We're just back from the annual summer gear-fest that is the OutDoor trade show. Over three long days we saw a lot (and we mean a lot) of gear - and as ever, among the many new products shown to us by attending brands a few particularly caught our eye.
Whilst it's lovely to see new kit at the 2019 show (presumably for release at some point in the future), I'm still waiting for the release of kit from last year's show! I got so bored of googling `Tenaya Ais' (supposedly on sale in April this year, but not yet out) and `Tenaya Mastia' (supposedly on sale in July this year, but not yet out, although Tenaya have released a photo of Alex Megos in a pair on Instagram this week) that I've set up a google alert on both. Grrrr.
Outdoor is a trade show to introduce forthcoming products to importers and retailers, guage potential interest and take orders so the manufacturers can organisr production schedules. Two years lead time would be reasonable and if the retailers express no interest the product is axed.
So many micro cams now. Wild country 0's look identical to the Dragonfly's but don't go down to the smallest size. Stem on the Z4's looks interesting, just wish they'd done that on the ultralight camalots which apparently have zero flex and snap when you whip on them (feedback from someone who's done just that - not planning to buy them anymore!). Interesting BD are doing double axle for blue and upwards but then they're basically just a slightly narrower C4 with a fancy stem? But good to have some other options in the market given that Dragonfly's have instantly sold out everywhere.
What would be really interesting though would be a totem cam in a size or two smaller than the current black (0.5)!
Just spoken to Beta Climbing Designs, Tenaya's UK distributor, and supposedly the Mastia are due to hit the shops in five weeks time. Not sure about the Ais, but can certainly find out if you'd like?
> Just spoken to Beta Climbing Designs, Tenaya's UK distributor, and supposedly the Mastia are due to hit the shops in five weeks time. Not sure about the Ais, but can certainly find out if you'd like?
Rob - Thanks for doing that. If you could ask about the Ais I'd be grateful, as Tenaya themselves are rubbish at replying to direct emails/IG posts...
I dunno. I love a weiss but the trouble is its often really warm as its straight from the crate and after you’ve had a few it’s a bit much. Whereas the cold Paulaner hell they had outside in the courtyard, well, thats fully conducive to networking...
' on the ultralight camalots which apparently have zero flex and snap when you whip on them (feedback from someone who's done just that - not planning to buy them anymore!)'
Press Release Alpkit and Outside Bank Holiday Hathersage Tent Show 4-5th May
Fri Night Vid Finding Focus - Life Behind The Lens of a Climbing Photographer
This week's Friday Night Video is a portrait of a prolific climbing photographer from Wedge Climbing. Sam Pratt is well known in both the outdoor and competition scene but if you haven't heard of him, you've likely seen...