[Gear Pro]

Hey fellow climbers! I’ve been on a journey to find the best stick clips, and let me tell you, there were some serious highs and lows along the way—kind of like my climbing skills! So, I’ve decided to share my top three favorites to help you all avoid the same trial and error I went through. Plus, I’ll throw in a handy buying guide for good measure, because who doesn’t love a little extra wisdom?

Stick clips are like the fairy godmothers of our climbing lives, transforming challenging routes into inviting endeavors—minus the sparkles, of course! Without further ado, here are my top picks for stick clips that have made my climbing adventures a lot less stressful and a whole lot more fun:

• Trango Beta Stick Evo
• Epic Sport Beta Stick Ultra
• DMM Compact Stick Clip

[Gear Pro]

Trango Beta Stick Evo

So, let me spill my chalk bag of thoughts on the Trango Beta Stick Evo. You know how we always joke about our outdoor adventures needing moral support? Well, this extendable stick is just that—except it’s not gonna whisper sweet nothings in your ear. Sorry about that!

For those who like jumping headfirst into a climbing route without checking the depth of their crash pad, the Beta Stick Evo might become your new best buddy. (Disclaimer: Still pack a helmet, folks!) Initially, I was skeptical about bringing an extendable stick to a rock fight but hear me out. You’ve got your trusty harness and your fave belay device; why not add a bit of extendy magic to your climbing shenanigans?

• Extendo-Power: This thing’s got wingspan—it’s extendable, so reaching that distant draw or dialing in your clips on high first bolts feels like you’re using your long-lost NBA dreams. Game-changer!
• Grip That Won’t Slip: You know that feeling when your hands are covered in chalk, and you can barely hold a sandwich let alone handle some gear? The folks at Trango knew that climbers have chalk for blood, and they whipped up this stick with an amazing grip. It’s like a handshake from a burly yeti.
• Portability Win: Collapses down so small, I almost mistook it for an oversized pen in my pack. Hiking in is a breeze, and my fellow climbers are grateful they don’t have to hear my never-ending dialogues about why small is superior. You’re welcome!
• Durability: Solid construction—it didn’t bend, snap, or make me regret my life choices after a particularly tough day on the crags. (No need to cover your ears if Nicolas Cage is nearby, folks… it’s not gonna “Break Down.”)

One time, while attempting an intimidating route that almost made me reconsider my climbing obsession in favor of underwater basket weaving, this little piece of gear added just the right sprinkle of courage. No more relying on the tips of my toes and the slim hope that my belayer isn’t dreaming of pizza mid-climb.

In summary? If climbing is your jam, but versatility and safety make up your eternal PB&J, then the Trango Beta Stick Evo is your toasted bread. It’s gonna get you closer to those hard-to-reach places while keeping your sense of adventure intact. And let’s face it, feeling like Inspector Gadget on a climb? Priceless!

Now, if only it came with built-in motivational speeches… “You can do it!” echoing back up the rock face. But hey, maybe that feature’s in the Evo 2.0. Fingers crossed!

[Gear Pro]

Epic Sport Beta Stick Ultra

Well, let me tell you about the time I channeled my inner ninja with the Epic Sport Beta Stick Ultra. If Batman ever went rock climbing, I’m pretty sure this would be his tool of choice. Here’s my take on this wand of wonder that every climber should consider adding to their gear stash.

First Impressions: When I first got my hands on the Beta Stick Ultra, I couldn’t help but feel an instant gravitas—like I was holding the Excalibur of climbing tools. It gleamed with possibility, and I imagined scaling new heights…or at least poking at them from a safe distance.

• Reach & Versatility: The extendable pole gave me the reach of a professional basketball player. Even when I’m not on the wall, it’s pretty handy for turning off ceiling fans without leaving the couch.
• Durability: This thing is robust, like it’s been crafted from the bones of a mythical creature. I treated it with the kind of reverence usually reserved for legendary swords in video games. Let’s just say, if there were a Guinness World Record for “Most Obstinate Spider on a High Ceiling,” I’ve got that competition on lock.
• Ease of Use: Setting it up is a breeze, reminiscent of assembling my childhood Lego sets (minus stepping on pieces, woo!). Just a twist here, a pull there, and it’s ready to go. Simplicity at its finest.
• Weight: Light as a feather! Perfectly balanced, this stick’s weight made it seem like carrying a magic wand. You can wave it around with a flick of the wrist or strike awesome poses until someone walks in and asks if you’re doing yoga.

Personal Anecdote: Picture this—I’m at the base of a climb, eyeballing a shiny new route. The first clip looks tantalizingly out of reach, like a cookie jar on a high shelf. Out comes the Beta Stick Ultra, and there it is—the click of success as my quickdraw slides into place. It felt like unlocking a bonus level in a game, minus the boss fights.

Overall, the Epic Sport Beta Stick Ultra has been both a lifesaver and a fun addition to my climbing sessions. It makes pre-clipping stress a thing of the past, turning it into an activity of precision and, dare I say it, flair. If you’re in need of a trusty sidekick for your climbing adventures, this little marvel has got your back—and front, top, side, and every angle you can imagine. Happy climbing!

[Gear Pro]

DMM Compact Stick Clip

So there I was, dangling from a somewhat questionable precipice, wishing for an arm extension. Enter the DMM Compact Stick Clip. Initially, I was skeptical—how could a stick save me from my own machismo and questionable route choices? But oh, was I wrong (or should I say, “was I enlightened”?).

First off, let me say that using this stick clip made me feel like Inspector Gadget. It’s compact, but it opens up into this magnificent tool that turns sketchy first clips into a breeze. Setting up the first draw was never this smooth. No more awkward jump-starts or risking a surprise meeting with Mr. Gravity.

• Compact and Lightweight: This little miracle fits nicely in my backpack. No additional lugging around required. It’s as if Mary Poppins designed climbing gear. You blink, and boom, out comes the DMM Compact Stick Clip!
• Easy to Use: Even with my notorious sausage fingers, clipping is simple. I managed to save my manicure and dignity all at once—an epic win in the annals of climbing.
• Durability: It’s put up with my slightly clumsy antics, as well as the unscheduled impact tests it’s been subjected to (read: dropping it several times). It’s a beast in the guise of a sleek tool.
• Versatility: Not only does it clip quickdraws but could also save you from rogue snacks trying to escape into the abyss below. I may or may not have used it to retrieve a wayward granola bar.

When in doubt, whip the stick out!

But hey, don’t just take my word for it. Try it out on your next climb and join the converted. Here’s an 🦄 to the product page for when you’re ready to revolutionize your climb.

In conclusion, the DMM Compact Stick Clip is a must-have for those who enjoy climbing but dislike awkward first clips or inconvenient ground falls. It’s revolutionized my climbing experience, one snack retriever at a time. Climb on, my friends!

[Gear Pro]

Best Climbing Clip Sticks (Stick Clips) Buyer’s Guide

Are you tired of attempting that first bolt and feeling like a cat stuck on a tree branch, praying for rescue? Well, fear not, fellow rock jockey! Let’s dive into the world of climbing clip sticks, those magical contraptions that let you cheat gravity, at least for the first few feet!

First things first… Why use a stick clip? If you’re aiming to protect yourself and your fragile bones from sketchy, unprotected starts, a clip stick is your new best friend. It helps you pre-clip the first (or second) bolt and start your climb with confidence.

What to look for in a stick clip:

• Length: Depending on whether you’re a fan of high-bolted climbs or low cruxes, you’ll need a stick that extends to your desired length. Some extend up to 30 feet, practically letting you start climbs from the comfort of your car!
• Weight: If you’re lugging this thing to a crag that’s a 10-mile uphill approach, consider something feather-light so you don’t feel like you’re dragging a dead body.
• Compactness: Most clip sticks fold down to size, but some more than others. Mind the length when it’s all collapsed, especially if you’ve got limited space in your gear pack.
• Durability: Rocks and rough terrain can be unforgiving. Look for one made from sturdy materials, preferably something that can double as a self-defense weapon in case of unexpected encounters with bears or overly enthusiastic chipmunks.
• Ease of Use: Some models require a degree in mechanical engineering to figure out. Stick with user-friendly designs that deploy faster than a superhero’s cape.

Here’s a couple of my personal favorites that have saved my hide more than once:

Edelrid Crag Bag Set – This one is compact, lightweight, and comes with a carrying case that’s stylish enough to bring to a casual climbers’ cocktail party. It’s not the longest out there, but enough for the usual gym or crag start.

Trango Beta Stick Evo – If you’re looking for versatility, this one’s for you. It can extend to a decent length and has a clever mechanism for grabbing draws. I’ve fumbled less with this one, especially when a crowd is watching.

DIY Option – Not feeling like splashing the cash? Try a good, old pole pruner from your garage. Just don’t blame me if you end up looking like you’re gardening rather than climbing.

On a more adventurous day, I once tried making my own stick clip out of a broomstick and some duct tape. It was a noble effort but ended in a climactic bungee-like snap, followed by laughter from the peanut gallery. Lesson learned: sometimes, it’s worth investing in the real deal.

Finally, for those feeling extra nerdy, here’s a detailed guide with some neat tricks on extending the life of your clip stick and ensuring it doesn’t become your next climbing victim.

In conclusion, a good stick clip is an investment in your climbing sanity and safety. Plus, it gives you the chance to look like a tactical genius in front of your climbing buddies. And remember, whether you buy one or make your own…happy clipping!

[Author]

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