Home > 2012.04

Climbing Gear Round-up – Belays, Helmets, Ropes, Cams and Biners

Here is a round-up of some of this season's great climbing gear.

Here is a round-up of some of this season’s great climbing gear.

::GEARBOX
Climbing Technology Alpine Up
$100
144070

This is one of the most versatile belay systems currently available allowing climbers to use it as a conventional belay plate, assisted braking belay plate and in plaquette-mode for belaying the second. This unusual looking device is also compatible with most single, double and twin ropes and will also proved enough friction to safely lower a climber if it’s improperly loaded.

::GEARBOX
Black Diamond ATC XP
$20
144050
This traditional looking belay plate allows climbers to choose the level of friction depending on the thickness of their rope.  The device’s beefy walls provide excellent wear-resistance while the massive sidewall cut-outs prevent overheating during long rappels.

::GEARBOX
Edelrid Boa Duo Tec 9.8 mm
$178
144046
Everyone loves dual-braided sheath ropes that easily identify the middle of the cord with a pattern change. Unfortunately, this construction has traditionally cost significantly more which in turn has prevent many climbers from buying these ropes. Edelrid’s new and patented method for building these ropes seriously drops the price and allows more climbers tap into the safety afforded by these types of ropes. And if that’s not enough, Edelrid’s ropes achieve bluesign certification which requires adherence to some of the toughest environmental standards in the world.

::GEARBOX
Mammut El Cap
$75
144056
The El Cap’s unique shape protects climbers from rock fall thanks to its hard shell and EPS-foam construction. A secure and easy-to-use adjustment system offers a comfortable fit while the small cycling cap-like bill provides some shade.

::GEARBOX
Mammut Element Smart HMS
$14
144075
The plastic swing gate on the Element Smart HMS serves two purposes: it prevents cross-loading and ensures the twistlock gate does not accidentally open. This is a smart design a versatile belay biner.

::GEARBOX
Metolius Fat Cams
$70
144048
Thanks to their wide cam surfaces, Fat Cams were an instant hit, especially with anyone climbing in softer-stone areas like Indian Creek. The wide cams offere excellent stability and minimize the disconcerting tracking and grooving that occasionally occurs when narrower-lobed cams are loaded. The new #7 and #8 Fat Cams now provide climbers even wider crack protection opportunities.

::GEARBOX
Sterling Fusion Ion2 9.4 mm
$200
144057

This slick thin cord is ideal for difficult redpoints or onsights. At 57 g per metre the Fusion Ion2 is also the perfect choice for longer pitches where rope weight can become an issue. Finally, the low 8.1 kN impact force rating ensures climbers receive a soft catch if they happen to fall before clipping the anchors.

::GEARBOX
Wild Country Helix
$14
144053

This wonderfully sculpted belay biner is compatible with most belay devices thanks to its deep rounded basket. The narrower opposite end sits nicely on a belay loop and helps align any loads along the carabiner’s spine.

::GEARBOX
Omega Pacific Link Cams
$90 – $100
144045

The Link Cams’ unique hinged lobes offer more expansion range than any other cam on the market. This construction also ensures excellent placement option in flaring cracks. As long as Link Cams are placed so that the stem can rotate and align itself with the direction of the load, these are unsurpassed as panic pieces. Recomended.

::GEARBOX
Black Diamond Oz Hoodwire
$9
144052

The Oz’s new Hoodwire nose and gate provides snag-free performance almost any climbing situation. All this while still maintaining the feathery weight that made the original Oz so popular with climbers looking to lighten their racks.

::GEARBOX
Rock Exotica Pirate WireEye Auto Lock
$21
144071

The addition of a simple wire gate at the bottom of the Pirate biner prevents any dangerous cross loading during belaying. For extra security Rock Exotica also uses Auto Lock which ensures the gate stays shut. This is another great product from this small Utah-based company.

::GEARBOX
Mammut Transformer 9.8
$220 (60m), $245 (70m)
144055

Mammut is doing its part to try and protect the environment by using recycled yarns in the sheath of its new Transformer rope. As an bonus, this construction ensure that every rope has a distinct look

::GEARBOX
Edelrid Zodiac
$55
144074

While the Zodiac offers excellent impact protecting from its combination of a hard outer shell and lightweight EPS foam, what really sets this helmet apart from other helmet is it’s innovate fit adjustment. An easy-to-use knob adjusts the circumference fit, while two buckles at the back adjust the strap length. Very smart.

Check out the latest buyer's guide:

Easter Weekend Sales on Climbing Gear

Be sure that your rack is updated and ready for the upcoming rock climbing season