Mike Lewis utilizing the BD Spinner Leash on All Mixed Up in Rocky Mountain National Park - Photo by Rainbow Weinstock |
There I was...climbing solo on the Direct Polish Glacier on Aconcagua in Argentina. The crux consists of about 3,000' of Alpine Ice 3 without ledges or breaks in the angle. Dropping an ice tool in this situation is not an option. I tied some cordellette to the bottom of my tools and clipped this into my harness. I felt reassured and much safer knowing that I could not drop my ice tools this time. Now enter the Black Diamond Spinner Leash.
BD Spinner Leash |
The Spinner Leash is standard gear for me when climbing ice. Whether it is ice-cragging or multi-pitch alpine ice - I am using the Spinner Leash. These days many folks are going “leashless” in order to have more freedom of movement and natural motion. I have found that with the Spinner Leash I can still have the freedom of movement I desire but the peace of my mind that I am not going to drop a tool mid climb.
I have found that the Spinner Leash rarely gets in the way: in fact, most of
the time I forget it is attached. I can switch my tools from hand to hand
and the swivel keeps the leashes organized. The stretchy bungee inside the
black webbing keeps slack from building up that would accumulate if you used a cordalette leash. The carabiners that clip into the bottom of
the tools are small enough that they do not get in the way.
Mike ready to climb with the BD Spinner Leash |
Overall, I REALLY like the Spinner Leash and recommend it to any ice or alpine climber, beginner to expert. Why have the anxiety of dropping your tools when you can have the safety of a leash that does not compromise the freedom of going leashless? Enjoy!
Have fun and be safe out there,
Mike
AMGA Certified Rock Guide
Colorado Mountain School Mountain Guide
1.800.836.4008
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