DMM Belay Master Clip

Advantages: safe bit of gear, great forwall use and beginners
Disadvantages: can just be awkward and annoying - especially outdoors

...just before i begin, just like to point out those who dont climb might not understand much of what im taking about. sorry, it just really helps if you do. i brought the belay master to help keep rope and stuff that little bit tidier on those long multi-pitch routes. it basically consists of two parts, an HMS screw gate and a strange little plastic bit that clips over both sides to divide the crab in half along its length the HMS screw gate is actually that little bit heavier than other gates on the market (only by a few grams, but it all adds up!). but feeling it in your hand, it becomes clear that it is a strong robust piece of kit. and it does what every screw gate on the market does, and is built to a very high standard. however, compared to other HMS gates this one is a little smaller and so the gates opening arc is a little... Read review

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

...There isn't much you can say about things like belay devices, but I do know that when you are just getting into climbing and there is an entire wall covered in strange climbing related objects it would be nice to have someone point you in the right direction. What is a belay and what is it for? Basically when you climb (99% of the time) you climb with a partner. Your partner is there to catch you when you fall and to do so so he or she needs some sort of device that gives full control of the speed of the rope. The rope is folded over and threaded through the hole in the belay plate, then the loop that has been threaded through is attached to your harness via a screw gate carabiner. The loose end of the rope should be hanging down towards the floor and the end attached to the climber points up. To stop the rope from moving the loose end... Read review

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Advantages: Comfy, grippy, good fit with laces
Disadvantages: Not much

...I have owned a pair of these for about a year and a half now and although I don't get to climb as much as I'd like I would have to say my next pair will be another pair of these. First of these shoes are very comfortable for climbing shoes. I've had shoes in the past thathad such an agressive profile that I would climb a route then take them off and spend at least half an hour belaying others just to rest my feet. Not so with the scarpas. I climb, belay, climb some more and even sit in the cafe and have a coffee when I'm finished before taking them off and they are still comfortable at the end of the session. The top of the heel section does dig into my ankle at the back but then so do all climbing shoes and these haven't made me bleed so far. The actual profile of the shoe is pretty good and the point of the toe is shaped just... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful