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rocksports
Apr 12, 2006, 12:55 PM
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What gear would you recommend for a new climber to buy? Harness? Shoes? anything else? How long should I wait before I buy it? Any specific product recommendations?
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epoch
Moderator
Apr 12, 2006, 1:01 PM
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If you are an absolute noOb, I would say that it is a safe bet to buy a harness, shoes, a locking caribiner, and a belay device. (Belay device, meaning one that you already know how to use) If you are asking because you are interested, but have never climbed then I would suggest going to a gym and trying it out. If you have climbed a little bit then go ahead and get the basics(as mentioned above). Don't jump in and buy anything else. You will know when you'll need something and then based upon your knowledge of said need you should instinctively know what to get.
But for now, shoes, harness, and chalk bag should suffice to get you going.
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epoch
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Apr 12, 2006, 1:02 PM
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Forgot to add:
Find the models/brands that best fit YOU and what type of climbing that you are currently doing.
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markc
Apr 12, 2006, 1:21 PM
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I always refer people with this question to the FAQ on Tradgirl. Read Steve Cherry's comments under "What should I buy for a beginner's rack?"
He talks about multiple phases of gear buying, starting with the basics epoch outlined. Then you may pick up a bit more gear to second, enough gear to start setting topropes, draws for sport climbing, then rack investment.
Often when people start, they'll be going to the gym or out with experienced friends. Buy those things (harness, shoes, etc) that will increase your independence. By the time you're ready to start setting out on your own, you'll have a better idea of what you'll need.
Brands really depend on budget and preference. Check the gear section and check reviews, visit gear shops and talk to experienced friends. For new climbers, I always recommend trying on shoes and harnesses in person rather than going for a deal online. Fit is very important in both, and you may have to wade through a lot before you find the best match.
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tagaustatoppen
Apr 12, 2006, 8:25 PM
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In reply to: Get a good sized locker. petzl is the way to go really http://en.petzl.com/petzl/SportFamille?Famille=34/Accueil
I wasn't sure if it would work or not so i put it out there and it didn't so you will have to look for the Petzl William Locking Biner through there page. sorry
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veganboyjosh
Apr 12, 2006, 8:58 PM
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does anyone else find it amusing that the two pics of the large lockers are smaller than the pic of the smaller one?
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tagaustatoppen
Apr 12, 2006, 9:44 PM
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that's because they came from different places. hey at least i spared you from pictures of harnesses shoes and belay devices.
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curtis_g
Apr 12, 2006, 9:48 PM
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In reply to: does anyone else find it amusing that the two pics of the large lockers are smaller than the pic of the smaller one?
you make a hilarious point.
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lenny7247
Apr 18, 2006, 10:54 AM
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Registered: Mar 27, 2006
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Just buy what u need for naow. and your will get bigger with time.
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ckirkwood9
Apr 18, 2006, 2:57 PM
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from my experience as a serious gear-whore, i'd suggest that you
steer clear of Omega Pacific screw-gate biners. (dark grey with green screw gate mechanism)
http://images.rei.com/media/698147_9996Prd.JPG
http://images.rei.com/...a/698147_9996Prd.JPG
The APPEAR to be great upon first inspection: Really light weight, stout, inexpensive; BUT the collar gets jammed frequently to where it's effing impossible to unscrew by hand. It's extremely frustrating - usually you have to weight the biner and strike the collar with your spare leaver-biner to get it to unjam. definitely not fun for a beginner.
i i bought several of these as a newbie, now they're used exclusively for hanging my shoes from my pack.
http://http://
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climbingaggie03
Apr 18, 2006, 3:40 PM
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maybe you shouldn't tighten the locks on the gates so much, just a thought.
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fearlessclimber
Apr 18, 2006, 3:44 PM
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Registered: Oct 27, 2005
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if you are interested in lead climbing, go out with some friends and try it before you go and buy the gear, if you like it just stel theirs and never climb with them again. find some other partners to go with then you are good. :lol:
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csgambill
Apr 18, 2006, 4:00 PM
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Why do you suggest he get a large locking biner for belaying? I prefer a smaller locking biner for belaying, as it keeps my belay device closer to my harness and makes it marginally more managable. I suggest you use something like the Black Diamond Mini Pearabiner.
http://www.bdel.com/...0073_minikeylock.jpg
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brent_e
Apr 19, 2006, 12:11 AM
Post #15 of 19
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In reply to: maybe you shouldn't tighten the locks on the gates so much, just a thought.
agreed.
to the OP: whatever locker you buy, if you see that there is a little room to tighten it when the biner is loaded or weighed, DON'T tighten it. this only goes for the screwgates.
Best
Brent
ps
buy all kinds of cams, nuts, slings, rope, and let us know when you don't like the sport anymore
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tagaustatoppen
Apr 19, 2006, 1:53 AM
Post #16 of 19
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Registered: Dec 16, 2005
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In reply to: csgambill Why do you suggest he get a large locking biner for belaying? I prefer a smaller locking biner for belaying, as it keeps my belay device closer to my harness and makes it marginally more managable. I suggest you use something like the Black Diamond Mini Pearabiner
Why do you want to keep your belay device close to you? Comfort? you really need to learn rope management if you have trouble raping or belaying. you should spend lots of time hanging and getting comfortable with the rope. there is not really much to manage while raping or belaying. In a lot of ways it is personal preference. If you do any type of climbing other than sport climbing its nice to have both large lockers and small lockers. I think its easier to get both ropes on a large locker than a small one for raps.
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12inchtick
Apr 19, 2006, 1:59 AM
Post #17 of 19
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Registered: Mar 30, 2006
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Slightly off topic, but also need advice on gear. I am looking at a crash pad, something I've waited too long to buy and I was wondering what people think about the metolius crash pads
I am trying to decide between the
regular 31''x36'' - 110
large 36''x48'' - 140
XXL 48''x72'' - 190
All 3'' thick. I am willing to pay for the XXL if people think it is really nice, it also doesn't have hinges which I think I like more, but probably weights twice as much. Any advice?
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carabiner96
Apr 19, 2006, 3:26 AM
Post #18 of 19
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In reply to: Slightly off topic, but also need advice on gear. I am looking at a crash pad, something I've waited too long to buy and I was wondering what people think about the metolius crash pads I am trying to decide between the regular 31''x36'' - 110 large 36''x48'' - 140 XXL 48''x72'' - 190 All 3'' thick. I am willing to pay for the XXL if people think it is really nice, it also doesn't have hinges which I think I like more, but probably weights twice as much. Any advice?
eh, go big or go home!
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ckirkwood9
Apr 19, 2006, 5:06 PM
Post #19 of 19
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In reply to: maybe you shouldn't tighten the locks on the gates so much, just a thought.
you obviously have never climbed on this biner for any length of time.
I have always turned lightly until the collar stops, never - ever - tighten.
1) Everyone else I've spoken to who's owned this biner has had this problem ONLY with this biner at one time or another.
2) I've been climbing for about 4 years, have purchased a number of biners from other manufacturers and have *never* had a problem with the collar jamming. I've only had this problem with the OP biner pictured.
Try climbing on one for a few months and you'll definitely experience the problem. Better yet, go to a store and play with one of these... you'll see that the screw mechanism has a lot of slop in it. I THINK the problem is this: The OP biner shown is VERY flexy - so when it's weighted (say from taking a big fall) it causes the threads on the collar and the threads on the gate to misalign which causes it to jam.
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