Grivel have revolutionised the world of carabiners with the advent of the Twin Gate system. This new design improves carabiner saftey, massivley, while making them quicker and easier to use than a classic screw gate they replace. The Sigma Twingate is a classic offset carabiner for to be used in place of a normal snap link or wherever you want to add extra security like on your cams, hexes or on your last quick draw before a crux.
We all love the comfort and versatility of the Daisy-chain. But in its traditional version it can lead to wrong uses and become therefore dangerous. In fact no DC on the market is guaranteed to the CE values of 22kN, like the quick draws or the carabiners. Therefore it can be the “weak ring” of the system, mainly when used in belaying. The pockets of a classical daisy chain have a very low loading strength which never exceeds the 2kN because they are designed for static load only, and consequently the only safe way to use a daisy chain as a sling is between the two end loops. The Dyneema sling is so thin that can cut itself when in traction. Grivel has studied the problem over a long period of time, and has come up with the problem solving GDC. Today Grivel can offer a chain guaranteed to 23kN in every loop and every point! No more possibility of error, and no risk of mistake or dangerous manoeuvres.
Buyers Guide - How to choose Choose a Traditional Climbing RackExcited to be buying the first bits of lead gear to build your trad rack? So are we!
Our climbing gear walls have been described as some of the best in Europe (by our International Reps who know a thing or two) and as boulderers, sport climbers, trad climbers and mountaineers ourselves we LOVE to talk about gear. Both the Joe Brown shops, and The Climbers Shop have been supplying climbers and expeditions since 1966 and 1959 respectively, we were founded by climbers and the only thing we love more than talking about gear is actually going climbing ourselves. We don’t just learn about what’s the best kit to use – we know what’s the best kit to use……..
- What is the first piece of protection I should buy?- What length Quickdraws are best?- Why are there so many different lengths slings?- How do I choose which karabiners to add?- Can I lead if I don’t own any cams?- Do I really need to carry Prusik Loops?- How do I know when my gear has worn out?
Top tips to make the right choice:Go shopping with your mate and/or someone more experienced so you buy the right thing for the routes you climb and, more importantly, gear that compliments each other’s racks.
Tag your gear so that you know who’s is who. We sell purpose made tags or you could use your own personal design of insulation tape.
Buy a length of rope off the reel and practice your knots so they become second nature. Tying a clove hitch one handed without bending your fingers looks REALLY cool!
Regularly tie yourself to a stair banister so you can prefect your belaying skills and be super slick out on the crag. It saves time and means you can enjoy the route and make it back to the pub to revel in your success.
Join a club – it’s the cheapest way to learn and you’ll have an instant pool of climbing partners or hire an Instructor or Guide to learn loads of great tips and techniques.