Began climbing in Fall 2009, primarily sport climbing @ Rumney (New Hampshire), mostly top roping with more experienced climbers. Looking to climb alot more this fall and once spring comes around. Will be doing sport climbing @ Rumney but would like to start getting some trad experience in on easier routes on Cannon and Cathedral.

I currently own shoe and harness.

1st: How do I know what length and diameter rope I should look for?

2nd: How many quickdraws should I invest in initially? What size/length?

3rd: As far as trad gear, I know that it is the most costly/expensive. What are some items I can buy off the bat to begin building a solid beginner rack and go from there.

Do a search on the site before you post a question that has been asked already.

No one's forcing you to read a redundant post (that's what the subject line is for)... and for that matter I'd rather if you wouldn't post. This guy is asking for some advise from climbers who have been around a while. I'm assuming you didn't learn everything you know by yourself. So give him a break and either help a beginner out or keep your posts to yourself.

Sorry, i'll get on to a more fun subject.

Don't buy from gear4rocks... they haven't proven themselves yet as a reputable manufacturer.

yeah, stick with a rope that is at least 10mm. It'll last longer and a few extra pounds will only make you stronger.

Don't bust the bank on quickdraws. Any draw from any (reputable) manufacturer will do. Your cheapest option is probably the Omega Pacific Dirtbag draw... Most people hate these because they are bulky and heavier than most others, but i guess you get what you pay for. If you keep your eye out for sales you can get better draws cheaper. I'd recommend at least 10 draws to start with.

As for trad. A full set of nuts (up to 1") and then hexes up to fist size are what i'd recommend getting first. This will probably set you back around $200 and will give you enough options to protect most single pitch trad routes. Learning how to place solid passive protection is invaluable before you start plugging cams. You will also need a handful of shoulder length slings and empty biners to match. These will help with rope drag and places where a fall might put sideways or upward pull on your gear. Then, as your budget allows, start picking up cams. Brands are only better or worse based on opinion. Most guide books describe gear based on either Friends or Black Diamond cams... but these are both more expensive than other brands.

Make sure you have a good mentor. The internet and books are nothing compared to hands on experience with someone who knows what they're doing. And don't worry about the guys on here that try to make you feel inferior... they represent a small minority of the climbing community. Most of us are more than willing to share our experience because at one time or another we were all beginners.

read a climbing book, you need to lead more than just the equipment. 10.5mm, 60m, rope-a few draws, set of nuts

Began climbing in Fall 2009, primarily sport climbing @ Rumney (New Hampshire), mostly top roping with more experienced climbers. Looking to climb alot more this fall and once spring comes around. Will be doing sport climbing @ Rumney but would like to start getting some trad experience in on easier routes on Cannon and Cathedral.

I currently own shoe and harness. Looking to purchase a rope and gear for both sport and trad climbing.

1st: How do I know what length and diameter rope I should look for?

2nd: How many quickdraws should I invest in initially? What size/length?

3rd: As far as trad gear, I know that it is the most costly/expensive. What are some items I can buy off the bat to begin building a solid beginner rack and go from there.

Thanks!

No one's forcing you to read a redundant post (that's what the subject line is for)... and for that matter I'd rather if you wouldn't post. This guy is asking for some advise from climbers who have been around a while. I'm assuming you didn't learn everything you know by yourself. So give him a break and either help a beginner out or keep your posts to yourself.

Sorry, i'll get on to a more fun subject.

Don't buy from gear4rocks... they haven't proven themselves yet as a reputable manufacturer.

yeah, stick with a rope that is at least 10mm. It'll last longer and a few extra pounds will only make you stronger.

Don't bust the bank on quickdraws. Any draw from any (reputable) manufacturer will do. Your cheapest option is probably the Omega Pacific Dirtbag draw... Most people hate these because they are bulky and heavier than most others, but i guess you get what you pay for. If you keep your eye out for sales you can get better draws cheaper. I'd recommend at least 10 draws to start with.

As for trad. A full set of nuts (up to 1") and then hexes up to fist size are what i'd recommend getting first. This will probably set you back around $200 and will give you enough options to protect most single pitch trad routes. Learning how to place solid passive protection is invaluable before you start plugging cams. You will also need a handful of shoulder length slings and empty biners to match. These will help with rope drag and places where a fall might put sideways or upward pull on your gear. Then, as your budget allows, start picking up cams. Brands are only better or worse based on opinion. Most guide books describe gear based on either Friends or Black Diamond cams... but these are both more expensive than other brands.

Make sure you have a good mentor. The internet and books are nothing compared to hands on experience with someone who knows what they're doing. And don't worry about the guys on here that try to make you feel inferior... they represent a small minority of the climbing community. Most of us are more than willing to share our experience because at one time or another we were all beginners.

Find some partners, use their gear, decide what you like, then buy it. Buy nice, or buy twice. If you like specific 'biners, get those. Don't buy gear you dislike just because it is cheaper; you'll regret it.

This is Korect!

Do not skimp on gear. Wait for sales, buy packages, find friends with super sweet pro deals, but don't buy inferior gear. Gear is usually more expensive for a reason...because it is BETTER!

Josh

i actually currently own a pair of shoes, i've only been borrowing a harness but the friend needs it back soon.

should i look for one with the most gear loops on the belt? any specific number (>4)?

DO NOT DO THIS. Seriously. Not ok. This is how pro-deals get shut down. I organize pro-deals for my gym, and I can promise you that these accounts will and do shut down when people abuse them. If you want prodeals, get a job with a company that has them. Otherwise, wait for the regular kinds of deals.

Heh heh. That was toungue in cheek, so calm down.

Yes, you are right. Do not do this. Sometimes I just don't know which emoticon to use.

Gear4Rocks has some awesome trad gear on ebay. Check it out.

I hope this was meant to be a joke... Plastic Rocks = Dead