Beal Semi-Static Abseil Rope 10.5mm x 50m

Advantages: Fantastic design - great for beginners
Disadvantages: Can be difficult when using thick or stiff ropes

...is pulled down and the friction produced between the rope and plate causes the rope to stop moving. By increasing the angle of the loose end upwards the speed of the rope through the plate increases as the friction induced decreases. This allows the climber to descend. Anyway, Back to the ATC XP. This, for me, is the best belay plate on the market for beginners climbing. It has been designed with teeth so that if the belayer is much lighter than the climber there shouldn't be any problems holding the rope down and creating enough friction. My sister weighs about 8.5 stone whereas I'm 13.5 and she doesn't have any problems holding my weight. The teeth also allow for much thinner ropes for when you are climbing with a pair of ropes and weight is an issue. This belay plate works perfectly well with thin, 7.7mm, and thick, 11mm, ropes. The teeth... Read review

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Advantages: Lightweight and flexible
Disadvantages: None

...As I feel the cold quite often when I'm diving I decided to invest in a cyberskin as I had read good reports about it in various dive magazines. I wasn't keen on buying a semi-dry to take abroad with me as I feel they can be cumbersome. I usually wear a 5mm Gul Steamer but felt I needed some extra insulation. The cyberskin is 0.5mm thick and extremely light. The material is silky and flexible and feels extremely comfortable. It comes in women's and men's sizes from small through to XXL and is £65. Although it is only 0.5mm thick it is equal in warmth to a 2mm wetsuit and can be used alone for diving in warmer waters. I bought an all in one with a back zipper but it is possible to purchase it as a separate top and bottoms. I had thought that it might be difficult to get my 5mm wetsuit over the top of it but in actual fact it made... Read review

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Advantages: Good Cuffs
Disadvantages: None

...Sliver on the Inside!! I bought a Silverskin a couple of years ago and never looked back since. I managed to negoctiate a price of £200 from a local dive shop. The cuffs are great because you can fold them and fold them to get a good seal. Ankle cuffs are great for the same reason as is the neck. The suit also drains very well from tthese cuffs, especially the Neck Cuff There is a good horizontal zip on the back which makes it easy for self dis-robing or your "buddy" to help you out. I would recommend attaching a small pull cord to ease this process. The Zip is very sturdy so if you do have a problem undoing it, pull it back to the beginning and start again. Padded shoulders, elbows and knees are an added bonus as damage to previous wet-suits has been quite costly. My suit is maunfactured from 90% Neoprene and 10% Nylon... Read review

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