Trango Pyramid, $17
Summary: The Trango Pyramid is a time honored design and for good reason — its versatile and effective design still ranks at the top of the pack. The long tapered tube, which provides a smooth rope-bearing surface and features effective heat-dispersing metal fins, flips so that you can rig either the narrow end close to the biner for extra control or the wide end for quickly feeding rope. Using the narrow end can make for snaggy rope feeding, so judge your belay situation accordingly.
Pros: Versatile.
Cons: Narrow end locks up on quick rope feeds.
Overall grade: B+

Trango: (800) 860-3653,
www.trango.com