REASONS TO BUY
Large surface area for medium pad
Lightweight
Grippy waterproof backing
REASONS TO AVOID
Relatively thin foam
Difficult to pack gear compared to other pads
Black Diamond Drop Zone Review
A solid pad for short problems
Credit: Black Diamond
RELATED: Best Bouldering Crash Pad of 2024
Our Verdict
The Black Diamond Drop Zone is a mid-sized crash pad that utilizes a taco style closure. The Drop Zone is Black Diamond's only taco style pad in their lineup. While it isn't our favorite crash pad we tested, it is very light for its surface area and did perform well on smaller problems. Our testers also enjoyed using the Drop Zone at the start of bigger problems. If you are the kind of climber who enjoys doing a circuit of shorter boulder problems, then the Drop zone could be for you.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Performance Comparison
The BD Drop Zone works fine for low problems with its relatively thin foam and large surface area.
Credit: Henry Feder
Padding Falls
The Drop Zone was not our favorite pad for padding falls due to its thickness and taco closure. The Drop Zone's padding is only 3.5" thick. Small rocks and imperfections in the landing zone were easier to feel when compared to other pads in our test. In small falls, the thickness was less noticeable, and the Drop Zone padded talus at the start of problems adequately. Our testers rarely set up landings so that the Drop Zone would be the pad used from up high. When testers did fall on the Drop Zone from up high on a problem, the padding felt less than sufficient.
The Drop Zone uses a top layer of closed cell foam (black) and open cell foam (white) for the bottom.
Credit: Henry Feder
The main issue that we experienced with the Drop Zone is the taco closure. When we set up the Drop Zone at the base of landings it was always “U” shaped. The Drop Zone liked to hold its folded shape when we tried to set it up on the ground. Despite the updated square corners it didn't pair well with other crash pads. When we tried to place the Drop zone on rocks, the “U” shape made the pad frequently roll off the rock.
Durability
The Black Diamond Drop Zone is made with durable 1000d nylon on all sides. The nylon used on the Drop zone was very durable against rocky landing and general abuse. The closure flap's material is not as durable as the rest of the pad. We anticipate the closure flap to show signs of wear with prolonged use but doubt it will affect the usability of the crash pad long term.
One of our testers about to test the Drop Zone. The Black Diamond Mondo and Organic Simple are also pictured here as well.
Credit: Henry Feder
Packing Gear
Packing gear is difficult and frustrating with the Drop Zone. Our testers found the taco closure and the straps are to blame for the difficulties. When packing a small backpack in the Drop Zone the pad bulged out, making it uncomfortable to carry. This made carrying a loaded Drop Zone uncomfortable for long distances.
The Drop Zone is not the most comfortable pad for carrying gear.
Credit: Henry Feder
While moving in between problems it is common to put your gear inside the pad and carry it like a suitcase. Using the Drop Zone to move gear in suitcase fashion is much more difficult than other hinge designs due to the taco design. Another issue our testers faced was that the closure flap is not a solid piece of material. This meant that if you stuffed your climbing shoes and other gear in loosely, it could potentially fall through the gap.
Features
The Drop Zone is a very streamlined pad with limited features. To close it, a flap wraps around the pad. Unfortunately, the closure flap has a small hole where unsecured items can fall through. The Drop Zone also features a zippered pocket on the closure flap. This very small pocket becomes bent around the side of the pad when using the closure flap. Our testers found using this accessory pocket annoying and not very useful.
The accessory pocket on the Drop Zone is not very functional due to its location along the closure flap.
Credit: Henry Feder
Value
At list price, this pad is pricey, especially when compared to some models we reviewed that cost less but have improved performance in some areas.
Moving the Drop Zone from problem to problem is more difficult than other pads in our test. Here you can see one of our testers getting pumped from carrying it as a suitcase.
Credit: Henry Feder
Conclusion
Overall the Black Diamond Drop Zone is a crash pad that our testers only carried in addition to carrying other crash pads. We tried to rarely use it to pad our falls from up high since the other pads in our test performed better for high falls. If you love the taco closure and want a lightweight pad, then the Drop Zone might be for you. Our testers felt that the functionality and cost of the Drop Zone led us to recommend other crash pads to our friends.
—
Henry Feder
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