Any rockclimbers here? Advice needed

[EvilYoda]

So, my new workplace in Tempe is located right down the street (within a few minutes walk) from supposedly the best rock climbing gym in the area. I've been climbing twice before and loved it, so I'm considering joining as a member. I'm trying to work out the numbers and figuring out if I can make it out at least a few times a month.

My question is concerning equipment: how much will a decent used harness cost me, where should I look (other than eBay, obviously) and should I look for any particular brands. Same goes for the other pieces, like shoes, etc.

The costs range from $40-50 a month, which isn't a big deal, but then I have to factor in equipment and I'm trying to get a coworker to go with me too. For a member, every month you pay for you get a guest pass, so if he's not really into it, maybe I'll just give him the pass every month or something so I have a climbing partner.

Thanks!

 

[Savij]

First get yourself some shoes ($100 and up) and go bouldering by yourself as much as you want (it's also really good for practicing technique). Once you have a regular partner you can buy a harness for probably around $60 to $80 and other gear (atc, chalk bag) maybe another 40 - 50 total.

 

[GoSharks]

Don't buy a used harness. In fact, I would not buy any used soft goods for climbing. You don't know what kind of stuff the gear has been exposed to. Moosejaw.com has 20% off right now. Good shop. The Black Diamond Momentum AL is a good intro harness, however I recommend that you find one that is most comfortable for you to sit in. Key things to look for are that the belay loop is centered on you when you have the harness on properly and hanging from it, and that the gear loops are in good locations for you - ie the harness is not twisting around your body.

Regarding shoes, although cheap, I do not recommend Mad Rock shoes as a shoe for a beginner. They will not last under the poor footwork of somebody just starting out. Don't get me wrong, I love Mad Rock shoes and 95% of the time I am wearing the Flash. However, they "only" last me about a year climbing 5.12 and the occasional 13a w/impeccable footwork 2-3 times a week. I had a friend burn through a pair in a month when he first started out.

I recommend that your first pair of shoes be comfortably snug, but not loose. Find a pair that fits your foot type the best. Get a shoe with a flat sole. Apart from that, you won't notice any difference between shoes at your level.