I bought a Beal Aero IV harness when I started climbing (complete beginner), it worked fine for top rope.
But now that I am starting to climb lead I am concerned that it only has 1 "rope" loop.
My main concern is; will this harness be safe when taking a fall...
I cannot find any information/answers online - I hope someone has experience with this harness ans can give me advice..
Beal Aero Team IV Harness safe for Lead Climbing?
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raphaeltube
- Posts: 75
- Joined: Tue Jul 24, 2018 12:42 pm
- Real Name: Raphael
- Location: Strand
Re: Beal Aero Team IV Harness safe for Lead Climbing?
Yes it will be safe, provided it's in good condition and worn correctly.
- R
- R
Re: Beal Aero Team IV Harness safe for Lead Climbing?
Safe for leading on and taking falls.
Not so great for belaying or abseiling off of, though, as your belay device will be held at an uncomfortable angle and you will need to bear in mind that when catching a fall (or lowering someone) the carabiner will twist and "fight" against the horizontal rope loop - this will most likely just be annoying, rather than dangerous... but, I'd probably make sure to have a beefy belay carabiner and ideally one that ensures the carabiner can't get cross-loaded (e.g. Black Diamond Gridlock).
You may also find your rope tends to get twisted when lowering someone or abseiling as your belay device will likely be at a bit of an angle which will prevent you from keeping a straight line between the live and dead sides if the rope.
All that said, I'd probably keep the harness until you find the above issues too much of an annoyance and then upgrade. But, if you find it hinders your ability to belay I'd replace it asap.
Not so great for belaying or abseiling off of, though, as your belay device will be held at an uncomfortable angle and you will need to bear in mind that when catching a fall (or lowering someone) the carabiner will twist and "fight" against the horizontal rope loop - this will most likely just be annoying, rather than dangerous... but, I'd probably make sure to have a beefy belay carabiner and ideally one that ensures the carabiner can't get cross-loaded (e.g. Black Diamond Gridlock).
You may also find your rope tends to get twisted when lowering someone or abseiling as your belay device will likely be at a bit of an angle which will prevent you from keeping a straight line between the live and dead sides if the rope.
All that said, I'd probably keep the harness until you find the above issues too much of an annoyance and then upgrade. But, if you find it hinders your ability to belay I'd replace it asap.
