The BlueWater Ropes Lightning Pro has some good things going for it, including great handling and a not-too-heavy g/m weight. However, the poor falls we took on the line and the excessive sheath fuzz dropped it down in our estimation.go to full review

The Edelrid Pro Dry is a good line for a variety of climbing. It's not too specialized as to be suitable for only sport or only trad, and it didn't feel too spongy for top roping. Because it seemed to attract and hold dirt more than other ropes, it might not be the best choice for people who climb in notoriously dirty or sandy locations.go to full review

The Black Diamond 9.9mm is a great rope and we're happy that BD finally dipped its toe in the rope manufacturing world. This is a solid rope for anyone looking for an inexpensive line, and it's a great choice for beginning climbers who have to buy a ton of gear at once. It handles well and gives a good catch whether you are lead climbing or top roping. It's not the lightest rope, nor the most versatile, but if you're looking for your next line for gym days or TR sessions, this is a good bet..." go to full review

If you're looking to save on weight and bulk, then the Metolius FS Mini II could be the carabiner you are looking for. It's not ideal for those with larger hands or when wearing gloves though, and the small size is hard to get used to. Considering that there are other options that are much larger for about the same (or even less) weight, we don't think this makes a good racking carabiner but it does have other useful applications like holding your extras on a long route.go to full review

While the Trango Phase wasn't the highest scoring carabiner, it did function well and it retails at a great price. Considering how many carabiners you are likely to go through as a climber, from losing them to your partner's rack to leaving them on a descent here or there, we appreciate options that won't break the bank. If you're looking to save a few dollars or just can't shell out so much at once when starting out in this sport, the Phase is a great option to consider.go to full review

The DMM Alpha Light didn't stand out from the pack in any significant way. It's a great "smaller" carabiner if that's what you're looking for, but it didn't have too many advantages over other options that cost a third of the price. Unfortunately, due to the exchange rate between the UK and the US, and the fact that manufacturing your gear in the UK no doubt costs more than in other countries, this carabiner ends up costing a little too much for us compared to the competition.go to full review

The La Sportiva Finale is most notable for their all-day comfort and ease of use. These are designed for climbers who are looking for a comfortable shoe above all else. That said, the sticky rubber soles make the Finale a shoe that will still stick to small holds and edges. The extra few dollars separate the Finale from the La Sportiva Tarantulace make the Finale a slightly more durable and well-constructed option.go to full review

Overall, the Scarpa Vapor is a decent performer among our fleet this year. They scored slightly above average in all metrics and didn't have any huge drawbacks, besides the blisters and their difficulties with small holds. There are shoes that performed better, but similarly, there are shoes that scored much worse.go to full review

The Butora Acro shined most noticeably on steep sport pitches and boulder problems. The fact that they come in both a narrow and a wide option give you the ability to fine-tune your fit. With that in mind, remember that these shoes run small! So be sure to try them on or order a size or two up from your street shoe to get the proper fit.go to full review

The medium size of the Session II is just right for a solo lowball circuit or to pad a tall problem in conjunction with a few other pads. Although the Mad Pad is better for its thickness and durability, the Session II still has a place in the hands of boulderers on a budget and for those who are looking to add some extra cushion to their arsenal of pads.go to full review