New Gear advice

[madcrazyhaha]

Hey all.

I'm pretty new to climbing. I've been doing it now for about 2 months now. I'm looking at buying some gear but need some advice.

Currently, i have the following:
1x BD momentum AL harness
1x chalk bag
1x evolve demorto shoes
1x BD atc-xp
3x Biners

I'm looking at getting the following:
1 x Beal Flyer 10.2 x 60m Rope
8 x BD Quickwire 12cm Draws
8 x BD Quickwire 18cm Draws

Any advice on additional gear I would need?

I'm also considering a petzel grigri. My atc-xp keeps getting edges after intense belaying. Any ideas as to why this is? I assume it's from the atc-xp constantly bumping the biner. WHat implications does this have on rope?

Thanks

[Mark]

I think the 8 long draws are unnecessary at this point (maybe just buy two long draws) - but you will need at least two short slings (60 cm I think) to be used with your biners for cleaning at the top of routes.

[stephan]

A sling or two will come in handy, mostly when cleaning the chains. I recommend the Beal 6mmx60cm sling. I back my sling up with some neat accessory cord which I tied into a 60mm sling, plus you then have the cord if you need it to prussik your way out of a crappy situation..

Grigri is cool, read the tech talk article in SAMM Dec 2006 first (http://www.samountainmag.com/back-issues.php). Then read the thread on the BD atc-guide (Gear Questions & Review) and decide for yourself (personally I would go for the atc-guide).

My 2cents worth..

[scottnoy]

Before you run out and buy a Grigri, have a quick look at the new Edelrid-EDDY. It's similar to the Grigri, but more safe in my opinion, as you'll find it rather difficult to drop someone while using it

[madcrazyhaha]

I've got the slings. i'm using petzl slings, both 60cm slings. Not too bad but i find them to be a little stiff to use, comparing to my climbing buddies slings which are far nicer to use. Much softer.

The Edelrid-EDDY looks awesome. i'll look into it.

Thanks for the tips guys.

[Cobra]

Buy your climbing gear all over, try to to support as many different climbing and gear shops as possible. When it comes to clothing buy South African.

[Chalk]

did not see you list at least two prussics .. save you having to bail on those nice BD biners (not that the rest of us mind ). I have some very basic rescue equipment, a pezl pulley and oval screw gate, a wildcountry ropeman II and a designated locking biner for it. Think the most important thing is - more gear does not make a better climber, learn to use what you have to the max without compromising safty. And a helmet ... you only have one skull, look after it!

[fridge]

well currently we are using my bail out stuf

i have u bolts and mailons

[Drifter]

I agree with Chalk, equipment does not replace knowledge. It took me four years to realise this, I am now only learning climbing knots that I should of learned long ago.

[Justin]

Check out this site for learning knots
--> www.animatedknots.com

[Drifter]

Thanks Justin, I know that website thats where I learned the knots.