Climbing is an exhilarating sport that’s full of adventure and risk.
Safety is essential to a successful and enjoyable outing, so having the right tools for the job is critical.
A stick clip is a device used to safely assist in clipping a rope to the first bolt of a climbing route.
It’s a convenient and efficient way to reduce the risks of taking a fall before you even leave the ground.
This blog post will explain the benefits of using a stick clip and review our top three picks for the best stick clip for climbing.
We’ll cover features, advantages, and important considerations when selecting the right clip for you.
Whether you’re a beginning climber or a seasoned pro, this post can help you find the right tool for a safer and more enjoyable ascent.
What Is a Stick Clip?
A stick clip is a helpful tool for climbers looking to stay safe while ascending a climb.
It is a long pole with a hook on the end that is used to clip carabiners to pre-placed bolts on the wall.
It is an essential tool for climbers looking to stay safe while ascending a climb as it allows them to clip their rope to the bolts without reaching up to them from the ground.
Stick clips are lightweight, adjustable, and easy to use, making them an ideal choice for any climber looking for a safer way to ascend.
Why Should I Use a Stick Clip?
In rock climbing, a stick clip is a device used to safely attach a rope to the first bolt of a climb. It eliminates the need to climb to the first bolt, which can be unsafe and time-consuming.
Stick clips also help in aiding difficult ascents and can be used to hang draws on hard-to-reach bolts.
Stick clips are an essential part of any climber’s gear, as they increase safety and save time.
They are an invaluable and simple tool that should be used by climbers of all levels.
When to Use a Stick Clip?
Stick clipping is a great way to make your climbs safer, allowing you to clip into the first bolt from the ground.
It is especially useful for lead climbs, where the climber is more likely to take a greater fall.
Stick clipping is also helpful for routes with steep and difficult starts, where the climber needs to be more confident that the first bolt is well-clipped.
Stick clipping should not be used in place of tying into the rope, as it is only a precautionary measure used to reduce the chances of taking a serious fall.
Our Selection of the Three Best Stick Clips
When it comes to safely ascending a rock wall, the right stick clip is essential.
Our team has selected three of the highest-rated models to assist climbers in selecting the best clip for their needs.
These clips provide the necessary support for a safe, secure ascent.
1. Best Overall Stick Clip: Trango Beta Stick Evo – Description, Pros, Cons
- DON'T FEAR THE FIRST BOLT - Your stick-clipping just went up a grade; The redesigned EVO is stronger, more versatile, and even more compact than the previous model, collapsing down to 29 in (Standard) and 21.5 in (Compact) to stow neatly in your backpack
- REACH IT - The Standard model extends to 12ft while the Compact extends to 8ft; Add to that the length of your arm, and you've got the reach of a giant
- CLIP IT - The EVO's redesigned head grips your carabiner and holds open the gate with an adjustable wire arm; Designed for both solid and wire gate carabiners
Last update on 2023-03-23 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
The Trango Beta Stick Evo is a great all-around stick clip for climbers who want to safely and efficiently ascend routes. The lightweight aluminum construction, ergonomic handle, and four-pronged clip design provide a secure and comfortable grip.
The clamp also has a metal loop that allows it to attach to any quickdraw, carabiner, or another piece of gear, making it a versatile tool for climbing.
The Beta Stick Evo is highly durable and can be used for a long time without worrying about wear and tear. It’s also reasonably priced and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Pros: lightweight, ergonomic handle, four-pronged clip design, metal loop for attaching to quickdraws and carabiners, highly durable, lifetime warranty.
Cons: somewhat heavy
Most Durable Clip: Superclip – Description, Pros, Cons
- Rock Climbers who climb Sport routes will love the Superclip. It allows the user to clip the first bolt on a route, saving the climber from having to chance a potential ground fall. Now you can easily attach and retrieve carabiners and quickdraws instantl
Last update on 2023-03-23 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
The Superclip is one of the market’s most durable and reliable stick clips. Made of high-grade stainless steel, it is designed to last through years of use. Its spring-loaded gate is easy to clip and is highly secure.
The Superclip is also lightweight and can be easily attached to any harness or belt. Additionally, the Superclip is designed to be corrosion-resistant and will stand up to harsh weather conditions.
One of the best features of the Superclip is its adjustable head, which is designed to be flexible and fit into any crack.
This makes it ideal for any rock climbing situation. The Superclip is also designed to be easy to use, even for those who have never used a stick clip before.
Pros: Durable, corrosion-resistant, adjustable head, lightweight, and easy to use.
Cons: Not as versatile as some other models, more expensive than some alternatives.
Best Budget Option: Mountain Drifter Equipment Skyhook – Description, Pros, Cons
The Mountain Drifter Equipment Skyhook is a great budget option for climbers looking for a reliable stick clip. It features a 3-piece pole that can be quickly and easily assembled on the go, and it is designed to be lightweight and durable.
The pole has a simple one-handed operation, allowing the user to quickly clip the rope without taking their hands off the wall.
The Skyhook also features a comfortable foam handle and an adjustable angle to provide the best position for clipping.
Pros: include its lightweight design, quick assembly, and one-handed operation.
Cons: include that it doesn’t come with a magnet, and the foam handle can become slippery when wet.
Overall, the Mountain Drifter Equipment Skyhook is an excellent option for those looking for a budget-friendly stick clip that provides a safe and efficient way to clip the rope.
3 BONUS Equipment You May Also Need
The Petzl Freino Carabiner is an ergonomically designed tool designed to clip bolts quickly and securely. It is lightweight and easy to handle, making it well-suited for both novice and experienced climbers.
- The spur helps increase friction for improved descent control with a heavy load (e.g. two-person rescue situation)
- Rope is easily inserted into the spur, without opening the carabiner
- TWIST-LOCK automatic locking sleeve, unlocked by a simple rotation
Last update on 2023-03-23 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
The Black Diamond Quickdraw is the perfect quickdraw for big wall climbers. It is made with lightweight aluminum and features a specialized head that securely grips the bolt.
- Hot-forged HotWire carabiners on the top and bottom
- Colored bottom HotWire carabiner for visual target while climbing
- Dual wiregates eliminate gate flutter
Last update on 2023-03-22 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
The Wild Country Ropeman 1 is designed for climbers who need to ascend at various angles. It features a durable aluminum body and an innovative pulley system allowing quick, safe ascents.
- Smoother in the hand, and a touch lighter the revamped Ropeman 1 now comes with hot forged sideplates that help to optimize the fit and function across a broader range of karabiners.
- This original but revamped Ropeman is the lightest of the three, has an aluminium cam and is designed for ropes over 10mm in diameter.
- A great all round tool the Ropeman 1 is a classic and a bestseller and still the lightest of the three Ropeman we make.
Last update on 2023-03-23 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
Stick Clip’s Buyers Guide
1. Consideration of the Design and Weight
The design and weight of the stick clip you choose can significantly impact your ascent’s safety.
A lightweight, compact design can make it easier to maneuver and keep the stick clip steady, while a larger, heavier design can help improve stability.
Additionally, the design should be user-friendly and easy to use for both novice and experienced climbers.
Consider the stick clip’s size, weight, and usability when making your choice to ensure you have the best one for the task.
2. Quality of the Clip and Carabiner
The clip and carabiner are a stick clip’s two most essential components.
The clip should be able to attach to the end of a stick firmly and should be made of durable, corrosion-resistant material for longer-term use.
The carabiner should be rated for personal-fall protection and include an autolocking mechanism for extra security.
It should also hold a large amount of weight without bending or breaking.
3. Durability and Strength
Durability and strength are essential qualities to look for when choosing any climbing equipment.
You want to ensure that your stick clip can handle the weight of your rope and hold up to regular use.
Look for clips made of strong materials such as stainless steel, aluminum alloys, and polycarbonate plastics.
These materials are designed to be strong and lightweight for maximum durability.
Additionally, look for stick clips with a secure locking mechanism, such as a spring-loaded lever or plunger, to ensure that your clip won’t release accidentally.
4. Ease of Use
Ease of use is an incredibly important factor when considering the best stick clip for climbing.
After all, the whole point of a stick clip is to make your ascents easier, not more difficult.
Before you buy, make sure to check out the reviews of the product. It should be easy to use, with clear instructions and a simple design.
If the stick clip requires a lot of complicated steps or requires you to fiddle with multiple moving parts, it’s best to look elsewhere.
You don’t want to be stuck on a climb trying to figure out how to use the tool!
5. Price
The price of the stick clip is an important factor to consider when purchasing a stick clip.
Stick clips come in various price points, and it is important to find one that fits your budget while meeting your needs.
Be sure to research prices to ensure you are getting the best value for your money.
Quality should not be sacrificed for a lower price tag, as safety should always be your priority.
6. Compatibility with Different Types of Ropes
The third quality that all top stick clips should have is compatibility with different types of ropes.
The best stick clips will be designed to work with the most common rope types, including static, dynamic, and twin ropes.
Not only should the clip accommodate different rope diameters, but it should also be able to secure the rope securely, preventing it from slipping out during the ascent.
Additionally, it should be able to handle different rope lengths depending on the ascent.
This level of versatility will ensure that whatever rope you bring along, your clip will be able to handle it safely.
7. Ability to Reach Hard-to-Clip Holds
The third criterion we looked at when selecting the best stick clip for climbing is the ability to reach hard-to-clip holds.
To maximize safety, it’s important to easily clip the rope to holds that are difficult to reach.
The best stick clip for climbing should have a long reach and a solid grip to clip the rope without any worry.
We’re happy to say that all three stick clips we’ve reviewed in this document have an impressive reach and grip, making it easy to clip those hard-to-reach holds.
8. Safety Ratings and Reviews
Safety ratings and reviews are important in finding the right stick clip for your climbing needs.
You want to ensure that the clip you choose is rated highly for safety and has a good reputation among the climbing community.
Look for reviews from reliable sources, such as climbing magazines and websites, to get an idea of how experienced climbers view the clip.
Researching and reading reviews will give you a good sense of the clip’s safety ratings and help you make an informed decision when purchasing.
In conclusion, a proper solution can make all the difference in the world when it comes to sticking clipping.
The three we’ve reviewed are some of the best on the market, each with unique benefits and features.
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