For Spring 2014, a variety of fun climbing hardware joins the new line of Petzl climbing ropes to add to your want list. Although nothing completely revolutionary, the following pieces will definitely make an improvement to your rack and up your game next climbing season.
Black Diamond Camalot X4 Offset: The latest edition to the Camalot line uses the same stacked axle technology as this season's X4. The new Offset version features two small size cams on one side with the next bigger size on the other, color coded for easy identification along with matching color coded beads on the cams. Even the webbing is divided into two colors so you know which offset you are grabbing from your rack. The X4 Offset uses the same hot forged trigger bar and ultra flexible beads as the standard X4.
Black Diamond Magnetron VaporLock Carabiner: For Spring 2014, Black Diamond added their Magnetron Technology to the lightweight and versatile pear-shaped VaporLock locking biner. At 56 g or 2 oz., the new Magnetron VaporLock will be the company's lightest Magnetron carabiner yet. In case you haven't seen, Magnetron Technology uses two magnetic arms in the gate and a steel insert in the nose to create a super-secure and easy to use closure.
Arc'teryx Aperture Chalk Bag: There is nothing worse than spilling chalk all over your climbing bag or worse, all over your suitcase when you travel. Sealing like the shutter of a camera, the Aperture Chalk Bag winds up tight to prevent any chalk loss and collapses down to form a small, packable container. The Aperture Chalk Bag comes in two sizes – small (75 g) and large (80 g). MSRP
Ocun Crack Gloves: Tired of taping up your hands for all those crack climbs? The Ocun Crack Gloves use rubber to protect the back of your hand while leaving your palm and fingers free. The crack gloves come in 4 sizes (S,M,L,XL) and retail for $30, available now.
Outdoor Research Handbrake Gloves: Built for burly belay work, the Handbrake Gloves are constructed out of durable cow leather with split suede overlays in high-wear areas. A half-finger design helps with dexterity and the integrated RF-welded knuckle protection keeps you from ending up bloody after a particularly rough session. The carabiner loop makes the gloves easy to hang off your harness, while the fingertip pull tabs ensure the they can be removed quickly. MSRP $39.50
Millet Opposite TRX 9/10: This new dynamic rope is broken down into two different diameters- 50m is 9mm and 30m is 10mm. The thicker side will see you through all your projecting and then as you get ready to send, where every ounce counts, simply tie into the thinner side. MSRP $299
Related articles