. On the softest limestone, weighting the cam pushed the bite points in and sheared off flakes. It seemed the rock would go before the cam slipped out. On the sandstone at Pass Lake, the Dragons carved grooves into the sandiest of cracks.
The Dragons proved they are a top choice for many rock types in Canada. Other bonuses are the single stem and dual axle that give the Dragons 360° flexibility. Instead of a thumb loop, a big hot-forged ergonomic thumb-press reduces fumbling. The eight-millimetre Dyneema sling extends and can eliminate the need for a quickdraw.
We have been using the new DMM Oribt 9.6 mm for the past few months and have concluded that it is a great all-round rope for rock and ice. The 60-metre line has been good for sport climbing and moderate multi-pitches this summer. It maintains its slick and soft feel after use and is easy to clip. The dry treatment keeps it working optimally on damp days. It is without a doubt, one of the most supple handling ropes on the market.
In conclusion, the Dragons and Orbit are perfect for Canadian rock and weather. Follow DMM on Instagram here and visit their site for more great products here. Click on the clip below to watch some Rockies action.
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