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Reviews by debaser655321 (3)


Porta-Cord Rope Bag Average Rating = 3.00/5 Average Rating : 3.00/5

In: Gear: Essential Equipment: Climbing Ropes: Rope Bags and Tarps

minimalist 4 out of 5 stars

Review by: debaser655321, 2009-06-29


Metolius got this just right for going light.
Perfect for a day of sport climbing: It fits 1 rope, harness, shoes and draws, candybars, and a water bottle. You can clip your helmet, draws or whathave you to the outside.
Perfect for long climbs with hike off: Fits 2 pairs of approach shoes, rain jacket, headlamp and 2 nalgenes. You might have difficulty getting the full rack in with the rope, but for a team of two you can carry that on your harness.

I can fit a pair of Doubles in this bag as well.

The pack is well made, i haven't had any problems and the tarp is still without holes. The cord closure, zipper, and strap work great.

Gripes: The Top flap could be longer to cover to top when you over stuff the pack. The side pockets are unusable when the pack is overstuffed.


C.A.M.P. Ball Nuts (Manufacturer link) popular Average Rating = 4.57/5 Average Rating : 4.57/5

In: Gear: Essential Equipment: Protection: Active

Amazing for free climbing too! 5 out of 5 stars

Review by: debaser655321, 2009-06-04


I have a red #2 and have been placing it every chance I get. So convenient when small cams don't fit and a quality nut placement is difficult. I took a huge (20ft) fall on it this last week and it totally held my butt. I tried cleaning it myself but couldn't get it to move, at all. Someone else was kind enough to clean it and give it back to me, bent wires and all. This piece will be retired to an aid rack.


Optimus Prime (Manufacturer link) Average Rating = 4.20/5 Average Rating : 4.20/5

In: Gear: Shoes: Climbing Shoes: Velcro

OP vs Solutions 3 out of 5 stars

Review by: debaser655321, 2009-06-04


I finally wore through the toes of my Solutions and decided to try a new shoe (despite loving the Solutions). I had difficulty sizing the shoe. I wear a 8.5 or 9 street shoe and ended up buying the 8.5 Optimus Prime. The 9 was too comofortable for a performance shoe. The 8.5 was VERY tight and I would normally not buy shoes that I can't comfortably stand in, but I really felt the 9 was too loose. Once I got these home I was amazed at how well they worked on my overhanging wall, maybe better than the Solutions. Great at the gym. I was concerned about the stiff sole, but it works fine with the high camber. I did try these shoes on some less-than-vertical climbing and found them to be extremely painful and awkward...but very powerful and secure on edges.

I love the shape of the toe for bouldering and short (sport) routes, but I will probably go buy another pair of shoes for longer climbs, maybe another pair of solutions or revert back to my old standard, the Anasazi