Comments for Arkansas Climbing

Comment on Mad Rock Men’s Flash Two-Strap Velcro,,Orange,12.5 M US by John Smith

John Smith — Tue, 15 May 2012 03:26:19 +0000

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

Great Shoe - agressive yet fairly comfortable, August 4, 2010

John Smith (Lexington KY) -

This review is from: Mad Rock Men's Flash Two-Strap Velcro, (Apparel)

Owned these shoes for about 4 months now. Absolutely love them! normally a 11.5-12 street shoe and ordered these in size 11. They are great, I would say get them tight since the leather does a great job of molding to your foot. The stick and grip on them is also stellar, I can really smear if I have to. Toe point is prime for support on tiny ledges.

Highly recommend, I will buy again when these wear out. Worth every penny - and with a 1 year warranty you can't go wrong!

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Comment on Mad Rock Men’s Flash Two-Strap Velcro,,Orange,12.5 M US by GearGeek

GearGeek — Tue, 15 May 2012 02:37:35 +0000

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful

Great shoe, great price, great rubber., July 23, 2009

GearGeek (Los Angeles, CA) -

This review is from: Mad Rock Men's Flash Two-Strap Velcro, (Apparel)

The incredibly popular Flash just got better with their new Science Friction rubber. I have to say it is super sticky. Sure these aren't super high-end Italian made construction. But for the money these shoes are unbeatable.

I don't recommend anyone buy climbing shoes online unless they've tried the exact model and size before because they are designed to fit tight, and every model fits differently. A specific fit to your particular feet make the difference between good comfort and unbearable pain. This is especially true the higher performance the shoe.

The Flash are designed to fit tight with toes full curled. This is good for beginners only if they know they want a higher performance shoe that fits tight with toes fully curled and don't mind a little less comfort. This shoe has great performance for even advanced climbers who want a no-nonsense all around shoe.

Unlike sizing for other climbing shoe companies, these give a good tight fit in regular street shoe size. I wear size 10 street shoes, and these fit tight with my toes curled in size 10. 9.5 was super tight, 9 was even tighter, and I could barely squeeze in 8.5 with pain. 10.5 was comfortable with toes still not flat. 11 was almost flat, but the volume of the shoe became too large to fit right. Bottom line again is these aren't shoes meant to fit with your toes flat.

They are unlined leather so I expect them to stretch a half size to a size. I recommend street shoes size which may be a little uncomfortable at first, but should stretch and mold to your feet as they break in. For more performance half a size down. But again, try on them on and several other brands and models before you buy online.

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Comment on Mad Rock Men’s Flash Two-Strap Velcro,,Orange,12.5 M US by Ben Hubbell-Engler

Ben Hubbell-Engler — Tue, 15 May 2012 02:19:11 +0000

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful

Good beginner shoe, February 6, 2011

Ben Hubbell-Engler (Boston, MA USA) -

This review is from: Mad Rock Men's Flash Two-Strap Velcro, (Apparel)

This has got to be one of the most popular climbing shoes (based on my rigorously scientific survey of my gym over the years) and with good reason. It is reasonably priced and has pretty decent performance. I have heard some complaints about discomfort, but for the years that I used it I always found it very comfortable. I have since moved on to a more advanced shoe (FiveTen Gambit which I have also reviewed).

While I'm glad to have moved on, I definitely recognize that this is a great beginner shoe. As I mentioned the price point is great! The rubber is reasonably sticky and this shoe certainly gets you up the wall. While others found the beefy heel ideal for heel hooks I actually found it to be hard to hook on these shoes. While the ridged heal is a good idea, they made it out of a much harder rubber than the toe; this makes it much more durable but a lot less sticky. All in all though, for a beginner, you won't likely be making many big moves with a heel hook and would use it more for support - it works great for this task!

Although I would no longer buy this shoe, the sport and its footwear take some getting used to so I still give it 4 stars as great introductory shoe. Once you get a little better though, you might want to look for something more technical.

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Comment on Black Diamond RockLock Screwgate Locking Carabiner: Mocha by Buckhunter "lotree"

Buckhunter "lotree" — Sat, 05 May 2012 03:03:03 +0000

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

Carabiner, October 29, 2010

Buckhunter "lotree" (APO, AP USA) -

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This review is from: Black Diamond RockLock Screwgate Locking Carabiner: Mocha (Misc.)

I am a archery hunter and I needed a carabiner to use on my safety harness while in my treestand. This works great, light weight, quick and easy attachment, yet large enough to work with gloves on. If your a hunter looking for safety in your stand look no further.

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Comment on Black Diamond RockLock Screwgate Locking Carabiner: Mocha by Jeff Kraus

Jeff Kraus — Sat, 05 May 2012 02:37:27 +0000

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful

A Worthy Carabiner..., March 9, 2009

Jeff Kraus (Orlando, FL USA) -

This review is from: Black Diamond RockLock Screwgate Locking Carabiner: Mocha (Misc.)

I use both this model and a RockLock Twistlock model currently. I really like them both, and although I end up using the Twistlock more often, that's in no way due to any problems I've ever had with this Screwgate. It's just that the two designs are useful for different reasons.

The Screwgate is better suited for one-handed operation. Once the lock has been twisted into the unlocked position, it stays there. The gate can then open and close freely, until you decide to twist the locking mechanism back into the locked position. It takes two fingers to lock/unlock, and then your hands are free to manipulate the gate, items attached to the biner, etc. The downside to this approach is that since the locked and unlocked positions are not drastically different visually, it is relatively easy to forget to lock the biner.

On the other hand, the Twistlock model locks automatically because the locking mechanism is spring-loaded. You twist to unlock, while opening the gate at the same time. Releasing the locking mechanism while the gate is open forces the gate to stay open. It is nearly impossible to inadvertently leave a Twistlock in an unsecured position. But there's a downside to this, too. The locking mechanism on the gate has to be manipulated EVERY TIME you open or close the gate. There is no way to leave it unlocked.

I'd definitely recommend this biner. It's strong, really well built, and feels like it's going to last forever. Personally, as I've said, I usually end up using the Twistlock model. But it's a matter of preference, and certainly not due to any design or manufacturing flaws. As such, it's easily worth a 5-star rating to me.

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Comment on Conditioning for Climbers: The Complete Exercise Guide (How To Climb Series) by R. Hildebrand

R. Hildebrand — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 04:09:35 +0000

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

Good book, August 8, 2011

R. Hildebrand -

This review is from: Conditioning for Climbers: The Complete Exercise Guide (How To Climb Series) (Paperback)

I really liked this book. It helped guide my climbing conditioning. Actually, also bought the other book by the same author, about climbing better (I forget the title). I read that book all the way through, and that helped my climbing a lot. That book helps you on many other aspects than just physical to make you a better climber. The book being reviewed is more about the physical aspects, which I also like having so that I can see everything in detail.

Workouts are described and he explains roughly what you week should look like if you want to be a better climber. He also tailors it to all levels of climbers, and explains what each might be doing to train.

Author is very knowledgeable and he cites many scientific articles, which makes his books worth reading, i.e., this isn't just some random guy's opinion on how to climb better, this is proven research on the physical and mental practices that make you a better athlete and a better climber.

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Comment on Conditioning for Climbers: The Complete Exercise Guide (How To Climb Series) by Spider Monkey

Spider Monkey — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 03:15:32 +0000

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

Conditioning for Climbers, January 27, 2011

Spider Monkey (UK) -

This review is from: Conditioning for Climbers: The Complete Exercise Guide (How To Climb Series) (Paperback)

Having read and been impressed by previous books by Eric Horst I thought it was worth giving `Conditioning For Climbers' a try and I have to say I am glad I did. It offers up comprehensive training techniques in a colourful and well laid out format. If you have read `Training for Climbing' or `Learning to Climb Indoors' then some of the information will seem repetitive, but if not then this gives you a detailed and sound training plan to improve overall climbing fitness and strength. A lot of the training outlined is based on sound scientific principles and gives you confidence in trying them out. This book covers Conditioning Principles and Self Assessment, General Conditioning, Climbing-Specific Conditioning, Conditioning Program, Performance Nutrition and Injury Prevention and appendices looking at muscle anatomy and training charts. This has extensive photos in colour that illustrate the exercises being shown, and plenty of graphs and charts to back up information in the text. Horst's writing style is very easy to read and makes what can be a dry topic fun and engaging. If you are serious about improving your climbing abilities then this is the book to head for.

Feel free to check out my blog which can be found on my profile page.

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Comment on Conditioning for Climbers: The Complete Exercise Guide (How To Climb Series) by Thomas H. Stocker

Thomas H. Stocker — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 02:29:34 +0000

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful

Conditioning for Climbers, June 13, 2008

Thomas H. Stocker -

This review is from: Conditioning for Climbers: The Complete Exercise Guide (How To Climb Series) (Paperback)

Eric Horst's book, Conditioning for Climbers, is a winner. As an almost 61 year old climber, I can truly appreciate its comments about warming up, stretching, etc.

I have been active my entire adult life with bicycle racing, running, Colorado peak bagging, weight lifting, and rock climbing. I have read dozens of books on training from the basic physiology of training to sport specific. Until now, every sport, except rock climbing, has sport specific literature. With Conditioning for Climbers, rock climbing now has a well written, well researched and well presented state-of-the-art book specific to conditioning for climbing.

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Comment on Rock Climbing: Mastering Basic Skills (Mountaineers Outdoor Expert) by William Becher "outdoor writer and photographer"

William Becher "outdoor writer and photographer" — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 03:04:48 +0000

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful

Best basic book on rock climbing, January 1, 2008

William Becher "outdoor writer and photographer" (Westlake Village, CA United States) -

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Rock Climbing: Mastering Basic Skills (Mountaineers Outdoor Expert) (Paperback)

Guide, author and climbing gear inventor Craig Luebben's book won a National Outdoor Book award and it's well deserved. For anyone taking up rock climbing, or wanting to bring their knowledge up-to-date this is the book to start with.

It's well organized and well-illustrated. Luebben starts the basics of pure climbing - footwork, holds and jams along with special climbing challenges like chimneys and off-widths (he's the Yoda of off-width climbing). Then he covers the gear you'll need like shoes, harness and ropes. He describes basic climber knots and working with ropes and slings. Then he talks about protection, natural and man-made.

He tells you how to build anchors and keep your partner safe with proper belaying technique. He covers top-roping, sport climbing and the basics of traditional climbing including the approach, route-finding, setting pro and the physics and psychology of leading.. Later chapters introduce multi-pitch free climbing, descending and rappelling, bouldering and training for climbing. The concluding chapter explains how to avoid turning your climb into an epic by learning basic self-rescue techniques.

This is by far the best, most up-to-date book on basic rock climbing. After you've read it (more than once) and practiced the skills he describes, get Luebben's book on building climbing anchors.

Bill Becher

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Comment on Rock Climbing: Mastering Basic Skills (Mountaineers Outdoor Expert) by E. Johnson

E. Johnson — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 02:20:55 +0000

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful

Excellent How-to Book for Climbers, February 8, 2007

E. Johnson (Boulder, CO) -

This review is from: Rock Climbing: Mastering Basic Skills (Mountaineers Outdoor Expert) (Paperback)

Buy it, read it, use it! Mastering Basic Skills should be purchased at the same time as one's first pair of rock shoes. This book is as comprehensive as Freedom of the Hills but written for the rock climbing niche. It delivers a full spectrum of skills and knowledge every climber should develop. From placing protection to footwork to knots and anchors to self-rescue techniques, it's in there. The way information is parceled makes the entire book easy to comprehend, and to consult topic by topic. It's illustrated throughout with crisp photos. Receiving the benefit of the author's guide experience is a bonus; he's added advanced tips and exercises, as well as his own insights. This makes the material less dry, more practical and personal.

If you've mastered everything in Mastering Basic Skills, you truly are an advanced climber. Chances are good, though, that plenty of climbers who've been at it for while could learn something from this book, too.

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