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Reviews by wildtrail (13)

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Rock & Ice (Manufacturer link) Average Rating = 4.00/5 Average Rating : 4.00/5

In: Gear: Archive

Review 2 out of 5 stars

Review by: wildtrail, 2004-05-09


I give this magazine a "2". Just like it's sister "Climbing Magazine", it's full of spray and reoccuring climbers, or "headliners" in the climbing community. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against the likes of Jared Ogden, Marc Twight, or any other of the climbing greats, but they do not define the climbing community. The only thing I find useful in any of these magazines are the tech tips.Also, there are far too many advertisements. I know in climbing, we all need gear, but R & I and Climbing is 104 pages, most of in ads and spray.However, considering the wonderful pictures taken, the I give R & I a "2" instead of the "1" I would have initially. Both magazines could easily earn a "4" or even a "5" if they spent the time interviewing and writing articles on Joe Schmoe climber going up Leaning Tower or pulling on slopers at Hueco. More "climbing community" and less "climbing celeberty" would be nice.


Climber's Guide to Devil's Lake (Manufacturer link) Average Rating = 2.50/5 Average Rating : 2.50/5

In: Gear: Archive

Review 1 out of 5 stars

Review by: wildtrail, 2004-05-09


Though the most popular guidebook for the area, it is also the most inept. Using drawings, diagrams, and some poor-quality pictures it is almost impossible at times to find your desired climb.If you are new to the area, leave this book at the store and find area climbers to direct you.Beta, if one can call it that, is short and undescriptive. Tradition information is not provided and leaves one guessing at what the right gear would be for any given lead.Drawings are inaccurate and approach information/directions seem to be given via a guess.The only possitive thing I can say about this book is that it lists the most routes out of all Devil's Lake guides and once you spend six years climbing the area, the guide eventually makes sense. This book really offers no help, specifically for anyone visiting or new to the area.


Mount Rushmore Memorial Climber's Guide (Manufacturer link) Average Rating = 5.00/5 Average Rating : 5.00/5

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Review 5 out of 5 stars

Review by: wildtrail, 2004-05-09


Probably one of the best guidebooks I have ever had the pleasure in using. Route descriptions and beta are accurate and though most of the maps are hand drawn, over-head views they are also very accurate. Using this guidebook you will surely find what you are looking for.


Nut Tool (Manufacturer link) Average Rating = 5.00/5 Average Rating : 5.00/5

In: Gear: Archive

Review 5 out of 5 stars

Review by: wildtrail, 2004-05-09


I dig it. I have mine tied to a piece of accessory chord and use it in conjunction (when needed) with a large Bugaboo piton as a hammer to really loosen those locked down passive pieces. Extra reach makes getting pro out easier and though it isn't as "beefy" as some of its competitors, it is a tough customer so don't worry about breakage. It also sports three different holes for tightening loose bolts.


MicroNut (BD) Average Rating = 4.50/5 Average Rating : 4.50/5

In: Gear: Archive

Review 4 out of 5 stars

Review by: wildtrail, 2004-05-09


What can one say? It's a Black Diamond product and they don't get much better than that. I have a set of micros. The reason I give it a "4" is the same reason I give ALL Black Diamond equimpment a "4". Because their equipment is too expensive. I've placed these little babies before when it get's "thin" out there and they place and set well. However, going into aid climbing now, I'm sure by the end of the 2004 summer I'll have another review to offer.

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