Black Diamond's Bodacious Alpine Harness
Written: Nov 07 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Very Adjustable. Lasts forever if taken care of. Easy to use.
Cons: Not particularly comfortable if you are wearing shorts/T-shirt
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| jwlester's Full Review: Black Diamond Alpine Bod |
I have used a Black Diamond Alpine Bod Harness for years. It is reasonably old now and in need of replacement simply due to age, but I definitely feel that I have gotten good value for my money. I will probably be buying another Bod Harness to replace it.
Once upon a time, before my mother-in-law was a twinkle in her mother's eye, my Grandfather-in-law was rock climbing on the crags and outcrops of the Peak District and Nottinghamshire in prewar England. Needless to say, they didn't have Black Diamond Bod Harnesses! Rather they just tied a rope around their waist, and used a body belay. When he sees all my climbing kit, he's slightly bewildered by all the colours and accessories. I started out somewhat later of course, but even I - so many years later - was subjected to the, shall we say, inadequacies of the "Whillans" harness. Oh how times have changed! Once I decided that relying on my climbing clubs ancient Whillans torture device was a bad idea, and purchased my own harness, I was much happier and comfortable.
Since I have done much of my climbing in Scotland and England, I need a harness that is quickly and easily adjustable. I find that the regular "bod" harness, while slightly more comfortable, is a little more clunky when your trying to get it on over 3 layers of trousers using freezing fingers. This harness has both the obligatory waist adjustment, but also very easily adjustable leg loops as well. The harness is easy to get in and out of as well, even when wearing crampons and heavy mountaineering boots.
This harness will not be as comfortable as many others, since it lacks the padding that many have, but since I am usually wearing this over several layers of clothes this is not really an issue for me. Basically you should think about what you're going to use this harness for, and then decide which type you need. If you are doing ultra-difficult routes and need a light harness, this might be a good option too. If you're living in California and will be driving up to a roadside crag, climbing in a bikini in the sunshine, then going home, then the regular "Bod" harness or another brand would be better.
Basically these are the things I think are important for a harness and the number of stars out of 5 I give this harness.
Durability 5/5
Ease of Use 5/5
Comfort 2/5
Adjustability 5/5
Price/Value 5/5
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
jwlester
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Member: JW Lester
Location: Northern California
Reviews written: 69
Trusted by: 38 members
About Me:
I am an avid kayaker and climber.
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