The Sterling Evolution Velocity Bi-Color Rope – 9.8mm is a great all-around option that performs well on various types of climbing, providing security and a supple feel during use. Despite some reports of fraying after minimal use and getting dirty, the ability to easily slide through belaying devices, soft catches, and abrasion-resistant material makes this a great choice for climbers who want versatility over a variety of terrain.
The Petzl Volta Dry Climbing Rope – 9.2mm is a lightweight, versatile, and smooth-handling rope that works well for those who transport their ropes on longer hikes, and want a reliable option that can pass quickly through a grigri. The downsides of this option are lack of durability, which may limit some of the routes this rope should be used on, such as those passing over continuous rocky and tough terrain. We recommend this option for climbers who want an easy to use option that provides safe catches.
The Edelweiss Energy ARC Climbing Rope – 9.5mm is a functional and lightweight option that is versatile enough to be used as both a sport and alpine rope. The versatility provided makes this a great choice for a work-horse rope, although it is not as durable as some thicker ropes and it also has some sheath-fraying issues. For those climbers who favor a good feel and smooth-gliding through a belay device, and might take a chance on the durability of their rope, then this could be a good choice.
The Blue Water 10.2mm ELIMINATOR Single Rope is a versatile, durable, and easy-to-use rope that is well-suited for those looking for a safe and durable rope. The high UIAA rating provides some confidence while climbing, and makes this a great choice. This rope is a great choice for all climbers.
The Mammut Wall Rider MIPS Climbing Helmet is protective, breathable, and most importantly, is the first climbing helmet to use MIPS to protect against rotational impacts. The various adjustment points, comfortable fit, and added cushioning all provide a great all-day helmet option. Despite being slightly heavier, more expensive, and a little more tedious to adjust than other options, the addition of the added MIPS technology makes this climbing helmet a one-of-a-kind product that is designed for climbers wanting some extra safety on the wall.
The Scarpa Booster S Climbing Shoe delivers a great balance between sensitivity and performance. The uniquely flexible midsole makes the shoe highly sensitive, while the toe box design drives power into the big toe and allows for solid stability on the tiniest of holds. The solid heel cup allows for great heel hooking, and although the design of the shoe encourages more of a digging style, once you get used to it, the edging capabilities are endless. This shoe is highly effective for aggressive bouldering or overhung sport climbs but isn’t built for slabs or vertical walls, and the one downside of its light and nimble construction is a compromise on durability. Overall, a fantastic shoe for the price.
The Mad Rock Lyra Climbing Shoe for women is a comfortable, easily adjustable, and precise option for climbers who favor comfort and a snug fit. This shoe does not crush very small edges, which is mostly a concern just for elite-level climbers. Some durability issues with the rubber should also be considered, but for those who want a supportive and cushioned option, this is a great choice.
The La Sportiva Solution Climbing Shoe is an all-around stable and sensitive shoe that combines a downturned shape and proficient power-transfer to provide a shoe that can perform on various types of climbing routes. Despite having a longer break-in time and some possible durability issues with the strap, for those climbers who want a precise, aggressive, and snug shoe, this is a great option.
The La Sportiva Kataki Climbing Shoe for women is a versatile, adjustable, and comfortable option, that performs well on various types of climbing routes. The ability to climb edges, micro-holds, cracks, and technical routes makes this an all-around choice for any level of climber. Overall, the customized lacing system, asymmetrical shape, and comfortable material allow this to be a great all-around choice for numerous climbers.
The Evolv Oracle Climbing Shoe is a downturned, versatile, and secure option that can be efficiently used on various types of routes, like bouldering, sport, vertical walls, and heel-hooking sections. The lack of rubber makes this not the best choice for toe-hooking specific routes, but the stiffer sole, aggressive shape, and snug lacing system all provide a stable, powerful, and reliable shoe, that can be used for multiple types of climbing.