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karabiner_klimber
Nov 6, 2004, 9:06 AM
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Hi,
Saw some plastic hex's and chocks in the outdoor store where I work and was just wondering if anyone has climbed with them, or hasn't for a particular reason.
Any opinions would be much appreciated,
Cheers.
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alienathome
Nov 6, 2004, 9:34 AM
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I don't know about climbing with them, but they wouldn't make that cool hex clanging sound when walking to the crag. That's reason enough right there not to get them.
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johnnym
Nov 6, 2004, 10:00 AM
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But are they as good as the real thing when caught in the middle of a bar brawl? :roll:
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karabiner_klimber
Nov 6, 2004, 10:28 AM
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I think the main benefit is that they're a lighter weight, and a bit cheaper. But yeah, not as great in a brawl or for killing feral cats :) .
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sandbag
Nov 6, 2004, 10:40 AM
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whats funny is right before my departure to learning to trad lead, i was building a rack and the no 6 hex i bought in 1996 was a kick ass piece.... nowaday cowbells are like a POS to the new crew.... sigh
how times change.....
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tattooed_climber
Nov 7, 2004, 6:04 AM
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plastic????what parts of the hex/nut are plastic???
brands?????type of hex???
common man!details!
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climbtothebeet
Nov 7, 2004, 6:07 AM
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plastics hexs.....im scared
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vegastradguy
Nov 7, 2004, 6:08 AM
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in Australia, you can buy plastic stoppers and hexes. that is, the actual piece is made of extruded plastic and is fully rated. cant remember what the sling is made of...cord or metal.
theyve been around for a while, but i have no idea how popular they are. never seen 'em in the states.
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slavetogravity
Nov 7, 2004, 6:13 AM
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I first saw these things in Australia last year. I thought they where way cool. For shedding a few pounds off your rack they'd help. I can also understand that they'd be more suitable in areas where the rock is fragile. Imagine falling on a nut, and instead of the metal fracturing the rock, the nut would flex and mould it self to the rock.
I've spoken to a few people who used them and they said that the only draw back is that for the smaller sizes, one fall and they're toast. Also because they do mould them selves to the rock once they're stuck they're REALLY stuck.
The one area that I could see these things being used is in areas of Eastern Germany. In those sand stone cliffs where you're not aloud to use gear made of metal.. I'd take a plastic nut over a webbing knot jam any day.
If anyone could find a picture of these things that would be great. I imagine some people reading this its thinking it's all a load of shit.
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vegastradguy
Nov 7, 2004, 6:17 AM
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for those interested:
Plastic Rock Gear
note that these are prices in Australian currency, not US prices. I believe that when this topic came up last time, they came out to be a bit cheaper than the equivalent aluminum stopper set, although i'm sure thats changed with the currency exchange rate.
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fear
Nov 7, 2004, 6:48 AM
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Looks neat.
But like everything else new that my ass might depend on it's best to let the guinea pigs run first..... There's a hundred other variables besides weight and ultimate strength that determines if it's a good idea or not.
So, by all means, try them out, take loads of whippers and let us know!
-Fear
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tattooed_climber
Nov 7, 2004, 6:53 AM
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:? ..and the roaring voices chanting K.I.S.S. start up again in the back of my head......
still kool idea though.......i'll wait though....things like pro are "popular" or not for a reason....
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rockn_j
Nov 7, 2004, 8:18 AM
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Frightning, yet intriguing.
The smaller sizes ought to be pretty handy seeing as they deform and bite more, probably a bit more than brass nuts. But, as has been said above, because of that, they'r unlikely to budge easily. That will kind of offsets the "cheaper" factor. The hexes might be all good.
I'll wait and see thanks. I cant think of a reason to replace my WC pro.
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mheyman
Nov 7, 2004, 2:57 PM
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In reply to: ..and the roaring voices chanting K.I.S.S. start up again in the back of my head......
And what could be simpler?
These are not brand new and there have been many reports of users finding they worked and liking them.
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chriss
Nov 7, 2004, 4:51 PM
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Plastic chocks have been around since the '70s when chocks began gaining in popularity.
They would work fine in the right placement. But what about in the not so perfect placement. Perhaps a placement where only a little of the nut surface contacts the rock? Maybe not so good there.
What about temperature variations and the effect on the plastic? How strong on hot days in the sun, or cold days in a icey crack? Ageing issues, like slings?
But they would be perfectly safe when used correctly.
chris
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asandh
Nov 7, 2004, 5:47 PM
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:)
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fear
Nov 9, 2004, 2:10 AM
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In reply to: How about plastic bolts and hangers for sport routes. Anybody seen any of those ? :wink:
Petzl just came out with their line of glue-on bolts and hangers. Much cheaper and lighter than the old school glue-ins....
Plus you don't have to mess with drilling that stupid hole.
-Fear
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karabiner_klimber
Nov 9, 2004, 2:36 AM
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Yeah well I got some. I think they will be OK. Apparently they have been around for donkeys years and no one has had any problems with them, and as they are made in Oz, neither do I!!
Thanks for all the feedback guys. much appreciated.
I suggest you all go out and buy some, SO CHEAP!!
Cheers.
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awsclimber
Nov 9, 2004, 3:13 AM
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asandh wrote:
How about plastic bolts and hangers for sport routes.
Anybody seen any of those ?
Petzl just came out with their line of glue-on bolts and hangers. Much cheaper and lighter than the old school glue-ins....
Plus you don't have to mess with drilling that stupid hole.
-Fear
asandh Posted: 07 Nov 2004 17:47 Post subject: Re: Plastic Hex's and Chocks? Your thoughts?
ARE YOU SERIOUS????
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scubasnyder
Nov 9, 2004, 3:19 AM
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hmmm plastic... ive messed up some of my huevos, and they are aluminum, i wonder what would have happend to some plastic huevos. plastic to me sounds bad, maybe not though, depending on temp. if it was cold they would be harder to trust.
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spikeyhair13
Nov 9, 2004, 3:33 AM
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For germany, they would be great. but i think it is a waste of money. One good fall, and they are dented forever. I just think they would be torn to pieces afrer a few falls.
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