A review on adjustable dasies and aiders would be nice. I need somebody to convince me they are worth my hard earned dollar. I have enjoyed the reviews so far.

Thanks. I'll touch upon adjustables in my aider review, which weather depending, will be out any day now. I use the Yates adjustables.

I hear that DMM is coming out with HB offset clones. Wondering how they compare to HB?

This site has some of the best and most in depth gear reviews I've ever seen, thanks for the hard work on that.

For me however, the most important thing, is seeing more than one voice. We've all seen how much personal preference plays a role in gear choice, so I always make sure to read the comments of others as well. The reviews I get the most out of have the most comments on them.

So, I'd encourage anyone who has used the gear being reviewed to comment with their own experience!

Thanks again.

Thanks to Doug Shepperd for offering to crank out some ice gear reviews!!!

If you are going to review the new harnesses from Arc'teryx you should also check out their new crag pack and rope bag while you are at it.

J

John, nice review

Sometimes reviews can get all too technical (don't buy a micrometer), necessitating my college physics book. Keeping it simple and straightforward, comparing like object to other like objects, made this one a nice read. I also like the addition of the chart.

Thanks

A review on the different solo aid gear out there would be beneficial. Silent partner vs. solo aider, etc. thanks.

OP Link Cams would make a nice review. I have heard a lot of mixed reviews on them

Let's hear the debate on Petzl mini traxion versus pro traxion.

Thanks for the feedback.

• Aiders: Coming any day now.

• Petzl Mini and Pro Traxion: I have both of those units and have logged enough mileage to have my mind pretty much set. I'll see what I can do over the next couple of weeks.

• Soloing devices: I've used the clove hitch, the Grigri and my favorite, the silent partner. Maybe someone out there with more experience would like to take this one on.

• DMM offsets: I'll be definitely buying a couple sets of these when they come out next year.

• OP Link Cams: Any takers out there?

• Arcteryrx Crag Pack: I still haven't been able to replace my cragging pack so I'll take a look at this one.

I'd be interested in a review and compare/contrast of different ice leash systems ranging from leashes to leashless and variations there of.

Portaledges - say you need that extended stay on the wall with your s.o. -- which is the best performing ledge for the seasons?

Mark,

I recommend the A5/North Face Double ledge if you can find one on Ebay for about 400 dollars. They're a great ledge and very easy to set up. About 12 lbs including the stuff bag. The fly is about 4 pounds if you take it. I see them on Ebay from time to time.

Otherwise buy a Fish Double Whammy Ledge. This will be my next ledge. It will cost about 800 and this includes the fly. Order it now if you want it for the spring. You can't beat it the weight. It weights less that 9.5 pounds and about 14 including fly and very strong and durable.

The new Black Diamond ledges are real heavy but spacious.

If you get stuck and want to borrow a ledge you can use my Double ledge.

Cheers

John

Mark,

While I won't try to refute what John had to say about ledges, I would also consider the Metolius Bomb Shelter. I've never been a fan of the old A5s because they were such a pain in the arse to set up. I've had a Metolius ledge for a number of years now and it's always proven easy to set up, spacious, stable and a great ledge all around. A friend of mine who had an old A5 would borrow my ledge rather than use his own.

Also, I don't know the specifics on weight between ledges but this past weekend I was with some friends on a wall who used their new Black Diamond ledge. It didn't seem too heavy and the design borrows heavily on the old A5 ledge but they've made the necessary improvements/upgrades from the A5. I thought it was a pretty sweet ledge with some super nice features. If anything, I thought it was lighter than my Metolius. If desired, I could go into greater detail on what I've experienced with these ledges but it's Turkey Day and I'm about to go skiing!

Just my two cents.

Mike

Michael,

I've never had an issue with my A5 Ledge that a hammer didn't fix!

Happy Thanksgiving Day.

John

Metolius

• 14lbs and 1oz, fly is 7lbs 5 oz

• 19lbs and 13 oz. Simple Fly is 5lbs

• 10lbs, Fly 6lbs.

I remember the first time I climbed with my friend who had an A5 ledge as I looked on with horror as he beat his ledge against the wall to get the poles together. I guess a hammer would do the same thing.

That's wild that the BD ledge is 19 pounds. It didn't feel that heavy compared to my Metolius and it's surprising considering they use that thin, light fabric (the same stuff they make their packs out of), not that the fabric makes up much of the weight compared to the poles. The fabric seems so thin that you wonder if it can hold much weight. The BD ledge does have some nice features though - easy set-up, a spreader bar for stability, and little touches like pockets.

Actually my A5 North face double goes together very easily, but after sleeping in it for a couple of nights I find it hard to pop one of the corners and that's when it needs a couple of light taps...

All the weights above are for doubles.