Because each quickdraw has two carabiners on it, a quickdraw could have a combination of straight, bent and/or wiregate carabiners. The three primary types of gates on quickdraw carabiners are straight, bent or wire. That superlight quickdraw might be awesome for multi-pitch adventures where every gram counts, but not so awesome on a single-pitch sport climb at the crag, where weight is a lower priority. Features that make a quickdraw great for one type of climbing might not make it so great for another. But, this type of quickdraw will also be harder to clip than a heavier one with large carabiners and a stiff sling.Ĭonsider also the type of climbing you do and your priorities.
For example, a quickdraw with tiny wiregate carabiners and a flimsy sling will barely weigh anything, helping keep your gear rack light and nimble. Your choices involve tradeoffs in weight, strength or ease of use. When you’re shopping for quickdraws, you have three main considerations:Īdditional considerations: Subtler quickdraw features like carabiner size and shape, sling width, sling material, weight and strength can also be important, especially as you become more experienced. Once you have rock shoes, a harness, belay device, locking carabiners and a helmet, your next logical gear purchase is a few sets of quickdraws.