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Reviews by jdean (4)


V-Machine (Manufacturer link) Average Rating = 4.33/5 Average Rating : 4.33/5

In: Gear: Archive

Review 5 out of 5 stars

Review by: jdean, 2004-09-27


I recently purchased a pair of these and I have to say my initial impressions are really good. The rubber is a bit harder than I am used to, but it's still pretty sticky. I got the shoe 1/2 size smaller than my street shoe and it fits nicely enough, but I figure the unlined leather upper to do a bit of stretching in the near future. I will probably go a full size down on my next pair. The construction so far looks super solid except that it bunches a bit around the buckle when you cinch the velcro down. The shoe has a nice camber with a precise toe and is pleasantly aggresive without being uncomfortable (I think this is mainly due to the fact that I didn't get them as tight as I normally do though). I have a narrow foot the whole way up and this shoe really fits it nicely. The heel has the "hooker" ribs like those found on the Mad Rocks, allowing for some nice heel hooks. For the price, this shoe really can't be beat. I think they will by far outlast my Mad Rock Locos which blew out in less than 6 months and I definitely will be purchasing another pair when this pair wears out.


V10 (Manufacturer link) popular Average Rating = 4.55/5 Average Rating : 4.55/5

In: Gear: Shoes: Climbing Shoes: Slippers

Review 4 out of 5 stars

Review by: jdean, 2003-11-14


This is potentially one of the best shoe designs out there if you are in the market for an agressive slipper. The rubber does wear quickly, but it will stick to ANYTHING! The only downside is that it comes with 5.10's shoddy construction and poor attention to detail. Aside from that, I will definitely own another pair when these wear out.


Cobra Shoe (Manufacturer link) popular Average Rating = 4.46/5 Average Rating : 4.46/5

In: Gear: Shoes: Climbing Shoes: Slippers

Review 3 out of 5 stars

Review by: jdean, 2003-11-14


These shoes are a great all around climbing shoe (even for beginners), though the rubber isn't the best in my opinion. They are very agressive and they focus most of your weight over your front toe which allows for some precision footwork. I owned two pairs before going to the 5.10 V10's and that was due to the fact that they (the Cobras) stretch quite a bit and the V10s have much better rubber.


Marathon 10.3 Average Rating = 4.29/5 Average Rating : 4.29/5

In: Gear: Archive

Review 4 out of 5 stars

Review by: jdean, 2003-11-14


This rope is absolutely great! It's supple enough for easy handling and knot tying, but retains enough stiffness to make for easy clips. I have had this rope for about two years and it has taken a serious butt kicking. I am finally retiring it because it is starting to lose a little of its stretch. It will make a nice rope rug though! The only reason I gave it a 4/5 was because of the weight. It becomes a bit heavy on longer routes.