Right, was just wondering which is better / has more on it, the 7a max guide or the SMC Scottish Sport guide. To narrow it down, if have no interest in climbing above 7a so don't feel I would miss out through not having then in the guide. Figured it would make sense to order the one with the most crags etc in it, unless one is significantly nicer than the other.
I’ve had tonnes of fun from 7a Max, I bought it before SMC was released. I like the style, directions, and attempts to work out non-car/moto access - plus it’s cheaper!
I have a couple of friends with SMC book - so can have best of both worlds. I don’t think there’s a ‘duff buy’ whichever way you go.
Thanks all that's great. Yeah, If I'm being honest my thoughts are towards the 7a max guide. I do prefer the size (and price) of it and realistically I don't think I'm likely to be doing that much Scottish sport stuff where having the other guide would make a difference.
It might be worth taking into account that all profits from SMC guidebooks go to the Scottish Mountaineering Trust - a charity which supports a range of initiatives connected with Scottish mountaineering - like footpath maintenance, mountain rescue, bolt funds, etc.
Not taking away from that at all, just to say that 7aMax donate 10% of profits to their bolt fund (disclosure: I have been a recipient of that fund for Ardvorlich
The last time I picked up a copy of Scottish sport climbs, whilst beautifully put together, it was printed landscape with the spine down the short edge. Good for reading on the bog but won't last very long in a rucksack.
Yeah, mainly for that reason I went for the 7A Max in the end. It certainly seemed that it would stand up to more days at the crag, and had plenty in it for what I'm likely to need.
Both are good if a bit out of date. 7a Max has an excellent list of the best routes regardless of grade at each venue which is great to work through. There have been many new venue developments as you can find on UKC although not all on it. If you're climbing 7b and up then you need both books.
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