RRC Archives

Since I am beginning to lead I would like to start looking for my own gear (the fun part). Rope, draws, the whole shabang...

I'd like to get a comprehensive list of the things I will need to buy & some recommendations as to brands & what not. Stuff that won't break the bank but is good quality.

Thanks for the help,
Deanna

Sport? Trad?

If you want some cheap but great quality draws, check out:
http://www.gearexpress.biz/Merchant2/me ... _Code=6835
If you buy five quickdraws, you get a 10% discount.

60m rope is the standard, lots of threads in this site about rope....

Sport now...Trad next.

I love my sport draws though I rarely rope up: http://www.bdel.com/gear/rock/quickwire_qd.php $10 a draw isn't too bad. No bulk discount and they may not have them in stock anymore but really nice.

10.3x60m rope is cheap at gearexpress as well.... $108.... they have speedy shipping too! http://www.gearexpress.biz/Merchant2/me ... _Code=5111
As far as the whole "shabang", with sport, all you need aside from draws and rope is a locking biner and a belay device - I'm sure you already have these... if not, check out blem stuff first.... These are products which may have a small scratch, discoloration in the finish or some other non-structural flaw, but are significantly cheaper. These products are fully tested and are often hard to distinguish from their first quality counterparts. You're going to end up scratching your gear anyway....

Some people also purchase "special" draws that they use for cleaning. I just use two slings attached to my belay loop + 2 smaller locking biners.

Other things you might need, but are definitely optional, would be a stick clip.... there's also the Squid that I have yet to try out......

I made my stick clip ("Twiggy") from an extendable paint roller handle and a spring clamp. Total cost about $13.

Twiggy...hehe.

This is the list I have compiled based on my existing gear being a harness, shoes, one locking biner, one ATC belay device, chalk bag of course (chalk whore):

1. 12 quickdraws, 2 with 24 inch runners
2. gri-gri
3. gear sling
4. rope
5. rope bag
6. another locking biner and
7. 2 lockers
8. paint roller handle & spring clamp

Is that a pretty good list? Am I missing anything?
I better start saving my money now.

if you get a squid you can unclip draws and rodeo clip draws that are already up. It take practice though. I wish they'd invent a stick clip for cams - maybe call it the squish.

Skip the gri. It isn't an "essential item" in my opinion, just an often handy one. BAM! saved $60. Also buy cosmetic blems like squeeze said and discontinued items too, it won't hurt the pocketbook much.

I don't think a gear sling is necessary as long as your harness has gear loops.

Just saved another $20 - $30.