We think the Petzl Grigri + is a solid belay device. Most of our testers liked it for it’s added anti-panic function and top rope mode. The stainless steel wear plate is a bonus that adds value to the consumer. This belay device will be with you for a long time. When queried, most of our testers said that they would likely still use their Grigri 2 most of the time for lead climbing because of familiarity, size and weight. Consumers will have to decide how much they want these added features..." go to full review

Aside from working well, the Dyon and Dyon mixed Express KS just look great. They do a great job of showcasing new technology. The design also makes for a quickdraw that is as light as it is easy to clip. There are lighter quickdraws, but none that offer this wide of a gate opening (26mm), this strong of an open gate rating (11kN), and are so easy to clip. The CAMP Dyon Express KS is 79 gm and the Dyon Mixed Express KS is 84 gm. Our team of testers were  unanimous in giving the CAMP Dyon..." go to full review

The Five Ten Anasazi Blanco also performed well on a lot of our boulder projects that required precise footwork on terrible holds. We did some testing on some slabby sport routes and the Blanco performed pretty well, but a shoe with a softer sole would likely do better at maximizing the grip area on smears. Although the heel is quite baggy because of the high tension rand we didn’t have any problems with it on heel hooks and sometimes the extra room seemed to help smear a bit on slopey holds..." go to full review

The Edelrid Mega Jul is an innovative belay device. When used properly and paired with an appropriate rope system, the Mega Jul offers good assisted braking capability in a lightweight package. However, the Mega Jul is certainly not the perfect all-around belay device, which is why I continue to use other belay devices for certain situations. As with any piece of equipment, it is imperative to fully understand the strengths and limitations of the Mega Jul. For most users looking for an..." go to full review

The Evolv Supra offers a nice blend of performance and comfort, perfect for intermediate sport climbers (those looking to progress through the 5.10 to 5.11+/5.12- grades), or advanced climbers who want a more comfortable shoe for the gym or casual cragging. The Supra’s shape strikes a nice balance between precision and comfort, and the new TRAX XE rubber seems to be able to handle granite and limestone as well as other medium-firm rubbers on the market. That said, the Supra isn’t for..." go to full review

Fast forward a couple weeks, and they were ideal for climbing in the Black Canyon, which typically offers a mix of crack and face climbing pitches on sometimes slippery granite. Over the course of six pitches, I never once took them off at a belay and could have easily kept them on for several more hours. The final test for this shoe was a week in Indian Creek. Again, I brought three pairs of shoes with me, but there were only two climbs I didn’t wear the Katakis for. Starting to see a..." go to full review

I like Edelrid equipment.  It is always well made and innovative.  The Edelrid Nineteen G carabiner is certainly innovative and is definitely beautifully made.  I mean, this is a full strength carabiner weighing 19 grams!  That is innovative.  I don't know of a lighter one.  I have used the Nineteen G’s a lot and, having got used to the small size, I like them a lot.  Infact, I like them enough to select them as our 22nd Peak Mountaineering Top Gear choice.go to full review

In conclusion, the new and improved Boreal Joker is an ideal beginner shoe that is more than capable of working with you to improve your grades. They are very comfortable, robust and the rubber offers good friction as well as being hard wearing. All in all, they are excellent value for money and worth a trip to your local independent climbing shop to try a pair on. If you want even more comfort there is the Joker Plus!go to full review

By the end of the review period the Skimmers were grubby but undamaged with no more wear apparent than a more conventional double rope. Overall although somewhat specialist and unlikely to last as long as a thicker heavier rope the Skimmers proved versatile and not as ‘niche’ a product as first expected. I wouldn’t recommend them as a first purchase or your only ropes but they are a great addition for the ice and mixed climber. The light weight also means you could consider this for use as a..." go to full review

After the gym trial I tried the shoes on some local single-pitch granite. The Stealth® C4™ rubber provides that world-class Five Ten friction and the Gambit is certainly well designed for comfort and efficiency on easier terrain. As such, they would be an excellent option for low- to mid-grade grade climbers who value sensation in their toes, or those opting for mileage and who don’t require an aggressive shoe. But I wasn’t ready to confine the Gambit to the category of beginner shoe just..." go to full review