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BlueWater Dominator Rope Review
Currently the world’s lightest and skinniest single rope, the BlueWater Dominator weighs two grams less per meter than its closest competition. The Beal Stinger, imported by Black Diamond, had just the right amount of stiffness for swift clipping — pull up a bight and slap it in. The Reverso ($21, 2.9 ounces) plays the dual roles of a belay/rappel plate and an auto-locking device. In lead/rappel mode it feeds both single and double ropes just like a tube device. The Wild Country Variable Controller indeed lives up to its name, offering great friction control while lowering and rappelling. 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. Unlike the keeper loops that all the other devices in our test utilize, the SBG II features a solid-metal stem, which renders the durability issue moot. The Metolius BRD shines on rappels and lowering, where its “horn,” which extends off the side of the tube, came in very handy for varying friction. The Hugh Banner provides solid, workable performance in all categories. The thick walls of the tube are very durable and rope friendly. The DMM Bug is a thick-walled, durable unit that excels when you’re belaying with skinny ropes, either single or double. While the Cassin GTC sits at the upper end of the belay-device price spectrum, it is a complete package, delivering solid performance in all categories. Looking for a cush ride and a smooth catch? The ATC XP is our device of choice — its deep, curved jaws caught falls with aplomb and provided excellent variable friction for free-hanging rappels. he Arc/Shell (identical models available from different sources) delivers reasonable fall catching. The Arc/Shell (identical models available from different sources) delivers reasonable fall catching. The Orca is a well-constructed, comfortable, intermediate face/sport shoe. The heel pocket, which some might find too high, sucks you in for a form-fitting yet cushy fit. The Marathon almost caused a few same-size-foot folks in the office to come to blows over who would use these comfortable, all-around high-performance beauties. |
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