Lead vs top rope reddit. ♥️ The Grigri is a more versatile device.

Lead vs top rope reddit top rope whenever feasible to get better at learning to rest efficiently & feel more comfortable with lead. 10s, while I've only managed a handful of V2 boulders has always made me feel bad about bouldering. Top Rope vs Top Belay? Pros/cons? Safety, ease of use, setup, cleaning. Top rope in my gym is generally smaller holds and a bit more technical, compared to a lead route in the same difficulty level. Nov 27, 2023 · This article compares top rope and lead climbing, discussing the differences in technique, equipment, mental and physical challenges, and risk. They vary in terms of techniques, equipment, and physical and mental demands. My biggest tips would be to lead vs. Primarily single pitch climbers, though looking to get on more multis. If you could just post that jazz in the comments below, that would be much appreciated! Dec 5, 2024 · Top roping requires more gear, such as a harness, rope, belay device, and sometimes quickdraws for lead climbing. I’ve used mine for tr-ing projects, ascending big walls in Zion and Yosemite, and repeated lead falls on both sport and trad climbs. This device can connect directly to the harness (or anchor for a top down belay) without a carabiner passing through the two closed loop. We break it down with this guide to belaying and climbing on the sharp end. 11s, and lead 5. I think I'd only prefer static rope for top rope soloing, and even that is theoretical because in order for me to get the top rope up I first have to lead rope solo up there and therefore I'll still end up top roping on dynamic rope. Recently within the past two months I have gotten into top rope climbing and I can confidently climbing 5. If you feel safe taking lead falls on cams (BD 0. Is there a reason for this? Why do people who boulder have different physiques vs people who top rope? I've noticed that usually people who top rope regularly are usually thin and lanky, while those who mainly boulder are basically ripped, six packs, muscular. 10+/5. Why do people who boulder have different physiques vs people who top rope? I've noticed that usually people who top rope regularly are usually thin and lanky, while those who mainly boulder are basically ripped, six packs, muscular. Hi climbers, I’m planning on top rope soloing a 50m single pitch, anchor at the top, throw my 70m rope down, rap, and then climb back up. It was two 3-hour sessions, the first session we only did lead+top-rope belay just to get the moves and feeling down, the second session we actually lead-belayed and had to take some pretty large falls to know how that felt. I'd rather spend my time/energy doing tries on individually harder stuff at the bouldering walls than climbing easier but more physically exhausting things on rope. I wasn't sure if there was a good rule of thumb about lead climbing adding a certain amount of grades of difficulty or not. 8/5. Does anyone have experience with the Pinch? How does it feel compared to the Grigri? Is it good for lead? Thanks! Top rope vs bouldering: is it better to do both? Hello! I've been climbing for about 2 years now, but over the past 3 months have been going on a regular basis and getting more serious about it. Is there a reason for this? So one of the things I decided was not to do top-rope at all, only lead (the only exception is when I do laps but those are always easy routes that I up climb and down climb for endurance). We cover gear, setup, safety, communication and technique. Mar 31, 2016 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Sport climbing involves lead climbing, where the climber ascends the route while clipping into fixed anchors (bolts) along the way. I broke my foot bouldering a month ago - I fell unexpectedly and landed poorly. Every company It's really hard to equate the grades of bouldering and rope because if a route is 30 feet, a 5. Even if you do all of your easier warm-ups on lead before moving to top roping, it'll make a difference! I'd also practice clipping off the wall. I really liked the Grigri for top roping. Depends on the type of top rope anchor. Is the route you want to TR solo at an ideal angle? Beal ropes (reportedly) have the stretchiest ropes and softest catch in the industry. Don't stress about the diameter. Climb the route, top rope up a second, then GTFO so others can climb too. If you have a top rope set up where the anchors are on top In my experience the switch to lead is going to be a much bigger hurdle than longer top rope routes, be prepared to go down a grade while training your head game. This post goes over the exact differences and the gear used. If you can belay on a Grigri, you can belay on an ATC. Just did my first top rope solo, would love to get some feedback on the system I used. ). I’ve been wondering if I should quit bouldering and stick with top rope. com Wondering whether to start with top rope or lead climbing? We break down the differences in setup, gear, skill level, and safety to help you choose. I have questions about the difference between top rope climbing and lead climbing. 11-, trad 5. I know there are conversion tables online, but I’d like to sample r/climbharder on what your highest boulder and rope climb grade is (outdoor or indoor). ♥️ The Grigri is a more versatile device. Currently I can only belay top rope, but I will take a lead course in a few weeks. I would think that top rope poses less risk for acute injury (so long as the knots and ropes are double checked) due to less impact with the ground. For those who prefer the older versions, how do you feed the rope when lead belaying? I love the fact with the plus that I can increase the cam tension by putting it in lead mode, and therefore feed rope easily the same as any tube device, without having to move my hand to use my thumb to hold down the cam. 2 and thinner, ropes will last just as long used as a personal rope of a climbing guide, but the weekend warrior that isn't taking as specific care of them will find that it's going to get worn and soft and fuzzy much faster. This is because the height of the top rope wall is about half of the height of the lead wall, and also because the lead wall has lots of overhangs. Gyms usually have the top-ropes doubled around the anchor. The 2 biggest things to keep in mind are that thin ropes cut more easily on edges, and half/twin ropes stretch much more, which can result in decking on a He is adamant that top-roping is absolutely NOT sport climbing. As you approach 9. With lead climbing you need to have more awareness of your feet. Aug 21, 2023 · Sport climbing and top rope climbing are two different styles of rock climbing. Mammut (they don’t make the model anymore, but it was pretty much their cheaper 9. ) Also worth mentioning there is the grigri plus that has selectable options for top rope or lead climbing which increases the amount of friction needed to lock it out. Once you do get to the point where you can lead, grab the basics: 10-12 quickdraws 1-2 bail bieners 2 rap rings PAS 60-70m climbing rope locking carabiners atc/grigri Top rope vs lead climbing - We look at what top roping is and what lead climbing is, whilst considering how they are similar and different. 5 C4 = 12 kN), you should feel safe top roping on the cordelette. I avoid repelling and use runners to tether when belaying (TR). Learn to belay a lead climber, including how it differs from top-rope belaying. I also don't waste time teaching people to belay on an ATC. PINCH Basic Functions | EDELRID A new Grigri like device from Edelrid with an interesting extra feature or two, but one in particular that makes me nervous. The 2019 is definitely better than the gri gri 2 so if you have a choice between the two go for the updated version. Dec 4, 2022 · What’s Top-Rope Climbing? Top rope climbing, or top roping, is a style of climbing where the climber ties into the end of the rope, which then threads through top rope anchors at the top of the climb and back down to a belayer at the bottom of the climbing route. Dec 27, 2022 · Most commercial climbing gyms provide lead and top rope climbing. Feb 21, 2025 · Discover the differences between bouldering and top rope climbing, including safety, physical and mental challenge, cost, and social aspects. 13 would have maybe v7-8 moves, but a 60 foot 13 would have v4-5 moves. The only thing top rope and leading have in common are the moves you have to execute to finish the climb. Honestly, pretty much everything! In lead belaying you're paying out rope (giving slack) while in top rope you're always taking in slack. Let's discuss each phrase and why you might lead or top rope. Am I wrong with assuming that lead climbing and top roping are encompassed within sport climbing? Hey fellow climbing humans, What climbing rope brands do you prefer? And what length did you go with for your first ever rope? I really want to get into lead climbing but so far I only have a harness. May 22, 2025 · The standard progression of a climber involves learning the ropes (pun intended) on top rope and then progressing to lead when you’re ready for the next challenge and a new array of possibilities. Being able to top-rope 5. Even if your belay lets go of the ropes completely, you'll lower at a rate that isn't going to seriously hurt you. Hello all! I was wondering, when considering buying or recommending a leash for a dog, which do you prefer and why: flat leashes or cord/rope leashes? And for cord/rope leashes, how often does cord burn to dogs? First rope + lead/sport gear purchase advice I climbing mostly at the gym but my target is outdoor, I just got lead verified and am looking to get some gear, I am cost conscious but also completely obsessed with climbing. Plus: Seattle's best free outdoor rock climbing spots. . Feb 1, 2022 · Transitioning from top roping to lead climbing can be a big challenge. Top Rope groups often lead to a "camp out" mentality, especially at popular moderate areas where a group will put up top ropes and camp them out all day. So bouldering and has really made it easy for me to solve cruxes in my Generally if you’re new to lead climbing you don’t fully understand how more slack = less impact (the impact gets applied to system slower and more evenly spread out through out the system). 5 isn't better than 9. Two quickdraws with non-locking biners is a very common anchor set-up for that kind of thing. Am I going to die? Any advice very welcome! Today we’re going to translate three of the most popular styles of climbing in Australia: top tope, sport and traditional climbing. I guess I went into the conversation as a somewhat ignorant climber that almost exclusively boulders, I consider climbing with ropes and safety gear (non-trad) to be sport climbing. 6. 205 votes, 47 comments. Appalachian single pitch w top access via hiking. Our ropes will probably need to be replaced in the next year, so I wanted to poll the sub. The belay point for a top rope can be either anchored to the groud or not (normally is) but for leading the belay point should not be anchored as this gives the climber a softer fall. In a top rope situation, what's wrong with attaching the climber to the rope with a locking biner, instead of constantly tying and untying a figure eight follow through? I can see that the system would have an additional point of failure, but if my carabiners are good enough to be used for the anchors, then they are good enough to be used anywhere. At a minimum I think I will need a rope and a rope bag, my main question is should I get a 60m vs a 35/40m rope? What are two different non-toothed devices (that do not require managing slack) that can be used to top rope solo. In my groups I'm the one who sets anchors (I know knots and how to dress them). Now, you can also use this device to rappel without a prusik. Would love to hear your I don't really have any experience with the top rope vs lead mode feature so i can't really speak to the potential usefulness. I’ve used Mammut, Bluewater, and Black Diamond in that order of preference. I’ll admit I’ve used a single half rope to simul in easy terrain a bunch. If you asked the manufacturer they would say absolutely not due to obvious liability, however if you understand the risks then you can make your own decision. Feb 21, 2025 · Our indoor crags boast sky-high fake rocks and some of the best bouldering in the country. 9, and boulder at V3 with the occasional V4. Could lead climbing that same route increase its grade in theory? In my gym there are walls where you can climb top rope or lead with the permadraws along the same routes. See full list on ascentionism. I paid for a lead class through my local gym. Is top rope climbing just like belaying or is it different somehow? With top rope climbing, the anchor is at the top of the climb, with the rope going down one side to the belayer, and the other side to the climber. Top rope, lead, multi pitch, rope ascension, single-line raps; the device does a lot. 11+ confidently in a gym setting. 11-5. I know they're different and require different skills (plus I do one way more than the other), but it makes me feel very discouraged from bouldering. You can top rope like normal, but bring a lead rope and clip as you go to get the feel for being on lead. Of you get tangled in the rope and fall you can flip and get hurt! Also, you should be good at finding efficient rest stances for clipping and regenerating energy. As the climber ascends, the belayer, who is positioned at the bottom, offers support and takes up the Feb 13, 2024 · Both lead climbing and top rope climbing have their unique techniques and benefits. Let's say a route is set at a certain difficulty for top rope. 8)- the texture on the sheath is so soft and the rope itself is flexible Does the route you want to climb have top access to hang the rope? If not, you’ll have to get the rope of there by other means (lead rope soloing an adjacent pitch, aiding, etc. Each piece is essential for ensuring safety during climbs. Sep 2, 2015 · In a nutshell: Top rope and lead climbing are methods for protecting a climb. If you're setting up a sport climb for top roping where the bolts and anchors are on the vertical face and you can visually inspect the anchor at any time, then it's fine to use non-locking carabiners. I've seen the Edelrid Pinch and love the fact that you can clip it directly to the belay loop. I am going to go for my lead rope certification within the next month hopefully and I was wondering about everyone's opinions on using an ATC or GriGri or any other belay device for lead climbing. If you only have 1 belayer, have them belay you top rope, but make sure they leave it a little loose so you get the feel of leading. Bouldering grade VS Sport Grade (and what to expect) Stumbled across this article and found it quite useful/interesting as I'm a sport climber who basically uses bouldering as a tool to get stronger. Any tips and recommendations is much appreciated. I’d rather be safe then sorry. Getting the rope on the thing you want to climb can often be the hardest part of a TR solo project. However that means that I’m always climbing slightly below my top-rope ability. trueSo the factors that make a rope nicer: Thinner. The Mega and Giga Jul are belay devices that are basically an ATC but with the added bonus of assisted braking (like the Gri Gri). According to the charts I have seen this all lines up (the trad downgrade being a purely fear thing which I’m working on). Top rope climbing Top rope climbing is the style of climbing you find most often in indoor climbing gyms. The rope should be fine unless you are climbing the full length of the rope and don't have an extra length to make the anchor. On top rope you don't need to think about the rope, clipping Inattention is more dangerous than improper belay technique, for example the belay is chatting up a cute girl while the climber is running out a bunch of slack. I tried researching this online but get conflicting information. Some sources say bouldering Will either the grigri+ or neox be better for top rope lowering my 50lb kids who I often have to manually feed the rope to get them back down? Currently have a Jul and a grigri2. The physicality is identical (for top rope belaying. 9. Got my top rope belay cert, and ended up climbing top rope or autobelay a total of like 3 times in the following 6-7 months. I’m thinking about setting up a Petzl Rescucender as my main device with a backup. Understand the differences and advantages today. I'm not a trad dad, but to me this seems a little bit scary; I can't quite put my finger on it but I absolutely prefer to instead use it as a normal ATC and with a prusik. IDK just didn't appeal to me almost at all. 12a max, sport lead 5. And top roping has small fall factors and If you simply want to get outside, learn how to set up a proper top-rope and simply TR things until you are with someone who can truly teach lead climbing. I’ve heard that toothed devices such as a micro traxion can damage the sheath on a rope or even cut a rope. It’s a great style for beginners who want to focus entirely on the movement of climbing. This is sometimes called a static vs dynamic belay point, top rope is I top rope at 5. What’s your opinion on lead vs top rope in regards to claiming grades? I was introduced into the sport by very proficient and experienced climbers who held the attitude that only leading was “real” climbing. Going to use a standard grigri on my belay loop and a Petzl shunt as a backup on my leg loop (but also pas’d up to my main harness loops).