Climbing Quickdraws

Climbing Quickdraws: Online Purchase for Smart Choices

Quickdraws are essential in sport and trad climbing. This informal guide helps you understand the types, selection criteria, brands, and prices to buy with confidence.

Before You Start: Basic Equipment

• Helmet, harness, climbing belay gear.
• Suitable rope: see the rope section below.
• Set of quickdraws according to the length of the route.

Types of Quickdraws

• Straight Quickdraws: simple carabiners, versatile, good quality/price ratio.
• Curved Quickdraws (or "bananas"): facilitate handling and clipping on overhanging points.
• Wide Connector Quickdraws: ideal to prevent the carabiner from flipping on the rope side.

Selection Criteria

• Weight: important in long routes or competitions.
• Length of the sling (12–18 cm common): distance between points, reduction of friction.
• Type of carabiner: straight or curved connector depending on use.
• Quality and strength: check the resistance (kN) and finish.
• Price: a good balance between budget and durability.

Carabiners and Accessories

To complete your quickdraws, also consider climbing carabiners from the best brands to ensure longevity and safety. Some practical accessories are useful: screwdriver for screws, keychain for organization, and sometimes a YY Vertical belay glasses to better visualize maneuvers during teaching sessions.

Rope and Compatibility

Choosing the right rope is also crucial: prioritize a climbing rope equipment that matches your practice (diameter, treatment, elasticity).

Quick Comparison of Brands

Safety: Good Practices

• Check the condition of the slings (no fraying or excessive UV exposure).
• Inspect the carabiners: smooth opening/closing, no play.
• Respect the nominal forces (kN) marked on the equipment.
• Do not use quickdraws as permanent rappel rings.

Market Prices

• Basic quickdraws: ~€12 to €20 each.
• Technical quickdraws (lightweight, premium aluminum): ~€25 to €50 each.
• Packets of 8–12 units: €100 to €400 depending on quality.

Buying Tips According to Practice

• Bouldering / gym: short quickdraws, not necessarily ultra-lightweight.
• Sport routes: versatile set 12–15 cm, curved carabiner for the rope.
• Long routes / alpine: prioritize durability and lightweight, pay attention to weather resistance.

FAQ

Which quickdraw to start with?

A straight quickdraw, 12–15 cm, with a curved carabiner on the rope side is a good starting point.

How to maintain my quickdraws?

Rinse with clear water, dry in the shade, have them checked if there is significant fall or visible wear.

How many quickdraws for a sport route?

Plan at least as many quickdraws as there are points plus 2–3 backups depending on the length.

In summary: choose your quickdraws according to your practice, prioritize the quality of the carabiners and sling, and do not hesitate to compare PETZL, Mammut, Kong Sport and Black Diamond to find the best price/weight/durability compromise.