Black Diamond  Offset Stopper Set #7-11

Ahhh -- the subtleties of "passive" pro. When I first saw these, I thought "Oh, a set of offsets to compete with the DMM offsets, cool". Well, in actuality, the Black Diamond offsets are quite different and unique in several ways (see pictures). Firstly, with 5 stoppers in each set of the BDs and DMMs, the size range for the BDs sort of begins with one size smaller than the largest DMM and ends with one size smaller than the smallest DMM so the sets compliment each other nicely. Secondly, the BDs are "boxier", meaning the narrow sides are closer "in size" to the wider sides of each stopper. In some sense, I honestly think this makes grabbing a given BD offset a little more likely to fit in a particular crack you have your eye set on. Time will tell. Thirdly, the wires on the BDs are about 1 to 1-1/2 inches shorter than the DMMs and all 5 are almost the same length. This could make the BDs a tad less "wobbly" while placing (which is a good thing) but that is a really minor difference. Both BDs and DMMs have a fairly stiff, beefy wire on them. DMMs claim 12kn holding power. BDs claim 10kn holding power. Both strength ratings are "rock solid" for any falls on a good placement (pun intended). All-in-all, I am very happy I have added this set of stoppers to my rack. I climb a lot on fairly crystallized granite, relatively flaring cracks and for this, you can't beat a good set of offset stoppers. Be safe out there.

Upgraded to some micro z4s and then got these to slim dow my rack and replace my previous stopper pro set (size 3-11). I do find I place fewer nuts, opting for the ease of cams in both placement and cleaning, but pairing these with micro z4s provides a much better range of placements. They are also lighter and cheaper than pricey z4 offsets. I always carry nuts and these are the best I’ve used. Great option for someone who does a lot of c2c missions and wants to go lighter. Only complaint, with the rack had a few smaller sizes. Someone who places a lot of nuts or doesn’t have micro cams will likely want the traditional rack also.

I haven't used my own set yet, but I just bought them after using a friend's on a 6-pitch when things like tri-cams and offset nuts are really the only things that fit in certain flaring spots when your last piece is 15 feet below you and you just want to get something placed. They will complement my wallnuts which work well in standard nut placements, but not so much non-standard placements (including pin scars).

These are soooo much better than regular nuts, at least for Cascade climbing, where we have flaring cracks. The DMMs are a bit softer, and so they seat better, in my opinion. But this is a really good buy. If you are justb going to get one set of nuts for an alpine rack, go with the DMM offsets, unless these are cheaper, in which case, go with these.

I suppose it all depends on the crag you climb at the most, but offsets chocks seem to work better for me in most small crack passive placements than regular parallel sided stoppers. It seems that cracks rarely pinch down in a perfectly parallel way and offsets typically just seat better. It's all I carry now for passive gear to go with all the cams.

The couple trips I've had these on, I've ended up placing them more than standard stoppers. Definitely worth adding to your nut set if you're thinking about it. The only thing I would change is the range of size BD has to offer. Would love to see a full set from 4-13 offset stoppers down the line. Highly recommend!

Not the lightest, but they work well when the going gets tough and they make the sweetest nose when racking up so that people know trad is rad. Never whipped on them *knock on wood* but they set nicely and didnt walk (which I guess is as much the carpenter as the tool).

Not the lightest, but they work well when the going gets tough and they make the sweetest nose when racking up so that people know trad is rad. Never whipped on them *knock on wood* but they set nicely and didnt walk (which I guess is as much the carpenter as the tool).

I have used this in the high sierras as well as other places like Tahquitz. They always place well and inspire confidence. I like them much better than the classic curve nut shape. Would recommend! The biggest size is not huge but covers a nice range smaller than a .4

Filled out the trad rack with this offset set and immediately put it to use. Incredibly easy to place absolute bomber placements with the geometry of the nuts. The indentations really aid setting the piece and gripping the rock well.