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