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Reviews by climbingnole (3)


Focus AL (Manufacturer link) Average Rating = 4.14/5 Average Rating : 4.14/5

In: Gear: Essential Equipment: Harnesses: Adjustable

Review 4 out of 5 stars

Review by: climbingnole, 2004-06-25


So far I've been very pleased pleased with harness. I feel like the design was very well thought out, everything stay organized well. The construction is great and the harness feels very strong while still being comfortable. I'd reccomend the Focus AL to anyone looking for a well rounded harness.


Personal Cooking System (Manufacturer link) Average Rating = 4.00/5 Average Rating : 4.00/5

In: Gear: Hiking and Camping: Stoves: Canister Mounted

Review 5 out of 5 stars

Review by: climbingnole, 2004-06-21


I love this stove. As long as you know what you're getting into it is without a doubt the best stove you can buy. You wont be able to fry up a quesadilla or anything like that but for boiling anything, rice, noodles, etc...this is perfect. I had quite literally prepared my my food and had finished eating when my friend with a simmerlite was still cooking his meal. If you're going to eat out of the pot, you might want a longer than average spoon.


Loco (Manufacturer link) popular Average Rating = 4.05/5 Average Rating : 4.05/5

In: Gear: Shoes: Climbing Shoes: Velcro

Review 4 out of 5 stars

Review by: climbingnole, 2004-06-21


After waiting out long shipping delays, I was able to take these shoes for a spin. 90% of my climbing is bouldering so these shoes were made for people like me. The fit is super tight, I actually bumped up half a size from my street shoe, and I still have to take them off between climbs. Try them on before you buy if you can.

So on to the real rating. These shoes perform like a 5. Deep heel cup locks in like a champ, great for hooking. Stiff sole is great for edging, find any little nub with your toe and it's going to stay. The aggressive downturn allows you to really pull hard, especially on overhangs.
Although the shoe performs great I believe the construction is a bit sketchy, I give it a 3. The velcro straps are built from two pieces that are adhesived together. It didn't take too long for the adhesive to pull apart, now the stickiness is all gone on the lowest strap on both shoes, the strap can still be used but I always have the top half of the strap flopping around. The top of the shoe is covered in a textured rubber. It is supposed to help with toe hooks and I suppose it does it's job, about once. The rubber comes off really easily leaving just the nylon uppers. The sole on the instep of the left shoe is also starting to seperate from the rest of the shoe.

So a 5 and a 3, balances out to a 4, a 4.5 in my book really because I think these shoes are a great value based on price. I think that part of my problems with construction are due to climbing in extreme heat a lot, since I live in Florida. I've also left them in my car a few times and I'm sure that doesn't do them any good. I've used the Locos in both indoor and outdoor situations and they perform admirably in both. I think that as long as you take care of them, keep them away from really high heat they should hold up okay.