Let’s Talk About Wild Country Climbing Helium 3.0 Quickdraw
The Wild Country Climbing Helium 3.0 Quickdraw aims to be the ultimate choice for climbers seeking high strength and low weight in their gear. Manufactured by Wild Country Climbing, these quickdraws feature an enhanced nose design and utilize a clean-wire, no-hook gate. They promise to be a game-changer for trad climbers looking for a reliable and lightweight option.
I was on the hunt for lighter quickdraws to reduce weight on long trad climbs. My previous draws, while durable, felt bulky and cumbersome on multi-pitch routes. I needed something that wouldn’t weigh me down and would clip smoothly.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was how incredibly light the Helium 3.0 Quickdraws felt. The minimalist design and the bright colors inspired confidence in their build quality. The wiregates felt snappy and secure.
Compared to my old Black Diamond Oz quickdraws and Petzl Djinn Axess quickdraws, the Wild Country Climbing Helium 3.0 Quickdraws stood out for their combination of lightness and clean-lock nose. The Oz draws were lighter but felt less durable. The Djinn Axess were more robust but significantly heavier.
My initial impression was excitement. The promise of a superlight, high-strength quickdraw seemed fulfilled. I was eager to put them to the test on the rock.
Real-World Testing: Putting Wild Country Climbing Helium 3.0 Quickdraw to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Wild Country Climbing Helium 3.0 Quickdraws on a granite multi-pitch climb in the Sierra Nevada. The weather was sunny and dry, ideal conditions to assess their clipping performance. I used a mix of the 10cm and 15cm lengths on the route.
The draws performed exceptionally well in the dry conditions. Clipping the rope was smooth and efficient. The wiregates were easy to manipulate even with gloved hands.
The Helium 3.0 Quickdraws required no getting used to; their intuitive design allowed for immediate confident use. I was impressed by how little effort was required to clip both the bolt and the rope. There were no surprises after the first use; they performed exactly as I had hoped.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Wild Country Climbing Helium 3.0 Quickdraws have held up admirably. I have used them on various rock types, including granite, sandstone, and limestone. The draws have seen everything from sunny days to light rain.
The Helium 3.0 Quickdraws have shown minimal signs of wear and tear. The dyneema slings remain in excellent condition. The carabiners still clip smoothly.
Maintenance is straightforward. I occasionally wipe them down with a damp cloth to remove dirt and grime. They have proven to be easy to care for, requiring very little maintenance. The Helium 3.0 Quickdraws outperformed my previous Black Diamond Oz quickdraws in terms of durability. They have maintained their performance and structural integrity.
Breaking Down the Features of Wild Country Climbing Helium 3.0 Quickdraw
Specifications
Fabric/Material: The Wild Country Climbing Helium 3.0 Quickdraw uses Dyneema for the sling. Dyneema’s high strength-to-weight ratio is critical for minimizing weight while maintaining strength.
Carabiner Type: These quickdraws feature Wiregate carabiners. Wiregate designs are lighter than solid gate carabiners and less prone to gate flutter.
Available Lengths: The Helium 3.0 Quickdraws are available in 10cm, 15cm, and 20cm lengths. Different lengths allow for optimizing rope run and reducing rope drag on wandering routes.
Enhanced nose design: The enhanced nose design allows for smoother clipping and unclipping. A clean nose reduces snags on bolts and gear.
Superlight: The quickdraw is designed to be as light as possible without compromising strength. This is essential for reducing weight on long routes.
Clean-wire, no-hook gate: The clean-wire gate prevents snagging on gear or clothing. A no-hook design ensures smooth clipping.
2 mm wire gate: A thin wire gate contributes to the overall lightweight design. A thinner gate also means a larger gate opening.
I beam back: The I-beam construction of the carabiners maximizes strength while minimizing weight. This enhances the structural integrity of the carabiners.
Hot forged: The carabiners are hot forged for increased strength and durability. Hot forging aligns the grain structure of the metal, making it stronger.
High gate open strength: The carabiners maintain a high strength rating even when the gate is open. This provides an extra margin of safety.
10 mm Dyneema: The 10mm dyneema sling provides a balance of strength and flexibility. A narrower sling also reduces weight.
Vice locator: A vice locator on the rope-end carabiner helps keep the carabiner oriented correctly. This ensures proper loading and reduces the risk of cross-loading.
Performance & Functionality
The Wild Country Climbing Helium 3.0 Quickdraws perform their job exceptionally well. They offer a smooth clipping experience. They are lightweight and inspire confidence.
Their strengths lie in their lightweight design and ease of use. The wiregates are easy to clip, and the Dyneema slings are durable. A potential weakness could be long-term durability compared to heavier, more robust quickdraws, although so far they are holding up well.
The Helium 3.0 Quickdraws meet and even exceed my expectations for a lightweight trad climbing quickdraw. They deliver on their promise of being superlight and easy to use.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The materials are high-quality. The weight is incredibly light, and the quickdraws are comfortable to handle.
The Helium 3.0 Quickdraws are user-friendly. There is virtually no learning curve, and they are easy to use right out of the box.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Wild Country Climbing Helium 3.0 Quickdraws should last for several years of regular use. Periodic cleaning and inspection are essential for maintaining their performance and safety.
They are easy to maintain and repair. Minor wear and tear can be addressed with basic cleaning and maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Wild Country Climbing Helium 3.0 Quickdraws do not come with any additional accessories beyond what is needed. There are not any customization options.
They are compatible with most standard climbing ropes and harnesses. There are not any brand specific accessories required.
Pros and Cons of Wild Country Climbing Helium 3.0 Quickdraw
Pros
- Superlightweight: Drastically reduces overall gear weight on long climbs.
- Smooth Clipping: Enhanced nose design and clean-wire gate allow for easy and efficient clipping.
- Durable Dyneema Sling: 10mm Dyneema provides a balance of strength and flexibility.
- High Gate Open Strength: Offers an extra margin of safety during critical moments.
- Versatile Length Options: Available in multiple lengths to suit various climbing scenarios.
Cons
- Potentially lower long-term durability compared to heavier quickdraws.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy Wild Country Climbing Helium 3.0 Quickdraw?
The Wild Country Climbing Helium 3.0 Quickdraw is perfect for trad climbers. It is ideal for alpine climbers and anyone looking to minimize weight on long routes. This is also great for climbers who value ease of use and smooth clipping action.
Climbers prioritizing ultimate durability over weight savings might prefer a heavier, more robust quickdraw. Beginner climbers might also consider slightly less expensive options.
A rope protector for the rope-end carabiner can extend the lifespan of the draw. A gear sling or carabiner for racking the draws can enhance organization.
Conclusion on Wild Country Climbing Helium 3.0 Quickdraw
The Wild Country Climbing Helium 3.0 Quickdraw delivers on its promise of being a superlight, high-performance climbing quickdraw. It offers a combination of low weight, smooth clipping, and durable construction.
The price of $31.79 is justified given the performance and quality. It provides a good value proposition for climbers seeking a lightweight option.
I would highly recommend the Wild Country Climbing Helium 3.0 Quickdraw to any climber looking to lighten their load and improve their climbing experience. Gear up and send it.