Let’s Dive into Edelrid Nineteen G Carabiner
The Edelrid Nineteen G Carabiner is a marvel of engineering, a testament to the relentless pursuit of weight reduction in climbing gear. Made by Edelrid, a trusted name in the climbing world, this carabiner boasts an unbelievably light weight of just 19 grams, making it the lightest in the world while still maintaining impressive strength. It begs the question: is this extreme weight reduction a gimmick, or a game-changer for climbers and mountaineers?
I was driven to try the Nineteen G Carabiner by a desire to shave weight from my alpine rack. Every gram counts when you’re hauling gear up a multi-pitch climb, and the promise of significantly lighter carabiners was too tempting to resist. My knees haven’t been great lately, so I was hoping to lighten the load.
Unboxing the Edelrid Nineteen G Carabiner was almost comical. Holding it in my hand, it felt like I was grasping almost nothing. The build quality appeared solid despite its featherweight nature, and the compact shape was immediately appealing.
Compared to my standard Black Diamond Neutrino wiregate carabiners (around 36 grams each) and even lighter Petzl Ange L (around 34 grams), the Edelrid Nineteen G Carabiner felt almost impossibly light. I chose it because the weight saving was significant and because I trusted Edelrid’s reputation for quality. It was the lowest weight, but not the cheapest.
My first impression was a mix of excitement and slight apprehension. Could something this light really be strong enough for serious climbing? I was eager to put it to the test, but also a bit wary.
Real-World Testing: Putting Edelrid Nineteen G Carabiner to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Edelrid Nineteen G Carabiner on a multi-pitch trad climb in the Shawangunks. It was a relatively moderate route, but it provided a good opportunity to assess the carabiner’s handling and performance in a real-world climbing scenario. It was a cooler autumn day with relatively dry conditions.
The Nineteen G was surprisingly easy to clip, despite its small size. The wire gate felt smooth and responsive. I used it primarily for racking gear and extending placements.
There were no immediate issues. I was initially concerned about the small size and how it would handle thick ropes, but it worked well, even with my 9.8mm rope.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use on various climbs, including ice climbing and winter mountaineering, the Edelrid Nineteen G Carabiner has held up remarkably well. There is some minor cosmetic wear on the anodizing, but no signs of structural damage. I even used it on a trip to Patagonia with no issues.
The durability has been better than expected. I initially anticipated that it would be more prone to damage due to its light weight, but the strong aluminum alloy has proven to be quite resilient.
Cleaning is simple; just a quick rinse with water and a wipe down is usually sufficient. The wire gate mechanism remains smooth and free of debris.
Compared to other lightweight carabiners I’ve used, the Edelrid Nineteen G Carabiner offers a significantly greater weight saving without compromising on usability. It has exceeded my expectations in terms of both weight and performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Edelrid Nineteen G Carabiner
Specifications
- Weight: A groundbreaking 19 grams. This is its defining characteristic and a major selling point.
- Gate Type: Wiregate. The wiregate design contributes to the low weight and reduces the chance of gate flutter during a fall.
- Material: Strong aluminum alloy with a special hardening treatment. This ensures a high strength-to-weight ratio.
- Breaking Strength (Major Axis): 20 kN. This is a respectable strength rating for a carabiner of this weight.
- Breaking Strength (Minor Axis): 7 kN. Adequate for most climbing applications.
- Breaking Strength (Open Gate): 9 kN. An important safety factor to consider.
These specifications matter because they demonstrate that Edelrid has prioritized both weight reduction and safety. The high breaking strengths, despite the incredibly low weight, inspire confidence in the product’s reliability.
Performance & Functionality
The Edelrid Nineteen G Carabiner performs its primary function – clipping ropes and gear – exceptionally well. The wiregate is smooth and easy to operate, even with gloves on.
Its greatest strength is, of course, its weight. It makes a noticeable difference on long climbs. The small size can be a slight weakness, especially when dealing with very thick ropes or gloved hands in cold conditions, but it’s a manageable trade-off for the weight saving.
It has exceeded my expectations. I anticipated that such a lightweight carabiner would feel flimsy or difficult to use, but it is surprisingly robust and functional.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is impressive. Edelrid has used high-quality materials and manufacturing processes to create a lightweight yet durable product. The compact shape fits comfortably in the hand.
It is user-friendly, with a smooth gate action and easy clipping. The small size may require a bit of adjustment for those with large hands or when wearing bulky gloves.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Edelrid Nineteen G Carabiner should last for many years of climbing. The anodized finish protects the aluminum alloy from corrosion and wear.
Maintenance is minimal. Regular cleaning with water and occasional lubrication of the gate mechanism will help to keep it in good working order.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Edelrid Nineteen G Carabiner does not come with any specific accessories. Its purpose is simple: to be a lightweight and reliable connector. There are no customization options available, but its versatility means it can be used in many different applications.
It’s compatible with most standard climbing ropes, slings, and other gear. This compatibility makes it a valuable addition to any climber’s rack.
Pros and Cons of Edelrid Nineteen G Carabiner
Pros
- Unbelievably lightweight: At only 19 grams, it significantly reduces the weight of your rack.
- Strong aluminum alloy: Despite its light weight, it boasts respectable breaking strengths.
- Smooth wiregate action: Easy to clip and unclip, even with gloves.
- Compact design: Minimal bulk and easy to handle.
- Durable construction: Holds up well to regular use.
Cons
- Small size can be difficult to handle with large hands or bulky gloves.
- The wire gate, while functional, is less robust than a solid gate carabiner.
Who Should Buy Edelrid Nineteen G Carabiner?
The Edelrid Nineteen G Carabiner is perfect for:
- Alpine climbers who prioritize weight reduction.
- Mountaineers seeking to lighten their overall load.
- Experienced climbers who understand the limitations of lightweight gear and use it responsibly.
Who should skip this product?
- Beginner climbers who are not yet comfortable with gear handling.
- Climbers who frequently use very thick ropes or wear bulky gloves.
- Anyone who is primarily concerned with durability and is willing to sacrifice weight for a more robust carabiner.
A must-have modification could be pairing it with lightweight dyneema slings. This will create an extremely light trad rack.
Conclusion on Edelrid Nineteen G Carabiner
The Edelrid Nineteen G Carabiner is a remarkable piece of climbing gear that pushes the boundaries of weight reduction. It’s a game-changer for those who prioritize shaving every gram possible from their rack without significantly sacrificing strength or functionality.
The price is justified for climbers who understand and appreciate the value of ultra-lightweight gear. It’s an investment in performance and comfort on long, demanding climbs.
I would absolutely recommend the Edelrid Nineteen G Carabiner to experienced climbers who are looking to lighten their load. It’s a testament to Edelrid’s engineering prowess and a valuable addition to any serious alpine climber’s arsenal. Consider the Edelrid Nineteen G Carabiner to experience the future of lightweight climbing gear.