Skip to Content

Gear : Reviews

Reviews by sesh (2)


Variable Controller Average Rating = 3.19/5 Average Rating : 3.19/5

In: Gear: Essential Equipment: Belay Devices & Descenders

Review 5 out of 5 stars

Review by: sesh, 2006-02-09


This is a good device for people climbing with double ropes because it works for ropes as thin as 8.5 mm, which a regular ATC does not. It also takes thicker single ropes, so overall it has a great range. It is also very light, which is good. The device you are really comparing it with is the ATC-XP, because that has the same range and a similar price, but is heavier.
I found when it was used the right way round it gave a smooth, controlled abseil. The only problem I found was that it is difficult to thread older ropes which have become slightly stiff.
I rate it a 5 because it deserves better than what it has got - otherwise I would have given 4.


Spire Climbing Shoes (Manufacturer link) popular Average Rating = 3.88/5 Average Rating : 3.88/5

In: Gear: Shoes: Climbing Shoes: Lace Up

Review 4 out of 5 stars

Review by: sesh, 2004-09-03


It's a great shoe for a beginner who's not doing routes of extreme difficulty which require high-performance shoes. The edging is reasonable to good and the smearing is fine. But the best thing about them is that they are comfortable. On a long day's climbing, my friends are always taking their shoes off to rest their poor toes but I'm comfortable in my Spires for several hours at a time. They are also cheaper than some others, which is an added advantage.
The colour does tend to stain your feet, especially in ot weather - but hey, I think purple toes are pretty cool!