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Reviews by cmacblue42 (4)


Solution Climbing Shoe (Manufacturer link) popular Average Rating = 4.62/5 Average Rating : 4.62/5

In: Gear: Shoes: Climbing Shoes: Velcro

Hide the damn seams 2 out of 5 stars

Review by: cmacblue42, 2009-10-24


I had high hopes for these shoes and initially, they delivered. The fit is like nothing else, the climbing is incredible, and you feel like you have talons on your foot. Rubber pales in comparison to 5.10's but the shoes were definitely a step up from my retired predators.

After an hour or two though, a painful problem becomes apparent when you want to take off your show. Sportiva did not hide the seams of the heel straps or the weird velcro lace by your toe. The heel straps dig into my heel and the left velcro lace ending digs into the top of my foot. and its especially painful when takign the shoes off, being that they fit like a glove.

These shoes would be amazing was it not for this very stupid error sportiva only seems to have made on this shoe.


Predator Climbing Shoe - Mens (Manufacturer link) popular Average Rating = 4.56/5 Average Rating : 4.56/5

In: Gear: Shoes: Climbing Shoes: Velcro

Review 5 out of 5 stars

Review by: cmacblue42, 2006-12-24


Geez!! These shoes are amazing!! While testing them out at the climbing gym i bought them from, i was amazed at how well they gripped onto footholds. The first 2 climbs i did in them with tiny feet and they just sticked and stayed and were flawless. Keep in mind these shoes are not for begginers or those with poor footwork. In order for them to be amazing, you have to be on your big toe. not the outside of your shoe, not the ball of your foot, your big toe. The shoe fit will just keep getting better as your climb in them. If this is your first pair of Down turned/ assymentrical shoes, then you will feel your pinky toe kind of coming underneath your other toes. This is what is supposed to happen and this is what concentrates all force toward your big toe. They will mold and get more comfortable after a couple sessions. The design is amazing as well. I would agree with another reveiwer that said it was like the venom+the V10 which is also what makes this shoe such an awesome steep climbing shoe, which is combining the best features from two other top steep climbing shoes. These are awesome shoes and i cannot wait until they mold a little bit more. Reveiw after they are fully molded will come shortly.


XXL Crash Pad (Manufacturer link) Average Rating = 4.18/5 Average Rating : 4.18/5

In: Gear: Essential Equipment: Crash Pads

Review 5 out of 5 stars

Review by: cmacblue42, 2005-11-20


this was my first and so far only pad. i was amazed by it and the foam is very high quality. and i got it for 200 bucks at rei when a sale was going on and it was the best deal ever. at 260 i dont think I'd buy it but at 200 go for it. try not to sleep on it though since the open cell foam will probly get closed and you will end up bottoming out. i use mine for my slackline and often step on one of the creases to mount so only a small section of it has had this happen on the hinge so it isnt a big deal. very good pad especially for solo boulderers. also, i wouldnt buy it if you are going for an hour long approach or so.


Cruiser (Manufacturer link) Average Rating = 3.17/5 Average Rating : 3.17/5

In: Gear: Shoes: Climbing Shoes: Lace Up

Review 2 out of 5 stars

Review by: cmacblue42, 2005-03-19


I got this as my first pair of shoes. i am using them for bouldering. i think it is an ok begginer shoe but i would not reccomend it. it cant really edge although it looks like it would, the rubber sucks, and it is not an aggressive shoe. it might be a good begginer shoe for roped climbing but definitaley not for bouldering. the treaded heel is a gimmick and the strap doesnt do much once it is stretched out.

P.S. i got mine for $50 at REI toward the end of the year.