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Reviews by oldsalt (3)


Explorist 200 (Manufacturer link) Average Rating = 4.00/5 Average Rating : 4.00/5

In: Gear: Archive

Review 4 out of 5 stars

Review by: oldsalt, 2004-12-25


I really studied the market for these criteria:

6 out of 7 ain't bad. I got it for $139.95 at Best Buy which is way under the next unit I could find with a map, but it does not have a computer interface. The maps are limited to major roads and bodies of water, but what unit has topo maps for climbers for this price? I use a GPS to avoid missing turns on my way to climb, and to record the off-road hike details.

I use the Location Tool in Microsoft Streets and Trips to note the positions of route changes and climbing locales, then create waypoints (called "points of interest" by Magellan) in advance. I have had great success this way, while working around direct computer access.

I like this unit and for less than $150 including tax or shipping, I am very satisfied. I would give 5 biners, except for the computer interface. By the way, it has read as many as 4 satellites while situated in my windowless bathroom!


Stop Descender popular Average Rating = 3.60/5 Average Rating : 3.60/5

In: Gear: Essential Equipment: Belay Devices & Descenders

Review 5 out of 5 stars

Review by: oldsalt, 2004-12-09


This is the easiest descender that I have used. It takes practice to get absolutely smooth, but it will allow you do controlled descents at nearly any speed.


Shunt Mechanical Prusik (Manufacturer link) Average Rating = 4.00/5 Average Rating : 4.00/5

In: Gear: Add-On Climbing Gear: Ascenders

Review 4 out of 5 stars

Review by: oldsalt, 2004-12-08


I bought the Shunt for backing up rappels.
I use the Petzl Stop for doing the rappels.
I am currently using the Prusik on 7mm cord for backing up rappels. I say currently because there is a learning curve with the Shunt and the Petzl literature is not too helpful.