Metolius 8 Step Ladder Aider 1inch Review

Let’s Dive into Metolius 8 Step Ladder Aider 1inch

The Metolius 8 Step Ladder Aider 1inch is a piece of equipment that might not immediately grab your attention, but for aid climbers tackling big walls and overhanging routes, it’s an absolute essential. Manufactured by Metolius, a brand known for its quality climbing gear, this aider is designed to provide reliable and efficient upward progress on challenging terrain. Its ladder-style construction and durable materials promise a tool that can withstand the rigors of aid climbing, making it a serious contender for any climber looking to push their limits.

I was initially drawn to this aider because of a recurring problem I encountered on multi-day aid routes: inefficient upward movement. Existing daisy chains and older aiders were proving cumbersome, slow, and less than ideal for technical sections. The promise of a ladder-style aider with features designed for efficiency seemed like the perfect solution.

Upon unboxing, the Metolius 8 Step Ladder Aider 1inch felt immediately robust. The 25mm nylon webbing felt strong and well-stitched, and the biothane step stiffeners gave the ladder a structured feel, preventing the steps from collapsing. The weight, at 11.5 oz, seemed reasonable for its size and construction.

Compared to other aiders I’ve used – namely a basic 5-step webbing aider and a daisy chain system – the Metolius stood out with its dedicated ladder design. I had also considered the Yates Big Wall Ladder, but the Metolius seemed to offer a more streamlined design and focused feature set for technical aid, specifically the dedicated clip-in point at the bottom. I picked the Metolius 8 Step Ladder Aider 1inch because it struck the right balance between durability, functionality, and a feature-rich design geared towards efficient aid climbing.

My first impression was one of cautious excitement. This aider looked like it could significantly improve my efficiency on aid climbs, but I knew its true performance would only be revealed on the rock.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Metolius 8 Step Ladder Aider 1inch to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the Metolius 8 Step Ladder Aider 1inch was on a practice aid climb on a local crag with several overhanging sections. The crag provided a safe environment to test its features before committing to a larger wall. I wanted to specifically test the aider’s stability, reach, and the effectiveness of the stiffened steps.

The Metolius 8 Step Ladder Aider 1inch performed admirably in relatively dry conditions. The steps remained open and easy to access, and the overall ladder construction felt solid and trustworthy. Its length allowed me to reach significantly higher than with my older aiders, making placement easier in many situations.

The ease of use was immediately apparent. The ladder-style design required virtually no getting used to; stepping up and clipping in felt intuitive and efficient. I was initially surprised by the significant improvement in speed compared to my old daisy chain, especially when negotiating small overhangs.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks and a handful of multi-pitch aid climbs, the Metolius 8 Step Ladder Aider 1inch has proven to be a reliable and valuable tool. It has significantly improved my aid climbing speed and efficiency, particularly on steep or overhanging routes. The durability of the aider is apparent even after several climbs.

There are some minor signs of wear and tear on the nylon webbing at the clip-in points, but overall, the aider shows no significant degradation. Periodic inspection is crucial, but the construction appears robust. The nylon webbing, known for its abrasion resistance, has held up well against repeated rubbing against the rock.

Maintaining the Metolius 8 Step Ladder Aider 1inch is incredibly simple. A quick rinse with water and a soft brush after each use is sufficient to remove dirt and grime. Compared to previous experiences with less robust aiders, the Metolius outperforms in terms of durability and ease of maintenance.

Breaking Down the Features of Metolius 8 Step Ladder Aider 1inch

Specifications

• The Metolius 8 Step Ladder Aider 1inch features a ladder-style construction with eight individual steps. This design promotes easy and efficient upward progress, allowing climbers to quickly ascend technical aid routes.
• It is constructed from 25 mm flat nylon webbing, maximizing strength and ease of use. This material choice balances durability with packability, ensuring the aider can withstand the harsh demands of aid climbing while remaining relatively lightweight.
• The aider weighs in at 11.5 oz, offering a good balance between strength and portability. A lighter weight aider allows for faster climbing, while a heavier one can provide extra reassurance for the user’s safety.
• Its breaking strength is substantial, with an end-to-end rating of 18 kN, a grab loop rating of 22 kN, and a step rating of 4.4 kN. These figures highlight the robust nature of the aider.
• The Metolius 8 Step Ladder Aider 1inch has a ladder-style construction featuring Biothane step stiffeners to ensure that each step remains open and accessible. This design significantly speeds up the process of stepping up and clipping in compared to traditional daisy chains or aiders.
• The overall length of the aider is 74 inches (1880 mm), offering ample reach for efficiently negotiating difficult sections. Step spacing is 9 inches (229 mm), creating a comfortable stride for most climbers.

These specifications are crucial for aid climbing because they directly impact performance, safety, and comfort. The breaking strengths are especially important, as they ensure the aider can withstand the loads imposed during technical maneuvers.

Performance & Functionality

The Metolius 8 Step Ladder Aider 1inch excels at its primary job: facilitating efficient upward progress on aid climbs. The ladder-style design makes it easy to move up quickly, and the stiffened steps prevent the collapses often experienced with simpler aiders. This results in less wasted energy and faster overall progress.

The Metolius 8 Step Ladder Aider 1inch strength lies in its simplicity and durability, making it a reliable choice for aid climbers. A potential weakness might be the fixed length; a climber requiring more adjustability might prefer a different system.

The Metolius 8 Step Ladder Aider 1inch meets and exceeds my expectations. The aider has significantly improved my aid climbing efficiency and has instilled confidence during challenging maneuvers.

Design & Ergonomics

The Metolius 8 Step Ladder Aider 1inch boasts a simple yet effective design. The flat nylon webbing is comfortable underfoot, and the ladder-style construction makes it easy to clip and step.

The Metolius 8 Step Ladder Aider 1inch is very user-friendly and intuitive. The aider provides a seamless climbing experience due to its uncomplicated ladder design, which requires minimal adjustment period.

Durability & Maintenance

The Metolius 8 Step Ladder Aider 1inch construction should provide many seasons of use. The nylon webbing is known for its abrasion resistance, and the reinforced clip-in points add to the overall durability.

The Metolius 8 Step Ladder Aider 1inch is incredibly easy to maintain. A simple rinse and occasional inspection for wear are all that’s needed.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Metolius 8 Step Ladder Aider 1inch has a dedicated clip-in point at the bottom for easily connecting multiple aiders without collapsing the bottom step. While there are no specific customization options for the Metolius 8 Step Ladder Aider 1inch itself, it integrates seamlessly with other aid climbing gear, such as daisy chains, ascenders, and carabiners.

The design is compatible with standard climbing hardware. This means you can easily use your preferred carabiners and quickdraws with the aider.

Pros and Cons of Metolius 8 Step Ladder Aider 1inch

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Who Should Buy Metolius 8 Step Ladder Aider 1inch?

The Metolius 8 Step Ladder Aider 1inch is perfect for experienced aid climbers tackling big walls and technical routes. It is also ideal for climbers looking to improve their efficiency and speed on aid climbs. Anyone who is getting into multi-pitch aid climbs will find this invaluable.

Those new to aid climbing or who only occasionally aid climb might find a simpler, less specialized aider sufficient. Those who require highly adjustable systems may also prefer an alternative.

A must-have accessory would be a selection of high-quality locking carabiners. These ensure secure connections to the aider and anchor points.

Conclusion on Metolius 8 Step Ladder Aider 1inch

The Metolius 8 Step Ladder Aider 1inch is a well-designed and durable tool that significantly improves the efficiency of aid climbing. Its ladder-style construction, stiffened steps, and robust materials make it a reliable choice for experienced aid climbers. The Metolius 8 Step Ladder Aider 1inch is an essential tool for those wanting to push their boundaries.

At $65.99, the price is justified by the improved performance and durability. For serious aid climbers, this represents a solid investment in their climbing gear.

I would personally recommend the Metolius 8 Step Ladder Aider 1inch to anyone looking to upgrade their aid climbing system. It will undoubtedly enhance your climbing experience. So, gear up, get out there, and send that wall!