Edelrid Edelrid Kiwi Slider Review

Let’s Talk About Edelrid Edelrid Kiwi Slider

The Edelrid Edelrid Kiwi Slider is a small, lightweight carabiner designed for a variety of climbing and rigging applications. Manufactured by Edelrid, a company renowned for its quality climbing equipment, this oval carabiner aims to provide a reliable and versatile connection point for climbers and outdoor enthusiasts. Its keylock closure and large gate opening suggest a focus on ease of use and efficient handling.

As an experienced gear specialist, I often find myself needing reliable and lightweight connection points for various tasks. I was particularly drawn to the Edelrid Edelrid Kiwi Slider because of its compact size and Edelrid’s reputation for producing durable climbing hardware.

My initial impression upon unboxing the Edelrid Edelrid Kiwi Slider was that it was surprisingly small and light. The oval shape felt comfortable in hand, and the keylock closure seemed well-designed.

Compared to similar oval carabiners from brands like Black Diamond or Petzl, the Edelrid Edelrid Kiwi Slider stood out due to its particularly light weight and sleek design. I was looking for a carabiner that wouldn’t add unnecessary weight to my gear rack, so this seemed like a promising option. My first impression was one of cautious optimism, hoping that the Edelrid Edelrid Kiwi Slider would live up to Edelrid’s reputation for quality and reliability.

Real-World Testing: Putting Edelrid Edelrid Kiwi Slider to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Edelrid Edelrid Kiwi Slider on a multi-pitch trad climb in the Shawangunk Mountains (the “Gunks”). The climb involved a variety of placements, requiring me to clip and unclip gear frequently, making it a perfect testing ground.

The carabiner performed well in both wet and dry conditions, although the rock was mostly dry on this particular day. I found the keylock closure easy to use with gloves, even when my hands were slightly cold and damp. Clipping and unclipping ropes and slings was smooth, and I didn’t experience any issues with the gate snagging or sticking.

The Edelrid Edelrid Kiwi Slider proved to be easy to use right out of the gate (pun intended). There was no learning curve involved; it functioned as expected from the first clip. I was pleased with how smoothly the gate operated, even with slightly grimy ropes.

There weren’t any major issues during my initial use, but I did notice that the oval shape, while comfortable, wasn’t ideal for racking cams, as it didn’t sit quite as securely as D-shaped carabiners.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use on various climbing trips and rigging tasks, the Edelrid Edelrid Kiwi Slider has held up admirably. It’s been exposed to dirt, dust, and occasional rain, but it continues to function flawlessly.

The Edelrid Edelrid Kiwi Slider shows minimal signs of wear and tear, despite being used regularly. The anodized finish is still in good condition, with only minor scratches. The gate spring remains strong and reliable.

Maintenance has been minimal; I simply wipe it down with a cloth after each use to remove dirt and grime. I occasionally apply a small amount of lubricant to the gate hinge to keep it operating smoothly.

Compared to some cheaper carabiners I’ve used in the past, the Edelrid Edelrid Kiwi Slider definitely outperforms them in terms of durability and ease of use. Its smooth gate action and robust construction make it a reliable piece of gear that I trust on every climb.

Breaking Down the Features of Edelrid Edelrid Kiwi Slider

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Edelrid.
• Length: 100 mm. This compact size makes it easy to manage on a gear sling.
• Color: Night (a dark grey/black). The dark color offers a sleek, professional look.
• Quantity: 1. This review is based on a single unit, though they are commonly purchased in sets.
• Weight: 59 g. The lightweight design is ideal for minimizing rack weight.
• Last Chance: Yes (meaning limited availability/potentially discontinued). This might be a concern for long-term replacement if lost/damaged.
• Keylock Closure Mechanism: For optimum handling when clipping and unclipping. This snag-free design significantly reduces the risk of rope or sling entanglement during use.
• Large 20 mm Gate Opening: Offers ample space for clipping ropes, slings, and other gear. This large opening improves efficiency and ease of use, especially with gloved hands.
• Available as a Gate or Slider Version: The slider version adds extra security, though this review focuses on the gate version.

These specifications translate to a carabiner that is lightweight, easy to handle, and versatile for various climbing and rigging applications. The keylock closure and large gate opening make it particularly well-suited for tasks that require frequent clipping and unclipping.

Performance & Functionality

The Edelrid Edelrid Kiwi Slider performs its job admirably as a lightweight and versatile connection point. Its smooth gate action and keylock closure make it a pleasure to use.

Its strength lies in its lightweight design and ease of handling. The oval shape allows equipment to be optimally positioned. A potential weakness is its oval shape may not be ideal for racking certain types of gear, such as cams.

The Edelrid Edelrid Kiwi Slider meets my expectations for a lightweight oval carabiner. It’s reliable, durable, and easy to use, making it a valuable addition to my gear collection.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Edelrid Edelrid Kiwi Slider is excellent, as expected from Edelrid. The materials used feel robust and durable, despite the carabiner’s light weight.

The Edelrid Edelrid Kiwi Slider’s oval shape is comfortable in hand, and the keylock closure is well-designed and easy to operate. There is virtually no learning curve required, and the carabiner is intuitive to use.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its solid construction and high-quality materials, the Edelrid Edelrid Kiwi Slider should last for many years with proper care. The anodized finish helps to protect against corrosion and wear.

Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth and occasional lubrication of the gate hinge is all that’s needed to keep it in good working order.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Edelrid Edelrid Kiwi Slider doesn’t come with any specific accessories. However, its standard shape and size make it compatible with a wide range of climbing and rigging equipment.

It works seamlessly with ropes, slings, quickdraws, and other common climbing gear. There are no specific customization options available for this particular carabiner.

Pros and Cons of Edelrid Edelrid Kiwi Slider

Who Should Buy Edelrid Edelrid Kiwi Slider?

The Edelrid Edelrid Kiwi Slider is perfect for climbers, mountaineers, and riggers who prioritize lightweight and reliable gear. It’s particularly well-suited for multi-pitch climbing, trad climbing, and alpine climbing where minimizing weight is crucial.

This product may not be ideal for climbers who primarily focus on sport climbing and prefer larger, D-shaped carabiners for racking gear. Those seeking specialized carabiners with features like screw-lock gates or integrated pulleys should also look elsewhere.

A must-have accessory for the Edelrid Edelrid Kiwi Slider is a good quality gear sling or carabiner rack to keep it organized and easily accessible.

Conclusion on Edelrid Edelrid Kiwi Slider

The Edelrid Edelrid Kiwi Slider is a well-designed and reliable carabiner that excels in its intended role as a lightweight and versatile connection point. Edelrid has delivered another quality piece of gear.

At a price of $13.77, the Edelrid Edelrid Kiwi Slider offers excellent value for its performance and durability. The price is certainly justified.

I would definitely recommend the Edelrid Edelrid Kiwi Slider to anyone looking for a lightweight and reliable oval carabiner. Its smooth gate action, keylock closure, and durable construction make it a valuable addition to any climber’s gear collection. Invest in the Edelrid Edelrid Kiwi Slider and experience the difference that quality gear can make on your next adventure!