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Reviews by kikibatlubbin (7)

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Vertigo 40 (Manufacturer link) Average Rating = 5.00/5 Average Rating : 5.00/5

In: Gear: Hiking and Camping: Backpacks: Backpacking Packs

still working 5 out of 5 stars

Review by: kikibatlubbin, 2007-04-11


I have overloaded this pack for a year now and it still looks close to new. Everything still works and works well. The zippers, the loops, the daisey, the straps, and the bag all work great after much torture.


Grigri Belay Device (Manufacturer link) popular Average Rating = 4.24/5 Average Rating : 4.24/5

In: Gear: Essential Equipment: Belay Devices & Descenders

droiyier grigri 3 out of 5 stars

Review by: kikibatlubbin, 2007-02-21


Rather than repeat anything, I'm just adding something new. GriGris are right handed. For those of us who are left-handed or ambidextrous this is a minus. It is possible to use lefty, but it is not the same (because of the lever). The ATC, reverso, B-52, etc., do not pose this problem.


Silent Partner (Manufacturer link) popular Average Rating = 4.67/5 Average Rating : 4.67/5

In: Gear: Essential Equipment: Belay Devices & Descenders

silent partner 4 out of 5 stars

Review by: kikibatlubbin, 2007-01-05


There are many times I can't find a partner or don't have the time to call around for some human company. Sometimes, it is nice to climb alone. With the silent partner, I've been able to climb whenever I feel like it AND feel safe.
The device works and works well. I have taken several falls, on purpose, to test it and to learn how to use it after falling (sometimes it is hard to unlock after a fall).
There are a few cons. The idiom 'a pain in the ass' applies figuratively. Literally, it can be a pain in the crotch. A huge hunk of metal dangles between your legs where some of us have other stuff dangling. Backing up, as suggested in the manual and online pdf, is mess. Last con = $$.
Personally, I am satisfied with the purchase. I am not tearing up my rope with a contrived setup and I am using a device designed and tested for roped soloing.


Pacific Dirtbag Quickdraw (Manufacturer link) Average Rating = 3.19/5 Average Rating : 3.19/5

In: Gear: Essential Equipment: Carabiners: Quickdraws

first set 4 out of 5 stars

Review by: kikibatlubbin, 2006-11-22


This was my first set of quickdraws when I started sport climbing. They are basic, plain, and work well. Nothing has gone wrong with them over time and they are still all I use when sport climbing. I have heliums on dyneema for trad, but that is a different story. These were, and are, a worthwhile purchase. If my set disappeared, I'd buy another to replace them (and not a fancy expensive wiregate set).


Dominator 9.4 mm Rope Average Rating = 4.33/5 Average Rating : 4.33/5

In: Gear: Essential Equipment: Climbing Ropes: Dynamic Single Ropes

Review 4 out of 5 stars

Review by: kikibatlubbin, 2006-10-02


I bought a short rope 9.4 dominator from GearExpress to play with, thinking it would be easier to carry and easier to use with leading. The rope handles wonderfully, is light, and packs into almost nothing. I like it so much that I bought another and now use two shorties for most climbs (nothing high around Devil's Lake, WI). When I get rich, I'll go for a 70m 9.4.

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