what are the best rock climbing brands?

Question

i am starting up seriously climbing at the club. i dont wanna pay for rentals and im looking for a harness/shoes. i want good ones... but want it to be a bang for my buck.

Answer 1

Fortunately, the climbing industry has matured to the point where there are lots of superb products from many very respectable brands. Unfortunately, the diversity of the "sport" and the resulting specialization of the equipment has resulted in a bewildering array of choices.

Talk with as many local climbers as possible, especially those with the same climbing interests as you, and get their advice and reasoning. Some climbing magazines have annual "gear guide" issues that typically provide sound explanations and comparisons.

What you buy will depend upon:
1) What fits your body (harness, shoes, packs)
2) Your personal preferences (activities, style, experience)
3) The characteristics of your climbing environment (rock, weather, terrain)
4) What best complements the other gear that you and your partners already have

Answer 2

First off, if you are looking to "impress" other climbers, think again. A rookie climber who shows up at a climbing area with a rackful of shiny high end lead climbing gear and a jazzy outfit and shoes is liable to attract more derision, teasing and even scorn than admiration. My advice, if you REALLY want to learn the sport and be accepted by the climbers who can teach you best, is to start off with basic serviceable gear -- get yourself a decent pair of rock shoes (scuff them up a bit before you hit the cliffs so you don't look like a tourist nube), a good fitting basic harness, some biners, some kind of descending device (figure eight will do to start with), a whole bunch of 1" tubular webbing slings on an old daypack, a rock helmet (scuff this up too), and wear any old comfortable stretchy outdoor shirt and pants, like cargo capri baggies with some lycra in them and a lycra t-back athletic tank top. Rock climbers and mountaineers are not as style and gear conscious as, say, many downhill skiers or bicyclists, for example. For one thing, "better" (as in higher tech or more costly gear) does NOT make anyone a better climber -- climbing skill is more so than many other sports dependent 100% individual talent, strength, balance, grace and courage. There is no "status" in the labels on your kit, only from your performance and daring. Some of the world's most incredible climbs have been done using beat-up cheap gear. And as you become a better climber you will learn by doing and using what gear will suit you best -- THEN you can take your money and buy stuff that is really useful for what you are doing, not to "impress" other people (which, as I said before, will only backfire for a beginner.)

Answer 3

rei has good stuff. petzl and black diamond are good.

check REI Outlet store , Campmor, and Sierratradingpost.com for good prices. I like New England ropes.

good luck.

Answer 4

You should find very good equipment at R.E.I.