Let’s Dive into C.A.M.P. Sling Stop KS Runners
The C.A.M.P. Sling Stop KS Runners are a seemingly simple piece of climbing gear, but they pack a punch when it comes to ease of use and preventing dreaded carabiner cross-loading. Made by C.A.M.P., these runners feature a unique Karstop Evo retainer on the rope end, promising to keep your carabiner in the optimal position. I was intrigued by this innovative feature and its potential to streamline my trad climbing setups.
My primary motivation for seeking out these runners stemmed from frustrating experiences with wandering carabiners, particularly on wandering trad routes. This shifting causes cross-loading and general inefficiency when clipping. I was looking for a solution that was lightweight, strong, and genuinely improved the speed and safety of my placements.
Upon receiving the C.A.M.P. Sling Stop KS Runners, I was immediately impressed by their compact design and featherweight feel. The 16 mm polyester dogbones felt substantial enough to inspire confidence, while the Karstop Evo retainer appeared to be a well-integrated and durable addition. The overall build quality seemed excellent, as expected from C.A.M.P. gear.
I considered other quickdraws with integrated carabiner retainers, but ultimately chose the C.A.M.P. Sling Stop KS Runners for their reputation for lightweight performance and the specifically designed Karstop Evo. Many similar products felt bulkier or relied on simpler rubber o-rings that I suspected wouldn’t last. I found myself excited and hopeful that these runners would live up to their promise.
Real-World Testing: Putting C.A.M.P. Sling Stop KS Runners to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the C.A.M.P. Sling Stop KS Runners was on a multi-pitch trad climb at the New River Gorge in West Virginia. The varied terrain and often less-than-ideal placements offered the perfect testing ground. I faced everything from horizontal cracks to flaring pods, challenging the runners’ ability to keep my carabiners aligned.
The runners performed admirably in diverse conditions. The Karstop Evo retainer did exactly what it was designed to do, keeping the rope-end carabiner firmly in place, even when subjected to awkward angles and rope drag. There was no need to fiddle with the carabiner to orient it correctly for clipping, saving me valuable time and energy.
The C.A.M.P. Sling Stop KS Runners felt intuitive to use from the start. The 18 cm length was a sweet spot for most placements, and the smooth action of the carabiners made clipping the rope a breeze. I was pleasantly surprised by how much more efficient and fluid my climbing felt.
There were no immediate issues or surprises after my first use. The C.A.M.P. Sling Stop KS Runners functioned flawlessly and exceeded my initial expectations. The real test, however, would be how they held up over extended use and varied climbing conditions.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use on everything from sport climbs to alpine adventures, the C.A.M.P. Sling Stop KS Runners have proven to be exceptionally reliable. They have become an indispensable part of my climbing rack. I’ve used them extensively in environments from the granite of Yosemite to the sandstone of Red Rocks.
The durability of the C.A.M.P. Sling Stop KS Runners is impressive. There are no signs of significant wear and tear on the dogbones, and the Karstop Evo retainers remain firmly attached and functional. The carabiners have held up well to repeated use, showing only minor scratches and scuffs.
Maintaining the C.A.M.P. Sling Stop KS Runners is simple. A quick rinse with water after a particularly dirty climb is usually all that’s needed. I also occasionally lubricate the carabiner gates to keep them operating smoothly.
Compared to my previous experiences with standard quickdraws, the C.A.M.P. Sling Stop KS Runners offer a noticeable improvement in efficiency and ease of use. The secure carabiner positioning provided by the Karstop Evo system gives them the edge. They outperform other quickdraws I’ve used, particularly on routes with wandering lines or less-than-ideal protection.
Breaking Down the Features of C.A.M.P. Sling Stop KS Runners
Specifications
- Length: 18 cm. This length is a good compromise between reach and weight, making them versatile for a wide range of climbing scenarios.
- Fabric/Material: Dyneema. The use of Dyneema provides exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, ensuring the sling is both strong and lightweight.
- Weight: 0.7 oz. Their extremely light weight makes them ideal for long routes where every ounce counts.
- Breaking Strength: 22 kN. A breaking strength of 22 kN provides a high margin of safety, exceeding industry standards for climbing equipment.
- Karstop Evo: The proprietary urethane rubber keeper prevents carabiner shifting, this enhances safety and efficiency by maintaining proper carabiner orientation.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the performance and overall user experience. The lightweight design and high strength provide confidence and reduce fatigue on long climbs. The Karstop Evo ensures that carabiners are always properly aligned for clipping, enhancing safety and speed.
Performance & Functionality
The C.A.M.P. Sling Stop KS Runners excel at their primary function: facilitating efficient and safe rope clipping. The Karstop Evo system keeps the rope-end carabiner perfectly positioned, eliminating the need for adjustments and reducing the risk of cross-loading. This greatly improves the speed and safety of clipping.
The C.A.M.P. Sling Stop KS Runners do exactly what they’re designed to do and do it well. The only area for potential improvement would be in offering additional sling lengths to accommodate longer reaches on specific climbs.
The C.A.M.P. Sling Stop KS Runners definitely meet my expectations. They deliver the promised benefits of secure carabiner positioning and lightweight durability.
Design & Ergonomics
The C.A.M.P. Sling Stop KS Runners feature a clean and functional design. The materials used feel high-quality and durable, inspiring confidence in their reliability. They are surprisingly light, which is a huge plus on long climbs.
The C.A.M.P. Sling Stop KS Runners are very user-friendly with virtually no learning curve. The Karstop Evo system is intuitive, and the runners feel natural to use from the start.
Durability & Maintenance
The C.A.M.P. Sling Stop KS Runners appear to be built to last. The Dyneema dogbones and robust carabiners should withstand years of use.
Maintaining the C.A.M.P. Sling Stop KS Runners is simple. They require minimal care beyond occasional cleaning and lubrication of the carabiner gates. The robust design makes repairs unlikely, but any competent gear shop could replace worn carabiners if needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The C.A.M.P. Sling Stop KS Runners come ready to use with integrated carabiners and the Karstop Evo retainer. There are no built-in options for further customization beyond replacing the carabiners with models of your preference.
The C.A.M.P. Sling Stop KS Runners are compatible with most standard climbing carabiners. This allows climbers to personalize their setups based on preference and application.
Pros and Cons of C.A.M.P. Sling Stop KS Runners
Pros
- Enhanced Clipping Efficiency: The Karstop Evo system keeps carabiners properly aligned, speeding up the clipping process and reducing fatigue.
- Reduced Cross-Loading Risk: By preventing carabiner shifting, the C.A.M.P. Sling Stop KS Runners minimize the risk of dangerous cross-loading scenarios.
- Lightweight Design: The use of Dyneema makes these runners incredibly light, ideal for long climbs where weight is a critical factor.
- Durable Construction: The high-quality materials and robust build ensure that these runners will withstand years of use.
- Intuitive to Use: The C.A.M.P. Sling Stop KS Runners are easy to use from the start, requiring no special skills or training.
Cons
- Shorter Length: The 18cm length may not be ideal for all situations, a longer runner is occasionally needed.
- Limited Customization: There are few built-in options for further customization beyond replacing the carabiners.
Who Should Buy C.A.M.P. Sling Stop KS Runners?
The C.A.M.P. Sling Stop KS Runners are perfect for trad climbers, alpine climbers, and anyone looking to improve the efficiency and safety of their rope clipping. Their lightweight design and secure carabiner positioning make them a valuable addition to any climbing rack. Climbers navigating wandering routes will find the C.A.M.P. Sling Stop KS Runners invaluable.
Beginner climbers who are still developing their rope management skills may benefit from using the C.A.M.P. Sling Stop KS Runners to help prevent cross-loading.
Climbers exclusively focused on sport climbing on straight-forward routes might not find the Karstop Evo system as beneficial.
Must-have accessories would simply include a solid set of locking carabiners to attach the C.A.M.P. Sling Stop KS Runners to protection.
Conclusion on C.A.M.P. Sling Stop KS Runners
The C.A.M.P. Sling Stop KS Runners are a well-designed and highly functional piece of climbing gear. They deliver on their promise of improved clipping efficiency and reduced cross-loading risk. The lightweight design and durable construction make them a worthwhile investment for any serious climber.
At a price of $6.26, the C.A.M.P. Sling Stop KS Runners offer exceptional value. The increased safety and efficiency they provide justify the cost.
I would highly recommend the C.A.M.P. Sling Stop KS Runners to anyone looking to upgrade their climbing rack. They are a simple but effective way to improve your climbing experience. Invest in a set of C.A.M.P. Sling Stop KS Runners and experience the difference they can make on your next climb.