Shiny objects

[rydra_wong]

Let's have a thread of total self-indulgence, because I for one need it right now (general election oh god).

What are your all-time favourite pieces of climbing gear? What's that thing that you're ogling in the shops but haven't bought (yet)? Or, what's the thing that you've been mourning since they discontinued it?

Let's use "gear" in the most inclusive sense -- not just trad gear, but shoes, bouldering mats, quickdraws, the rucksack you can fit everything into or the lucky chalkbag.

Warnng: I may talk about pink tricams.

Comments

[naath]

I'm fond of DMM's rainbow coloured gear, my current 'but I waaaaant it' is the biggest cam, but actually the red and green ones are the most useful.

[rydra_wong]

The giant silver cam is always so delightful and comforting when you get to place it! But, on the other hand, can get in the way a lot, especially if you're doing anything chimney/offwidth-ish, i.e. exacty the sort of routes when you decide to carry it.

I have considered whether my unhealthy fondness for offwidths means that one day I may need to buy the super-giant "either you are the Wideboyz or you should reconsider your life choices" red and green Technical Friends. But that day is still a way off.

[naath]

Oh yes, those are niiice, there's a purple one I sorta want, because purple, but probably too big to be any use really.

The big blue one did find some uses though

[rydra_wong]

The blue Dragon? I've found that very useful on grit. But I suspect this stuff is often very rock-type-dependent.

[naath]

yep, both big blue and tiny blue came to see some grit, and both got used.

[emperor]

Having tried that thrutchy nonsense, I think the Wideboyz probably should reconsider their life choices ;-)

[wpadmirer]

I love my Camp harness, and the exact one I have is no longer made. As it wears, I mourn, because I'll have to try a new one that is made the same way and hope it fits as comfortably.

Also I love my 5.10 shoes. Though I can't remember which ones I have. But 5.10 makes the best shoes in my opnion.

[rydra_wong]

It's always nice when you find a particular shoe manufacturer that your feet generally get on with. *g*

[wpadmirer]

It is! When I first put on the 5.10s I thought they felt odd, but the more I have worn them, the more I like them. So it's been different than all my other shoes, which felt great the first time I put them on.

What's interesting to me is that the 5.10s feel better now than the others ultimately felt, so it was a good choice, even if I was a bit unsure at first.

[emperor]

I <3 my Purple DMM Dragon Cam ("The lucky cam") - it's the first gear I fell on, so it must be bullet-proof in all possible placements in future, right? :)

I am most sad about the discontinuation of the 5.10 Spires - I've not yet managed to find any other shoes that fit properly :-/

[rydra_wong]

I do like the Dragons. I also love how so many of us have our one Magic Piece which we seem to use more than anything else and which makes us feel especially secure and happy; I know someone for whom it's a specific size of nut.

I am most sad about the discontinuation of the 5.10 Spires - I've not yet managed to find any other shoes that fit properly :-/

That is very saddening! Do you not get on with any other 5.10s?

ETA: My mourned shoe would be the 5.10 5x, even though I stockpiled enough that I still have some in (much-resoled) usable shape. It was a modified Moccasym with a "fishhook" midsole just under the toe and the Anasazi heel, and they are magic on grit.

[emperor]

I currently have 5.10 Anasazi Guides, and even after months of breaking in they still kill my big toes :( I guess I could try another 1/2 size up, but I think they'd be too big everywhere else. I think I just have stupid shaped feet.