A Great Climbing Harness: The Black Diamond
Written: Nov 08 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Comfortable
Cons: None Yet
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| dbhoutx's Full Review: Black Diamond Blizzard |
As someone relatively new into climbing, or at least this time around, I am beginning to buy new gear. Right now, I only need gear for climbing in a gym. In Houston, you can choose the gym, or maybe a building if you don't mind getting arrested for trespassing. Eventually, I will move back outside to some cliffs around Austin or maybe over to Enchanted Rock Park in Central Texas.
Backgroud
My previous experience with climbing emphasized less climbing and more controlled descents as part of a high angle rescue team. I took this training while part of a volunteer fire department in Travis County Texas many years ago. During that time, we learned about some of the climbing gear since a few of the rescue team members did climb in their spare time. However, for our own use, we learned with ropes and straps for making harnesses.
Where I am now
Today I am the proud owner of a harness and some locking biners. Eventually I will add to this collection some ropes, shoes, and a belay device. Actually, I have the belay device already picked out, really two different devices. Much of the gear I have already tried and just have on the list of things to buy if enough folks read this review.
My Harness buying experience
I tried out two harnesses and ended up with one similar to the better of the two I tried out. The reason I did not end up getting the Black Diamond Harness is a simple matter of it was not in stock in my size when I went to the store. I really wanted my own harness so I walked out with a nearly identical harness that is equally comfortable. It also had a nicer color scheme, but I am not worried about being fashion conscious with my climbing gear.
Why I wanted the Black Diamond Harness
When I borrowed this harness from a fellow climber in the gym, I felt as if I slipped on a glove. The harness fit very well. Too bad the smaller size in the store did not fit as well. Ok, I did end up with a great harness that fit just as well. The Black Diamond fits comfortably with a nice wide band around the waist. The leg bands can be set at a length comfortable for the climber. No more squishing things that were not meant to be squished. (Only applicable in males.)
I like the metal buckles that can easily accommodate the strap being folded back over to ensure a secure strap that will not easily come undone. That is a safety issue and I have noted some climbers that do not pay attention to it, but it is your life so make sure you can double back the strap easily. Make sure it stays snuggly in place like it will with the Black Diamond.
The accessory attachment straps are convenient on this harness. In my case, I could hang a bag of chalk from the harness where it was easily accessible but not in my way. There is plenty of room to hang extra biners from the harness. If I remember correctly there are four or five loops for attaching items.
I also like the padding on the leg and waist bands. This keeps the straps from leaving strap marks on your body like I experienced when using rope or straps to make my own Swiss seat. That was one of the selling points for me when I looked at the Black Diamond Harness. Armed with these comfort items on my mind, I went looking for the harness and was met with disappointment that they did not have my size at the store that day.
The harness comes in assorted sizes to fit most climbers. I doubt if it matters what sex you are, it is built as a unisex harness. Actually, I have yet to find a male vs. female harness, but maybe I have not looked close enough.
Conclusion
If the store had my size I would be a proud black diamond owner. When I used it for a day, I was very happy with the results. It was comfortable and did not leave me feeling "messed up" at the end of a day of climbing. The price was well within the limitations of what I would expect to spend on what could easily be considered a life support item. Pay the price and get a good quality item so you do not have to buy another new harness when the cheaper one gets old too quickly.
The Black Diamond Harness seems easy to maintain, not that I have done more than fold it up after using it. I did not get it dirty so there was no need to "clean" it up. From what the other climber who loaned the harness to me said, the harness has held up well for his steady diet of climbing, or at least in a climbing gym.
If you want a great harness, this harness may well be for you!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
dbhoutx
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Member: David
Location: Houston, Texas
Reviews written: 324
Trusted by: 225 members
About Me:
David loves outdoor activities, travel, breeding Registered Texas Longhorns.
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