After testing it on a route that throws every type of foothold at you, I can say the Drago XT is the most complete version yet. It takes the DNA of the original and adds power where you need it, structure where you want it, and sensitivity everywhere else. If you loved the original Drago, the XT fixes every minor gripe while staying true to the soul of the shoe. It’s a modern evolution of a legend—and my new go-to for all sport and bouldering projects.go to full review

Brandon, Anthony, and I all truly loved using the Pinch, and have likewise appreciated its durability. Its burly, steel-plated design seems built to last, and even after Anthony’s several months of testing, including in the alpine, the only visible wear has been scuffs where he collided with the wall while catching whippers at hanging belays. The Pinch is an ideal device for single-pitch cragging on skinny lines and for beginner topropers who’ll appreciate the anti-panic function. With its..." go to full review

Climbers that should use an Ohm with me as their belayer often refuse because it can be clunky and shortrope them. But with the Ohmega, they won’t have that excuse, leading to a lower likelihood of collisions. This increases safety for all involved. With smooth rope handling, adjustable levels of assistance, and soft catches, the Ohmega is the best brake assistant device currently available.go to full review

The durability and stability of the TX4 Evos can be advantageous in many situations, but they come at a cost—weight. On difficult climbs where you need to carry your approach shoes along for the descent, every ounce counts. My go-to shoe in this situation is La Sportiva’s TX2, which individually weighs 10.6oz (301g) for a size US 9 (measured on my kitchen scale). The TX4 EVO weighs 13.7oz (390g for a US Men’s 9). The difference of 6.3 ounces for a pair may seem insignificant, but when you..." go to full review

I put the Ikon Nova’s durability to the test on a recent traverse of Ruth Mountain and Icy Peak in the North Cascades. In order to set ourselves up better for our climbing objective, I decided to camp on a higher ridge without running water. After filling my pack to the brim with six liters of extra water for our dry camp, I had to strap the helmet to the outside of my pack, where it was more vulnerable to dents and dings. The Ikon Nova’s outer ABS shell fared quite well, barely showing a..." go to full review