Edelweiss Laser 9.6, $150
Summary: While many testers considered the Edelweiss Laser to be too stiff, one individual took advantage of that stiffness for rodeo-clipping (swinging a loop of rope to clip into a sport route’s first draw), describing the action as “full-on gaucho.” However, the Laser’s stiffness definitely contributed to sheath wear.
Pros: Durable. Inexpensive.
Cons: Stiff. Sheath bristles up quickly.
Overall grade: B+

Edelweiss/Advanced Basecamp:
(888) 902-5642, www.advancedbasecamp.com

The test results

Beal Stinger
BlueWater Dominator
Edelrid Livewire
Edelweiss Laser
Mammut Infinity
Maxim Whippet
PMI Elite
Roca Minus
Sterling Nitro

Edelweiss Laser 9.6, $150
Summary: While many testers considered the Edelweiss Laser to be too stiff, one individual took advantage of that stiffness for rodeo-clipping (swinging a loop of rope to clip into a sport route’s first draw), describing the action as “full-on gaucho.” However, the Laser’s stiffness definitely contributed to sheath wear.
Pros: Durable. Inexpensive.
Cons: Stiff. Sheath bristles up quickly.
Overall grade: B+

Edelweiss/Advanced Basecamp:
(888) 902-5642, www.advancedbasecamp.com

The test results

Beal Stinger
BlueWater Dominator
Edelrid Livewire
Edelweiss Laser
Mammut Infinity
Maxim Whippet
PMI Elite
Roca Minus
Sterling Nitro