A climbing quickdraw consists of two pieces: a snap-gate carabiner at one end and a wire-gate carabiner at the other. Climbing gear quickdraws are relatively easy to use, even for beginner climbers hanging from their ropes. The main benefit of quickdraw climbing is that there is less friction, allowing the rope to run smoothly through the anchor point, minimizing the risk of resistance and wear. 

Choosing the Right Climbing Gear Quickdraws for Your Activity

Whether you're new to rock climbing or are looking to upgrade your gear, you'll need to purchase a few rock climbing quickdraws. Here are a few things to consider when making your purchase.

Climbing Quickdraw Style

First, think about the style of climbing you'll be doing most often. If you're mainly sport climbing, you'll want strong quickdraws that can handle more wear and tear. The best quickdraws for trad climbing are lightweight yet durable. Trad climbed routes often follow less-than-perfect cracks, and the quickdraws need to be able to stand up to being banged around a bit. You also don't want the quickdraws to add too much weight to your pack, but they do need to be strong enough to hold your weight in case of a fall. Finally, the best quickdraws for trad climbing have large gates that open easily, even when wearing gloves. 

Climbing Quickdraw Length

Rock climbing quickdraws come in multiple lengths. Some climbers prefer shorter quickdraws for easier clipping, while others prefer longer quickdraws for greater versatility. At Armbury, our climbing gear quickdraws are available in multiple sizes to suit your needs.

Climbing Quickdraw Budget 

Finally, don't forget to consider your budget. Quickdraws can range from just a few dollars to over one hundred dollars. However, it's important to remember that you don't need the most expensive gear to enjoy rock climbing. At Armbury, we’re dedicated to helping you make quickdraw climbing safe and affordable with quality gear at a reasonable price.

The Best Rock Climbing Quickdraws, Carabiners, and Climbing Gear

You can find the climbing hardware and carabiners you need to climb with ease, from the best quickdraws for trad climbing to locking carabiners and non locking carabiners to steel carabiners for the heaviest jobs. Shop Armbury for all your quickdraw climbing essentials today!

Climbing Quickdraw FAQs

What does a quick draw do?

Quickdraws in climbing serve many purposes, like attaching rope to protection during lead climbing, or keeping a path of ropes from tangling or sharply changing direction, which can damage the rope and jeopardize rope strength. 

By using rock climbing quickdraws to secure together a path of ropes you’re also reducing rope friction, rope drag, and enabling more fluid movements as you climb. Quickdraws for trad climbing helps keep protection in place by preventing the rope from being pulled upwards. The best quickdraws for trad climbing are around 20cm in length.

How many quickdraws do I need?

The number of climbing quickdraws you need all depends on the type of climbing you do and the length of your climb. However, the general consensus is that you should have at least 12 quickdraws with you at all times. For longer or multi-pitch climbs, stocking up on a few extra isn’t a bad idea.

How long are quickdraws good for?

With moderate use, climbing quickdraws should last roughly three to five years. To get the most life out of your quickdraws, keep them out of sunlight when not in use, and avoid any extra wear and tear.

How much weight can a quickdraw hold?

The amount of weight a climbing quickdraw can hold varies from one quickdraw product to the next. Your quickdraw should have a kilonewton rating on the quickdraw itself. For instance, the Ace 16/25 Wire Quickdraw has a 24kN major axis strength, which is equal to 5,395 pounds of force.

Which side of the quickdraw do you clip?

The top carabiner on your Armbury  quickdraw is the side that does not have the plastic or rubber fastener affixed to it. The top carabiner is what you clip to your protection, like a bolt hanger. The bottom carabiner on the quickdraw is what you clip your rope into.