Petzl Ultralegere Pulley Wheel

Advantages: light, durable, simple design
Disadvantages: small bearings, no movable side plate

...This popular mid-sized auto-lock pulley has become quite popular umong wall climbers, soloists and rescue teams for good reasons, however be aware that its use is often limited. There are two sides to the simplicity that this device offers. Its basic construction (no moving side plate, small wheel etc) makes it perfect for recreational use- going soloing at the local crag, putting up a slackline or stocking a rescue kit. However it goes without saying that when most of us are looking for a device of this kind- weight just isnt such an issue. If its a question of soloing there are much lighter (and safer) devices on the market. While if we are really going to haul any real loads (bodyweight in rescues or an average sized pig on a wall) the mini-traction is both too lightweight and slimmed-down technically. Anyone with experience... Read review

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Advantages: Light weight, high performance, robust
Disadvantages: Difficult to open battery compartment

...Why A Headlamp? The wearer of a head-torch is never going to win any style awards - in fact you end up looking like a ridiculous cross between Rambo and a Dalek. Yet, the benefits headlamps provide far outweigh any self-consciousness or ridicule they attract. The most obvious plus is that, unlike with a normal torch, you are left with both hands free, and there is no need to sandwich it between your knees or under your chin when dexterity is required. Headlamps also follow your head movements, so wherever your eyes fall is automatically illuminated. The best aspect for the outdoor adventurer or traveller is that head-torches are light, compact and remarkably simple to pack. Why Petzl? Petzl are widely believed to make the best outdoor torches at a price available to the average consumer. The founder... Read review

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Advantages: Easy to fit
Disadvantages: Tricky to adjust ,at least if it's your first time

...(higher) gear ratios. Even those with no interest in bikes may have noticed how the gears on most bikes form a sort of toothy cone, getting larger towards the wheel itself. b) Its secondary purpose, i.e. taking up the slack in the chain is achieved by passing the chain over a pair of toothed pulleys, which are on a sprung arm, exerting rearward pressure on the pulley wheels. A strong but slender cable creates the sideways pull on the mechanism with its other end usually on the handlebars, although many ‘racers’ will still use a control lever lower down on the frame. In my own case, I’ve gone for matching Shimano ‘indexed’ levers, with a kind of sequential gears control, that is to say, you use your thumb for ‘up-changes’ and the index finger for down. I bought the mechanism from the web site of Chain Reaction, www... Read review

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