Expresses, climbing carabiners on offer in the Sportano shopSince the early days of sport climbing, expresses and carabiners have been key elements in every climber's equipment. Their main purpose is to ensure the climber's safety when traversing difficult routes, as well as to allow for reliable and effective protection in various conditions. Over the years, the technology and design of these tools have evolved significantly, providing climbers with increasingly advanced and specialised solutions.
At Sportano, we offer high quality climbing expresses and carabiners from brands such as Climbing Technology, Mammut, Black Diamond, Grivel and Salewa.Construction and types of climbing expressesThe climbing express is a key piece of climbing equipment, used to secure oneself when tackling difficult sections on rock or ice. Its main function is to create belay points between the climber and their climbing route.
The basic construction of an express consists of connecting two climbing carabiners by means of a webbing. These webbing straps can be made from a variety of materials, including nylon or dyneema, which have high strength and low weight. The length of the webbing can vary depending on the purpose of the express, offering the flexibility to adapt to a particular section of the route.
As for the types of expresses, we can distinguish a few basic categories. Sport expresses are usually characterised by short straps and are designed for quick and easy donning. They are often used in sport climbing, where routes are well protected and regular belay points are available. In contrast, traditional or multi-pitch expresses have longer straps that allow more freedom in the choice of belay points and are more versatile in more difficult terrain.
Another important consideration in express construction is the type of carabiner used. Some expresses come with straight snap carabiners, which are easy and quick to use. Others may have carabiners with a safety latch, which provide an extra level of security by minimising the risk of accidental opening.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that technology and innovation in climbing has led to the continuous development and improvement of expresses. Today's models offer the perfect compromise between weight, strength and functionality, allowing climbers to reach their maximum potential on the route.Climbing carabiners - variety and specificationClimbing carabiners are the cornerstone of climbing equipment, with their main function being to connect the various components of a belay system. Although at first glance they may appear simple in design, the variety and specification of climbing carabiners are crucial to the safety and efficiency of climbing.
Depending on the design of the latch, there are mainly two types of carabiners: simple latch and safety latch. Simple latches are easy to open and close quickly, which is essential in situations where time plays a key role, such as sport climbing. Carabiners with a safety latch, such as those with a bolt system, provide an extra level of security by protecting against accidental opening, which is crucial in difficult conditions or when climbing in multi-pitch.
The shape of the carabiner also plays an important role in its functionality. D-shaped carabiners are popular for their strength and ability to carry heavy loads along the main axis. Oval carabiners are more versatile, but may not be as strong as their D-like counterparts. Carabiners with a curved latch, on the other hand, provide ease of rope insertion.
Equally important is the material from which the carabiner is made. Most modern climbing carabiners are made from lightweight aluminium alloys, which offer an excellent balance between strength and weight. Some specialised models can be made from stainless steel, which offers greater durability at the expense of extra weight.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that the quality and reliability of climbing carabiners are absolutely key. Many manufacturers subject their products to rigorous testing to ensure that they can withstand the extreme loads and conditions that they may encounter while climbing. Climbers should always invest in tried and tested, reputable brands and regularly check the condition of their equipment to ensure their safety when climbing.Choosing the right expander and carabiner depending on the type of
climbingChoosing the right express and carabiner is crucial to climbing safety and comfort, and the right decision largely depends on the type of activity you are planning. Here are some tips on how to choose the right equipment depending on your specific climbing activity.
Sport climbing: in this type of climbing, where the route is secured by fixed belay points, short expresses with lightweight carabiners with a simple snap are popular. Speed and ease of use are key here, which is why sport climbers often choose carabiners with a curved snap for easier rope insertion.
Traditional climbing (trad): in traditional climbing, where the climber sets the belay points themselves, longer expresses are important to minimise movement of the belay points during climbing. Carabiners with a safety latch, such as those with a bolt, are often preferred here because of the extra level of safety.
Multi-pitch climbing: on long routes requiring multiple lifts, it is important to choose expresses and carabiners that are both lightweight and reliable. Many climbers choose carabiners with a safety latch and expresses of varying lengths for better security in difficult conditions.
Ice and alpine climbing: in the extreme conditions experienced when ice climbing or in high mountains, it is crucial to have equipment that can withstand freezing temperatures and moisture. Expressions with larger loops allow handling with thick gloves, and carabiners with a safety snap provide extra security.
Climbing on squares: climbing on flat rocks, where movement is more horizontal than vertical, may require longer expresses to help reduce rope friction.
Ultimately, whatever your choice, it is important to always invest in quality equipment from reputable manufacturers and to regularly check its condition. Knowledge, experience and consultation with more experienced climbers can also be invaluable when choosing the right express and carabiner.
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