Features
A versatile, lightweight and cost effective solution for protecting large cracks and breaks.
The development of the Wild Country Rockcentric has totally revived the popularity of the climbing hex. Suitable for all climbers from beginners, looking for a budget alternative to cams, to mountaineers wanting light and simple pro for larger placements.
The key to its success lies with the ultra hollow T6 alloy head and pronounced dual 'rocker' profile. Two of the Rockcentric's four placement methods employ the 'rockers' creating a camming action that significantly improves holding power. The clever side cut improves seating in flared cracks, while colour coded heads and slings make selection a breeze. Finished with long, flexible Dyneema slings that reduce quickdraw usage and prevent placements lifting out and.
Size
|
Colour |
Width (mm) |
Min Depth (mm) |
Max Depth (mm) |
Weight (g) |
Strength (kN) |
| Size 3 |
Gold |
31 |
24 |
254 |
34 |
14 |
| Size 4 |
Silver |
36 |
28 |
30 |
43 |
14 |
| Size 5 |
Green |
41 |
33 |
35 |
54 |
14 |
| Size 6 |
Red |
48 |
38 |
41 |
69 |
14 |
| Size 7 |
Gold |
55 |
45 |
48 |
91 |
14 |
| Size 8 |
Blue |
64 |
52 |
55 |
118 |
14 |
| Size 9 |
Violet |
73 |
61 |
64 |
156 |
14 |
Attributes
| Weight (g): |
565 |
| Dimensions: |
31 / 24-25mm to 73 / 61-64mm |
| Strength (kN): |
14 |
| Sling Material: |
Dyneema |
| Recommended Use: |
Trad Climbing |
| Sling Width (mm): |
12 |
Reviews
A Great Addition To Any Rack, 05 February 2012
By Jack
I first bought a set of hexes to expand upon a set of Wild Country Wires when I first started trad climbing, and they've been a mainstay on my rack ever since.
Hexes are the cheapest and simplest way of protecting larger cracks, the alternative being to use cams which are considerably more expensive. Cams do have the advantage of being able to protect parallel sided cracks however, so keep that in mind if you're going to be climbing a lot on gritstone.
My hexes have suffered years of abuse but are still going strong, they will last indefinitely and can be re-strung if the sling starts to wear although none of mine show and signs of fluffing or fraying. They're my favourite pieces of passive protection to place, they just feel so bomber if placed correctly and really give you a confidence boost (maybe too much sometimes, the biggest falls I've taken always seem to be on hexes...)
In regard to the review below, yes the smaller sizes (3, 4, 5) are covered by larger sizes of Nuts, a size 13 DMM wallnut being roughly the same size as a size 5 Hex. However, the shapes are different, a placement is not just affected by size, and also it's no bad thing to double up on certain sizes of gear especially when climbing consistently sized cracks.
Also, buying a separate karabiner for each hex just isn't necessary, I rack them on two small wire-gates, 3-5 on one, 6-9 on the other, and attach them to the rope using quick-draws. Carrying an extra 7 karabiners adds excess weight, and the fact you may fall 40 cm further using a quick-draw is irrelevant, honesty 40cm is nothing, plus the more you extend your placements the less likely they will be lifted by rope drag/movement of the rope as the line of the rope will be straighter. I'd rather fall a bit further than fall and have no protection.
To conclude, Hexes are a brilliant addition to the rack of any climber on routes up to E1 (I can't comment on higher grades due to lack of excess talent) and will last a lifetime, value for money? I Think so
Rockcentrics set, 21 January 2011
By Charles (Notts)
Firstly, let us cover the obvious. By purchasing the Rockcentrics as a set you are clearly saving money over buying them individually. You also get a nice set that looks good on your harness.
However...Is it really necessary to buy an entire set of Rocksentrics?
The smallest Rockcentric that you get in this set is a size 3. This measures about the same as the larger end of your Nuts, maybe a 9 or 10. That means that if, like me, you carry a set that goes up to 13, you have quite a big overlap in gear sizes.
Then you have the hidden expense.in this set you have seven Rockcentrics, so you then need seven karabiners, either bent gates or wiregates, in order to carry them or use them as protection. Even at £5 a krab, thats an extra £25. You could of course use quickdraws, but would you want to risk adding another 20cm+ to your fall?
My advice, if you're climbing a lot of bigish cracks, go for it, it's a sound investment, however, if you're thinking of just getting them to get larger size pieces then only get the sizes you need. It will save money, space and weight.
