Metolius Climbing

Gate type

Since each quickdraw has two carabiners on it, a quickdraw could have a combination of gate types.

• Straight-gate: Easy to operate; common on many carabiners and on the side of the quickdraw that is clipped to a bolt
• Bent-gate: Curved shape makes it easier to clip a rope
• Wire-gate: Lightweight, a wire loop creates its own spring mechanism as it pivots

Sling length

• Short-length  (10-16cm long) work in most situations when the route is relatively straight
• Medium-length (17-18cm) are useful for reducing rope drag in longer routes or if the route isn't straight
• Long-length (25cm+) help keep the rope running in a straighter line, especially on routes that wander or have overhangs

Slings 

• Shorter slings (12 in. or less): Sometimes used for tying off pitons 
• Single-length slings (24 in.): Good for alpine quickdraws
• Double-length slings (48 in.): Use to reduce rope drag, extend protection, built two-point anchors or as alpine quickdraws 
• Extra-long slings (72-96 in.): Great for looping large rocks and building three-point anchors

Webbing  

• Tubular webbing is standard for climbing
• Modular webbing is used for lashing gear and backpack straps

Climbing cord  

• Available in diameters from 1mm up to 9mm
• Thicker cord is stronger and more load bearing but also heavier

Materials 

• Nylon and Perlon: Affordable, strong, hold knots well, good stretch and high melting temperatures to handle dynamic falls
• Dyneema, Dynex and Spectra: Excellent strength-to-weight ratio, ultralight and highly UV resistant