meatghost

That makes sense - and I could see where on water ice and in some mixed climbing it would be a pain to switch tools to clear ice. Anyway, thanks to everyone for the answers. Chris

OK - major newb here on ice climbing, meaning never climbed ice but am looking forward to alpine ice climbing soon. I have a pair of Rages that I'm dying to take out, when I purchased them leashless tools were just coming onto the market and I was baffled at the time - it seems to me that if you drop your tool, you're screwed - is a 3rd tool required for leashless climbing? I guess I'm looking for an explanation to the advantage of it. Just by the term alone, it seems , well - dumb. I remember something in Mark Twight's book some time back about placing screws or other pro while leaving the tool placed, glove inside the leash and all - is this the same principle? Thx

I've done some rock leads but have been out of the game for a couple of years. I was prepping for a climb on Adams and Rainier with my then partner when he moved so now I have a full rack and all of the equipment and am looking to get back on the rock, glacier ice, mixed alpine, whatever. I'm 38 and work as a photographer so my weekends are pretty shot during the summer but I get weekdays to myself and work for myself. I'm not in climbing shape now, too much , but will be in couple of months, maybe less - I'm off to the gym to relearn some of the moves... PM if interested Chris

I have a full set of Trango Flex Cams sizes 1-8 that have been used twice, half only once. No falls on them and they've never been dropped, always stored in a hard container. They're in fantastic condition, biners not included...would prefer to sell as a full set. Make an offer: idiot@crackhole.com

Thanks for the replies - it's pretty much been relegated to being TR only - I have another rope for lead that's only a year old. Checking it for flat spots and other rope issues is a good idea. The main reason I asked is the talk you always hear about retiring a rope after X number of years, regardless of it's type of use. If I take a major fall on TR, I'll have to whack my belay person with a whiskey bottle or other suitable device.

I have a bluewater 10.5 rope I got back in 97, I purchased it and didn't use it until 2001 for a coule of lead climbs in leavenworth - no falls. Haven't used it more than 3 or 4 times since for TR only - question is, because of age alone should it be retired or if it's been well taken care of is it ok for TRing? I mean, what's the point of wearing a helmet or placing pro if yer gonna crater in when the sheath breaks - any thoughts?

Bwahahahaha!

late 30s noob looking for an alpine and or rock climbing partner. I'm living in Oly for the next 3 years while my wife goes to grad skool. My last parter moved and he was an experienced alpine/rock climber and I'm not. I'm ok on rock, but haven't climbed for 2 years. Im basically looking for someone who can teach me and climb the local peaks before I go completely gray. Out of shape now, and am back on the program so I'll be ready to rip in a couple of months. I have all of the gear, but it's sitting there looking lonely. I've read the books, just dying to get up in the hills. Looking to climb Rainier this year, but will climb anything, anytime. Any takers? I'll bring the whiskey... Chris