Bruce M. from United States, IA Public Profile

The Smart Alpine is a great belay device. I used a tube style for awhile without much reservation. After my started climbing I really became concerned with the availability of safer belay devices. All over our gym you will see GriGri and other locking devices similar to it. They are expensive and considering the safety, the money is likely worth it. With that being said the Smart Alpine is able to 'out-do' any locking belay device similar to the GriGri. This has no moving parts and therefore lesser concern for failure. This belay device has room for two ropes (outdoor climbing) and is lightweight and ergonomically designed. Easy to use and doesn't remove the belayer from the process which is a danger with GriGri or lever activated devices. Be alert to the size differences in both models of this belay device. One is for a smaller caliber rope (not most gyms) and the other is for larger diameter ropes. Call your local gym for their rope diameters or know your own rope size when at the crag. Far too overlooked of a device, don't hesitate in purchasing.

Purchased these shoes here, got street shoe size 9.5 and straight out of the box slipped my foot in easily with socks on. Bummed they weren't tighter like the other reviewer was clearly attempting to over-stress. A climbing shoe will always break-in, which will cause a softer and likely 'stretched-out' fit. This shoe fit comfortably with a gap in the heel with socks on straight out of the box. That means, given a small break in period, these (at street size) will likely have a lot of space for the foot to move around (not desirable). Bottom line, the velcro seemed extremely strong, which is nice. The construction looks very nice considering other shoes of well known brand names I have had reveal some sloppier glue ups. It doesn't look it in the picture but, does have an aggressive fit heel (pushes the toe forward). This is really a great shoe, for a great price on clearance. Will keep for a comfortable gym shoe.