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Metolius FS Mini Quickdraw Review

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Metolius FS Mini Quickdraw Review (Metolius FS Mini Quickdraw)
Metolius FS Mini Quickdraw
Credit: MetoliusClimbing.com
Price:  $15 List
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Manufacturer:   Metolius Climbing
By Chris McNamara ⋅ Founder and Editor-in-Chief  ⋅  Jun 6, 2014
44
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Ease of Unclipping - 25% 1.0
  • Ease of Clipping - 25% 3.0
  • Ease of Handling - 15% 6.0
  • Ease of Grabbing - 15% 3.0
  • Portability - 20% 10.0

Our Verdict

The Metolius FS Mini Quickdraw is among the lightest and most compact on the market. Although the carabiners on this draw are tiny, don't mistake them for keychain biners — they are full-strength. The carabiners on the Metolius FS Mini are much smaller than those on the Black Diamond Oz Quickdraw. According to Metolius, the idea is that the much smaller biner will greatly reduce the bulk of climbing gear on a trad or big wall rack. It's a hopeful thought that suddenly that monstrous El Cap rack could be both lighter and less bulky. On the other hand, it's so small that it is harder to handle.
REASONS TO BUY
Light
Small
REASONS TO AVOID
A little tricky to handle
Hard to clip multiple knots to
Extra friction when rope pases through

The Metolius FS Mini's main competition is the CAMP Nano 22 Quickdraw which is a little lighter and a little bigger and easier to handle and slightly less expensive. We would get the Nano if we were loading up on the lightest draws. But most climbers will want draws with slightly heavier biners in return for something that is easier to clip and to handle. If that is what you are looking for, the Mad Rock UltraLight Quickdraw ($14) and Wild Country Astro Quickdraw ($15) are great bets for the money. If you are willing to spend a few more dollars, the Black Diamond Oz and CAMP Photon Wire Express KS Dyneema scored well in our metrics.

Product Change
The FS Mini Carabiner has been replaced by the FS Mini II Carabiner--a lighter version. We link to that version in this review.

Our Analysis and Test Results

Hands-On Review


Likes


These things are mini! They take up less space than just about any draw out there. Although they aren't quite as light as the CAMP Nano 22, they are more compact. Additionally, the Metolius FS Mini sling is very skinny. This keeps it light and compact for Alpine climbing (which is where you probably want to use it). But it also means the draw is a little hard to grab if you are sport climbing.

Dislikes


The biners are so small that they are harder to handle and clip. If you are pumped on a sport route, and just barely able to make a clip, you will notice these are not the easiest to get the rope into. That said, our testers noticed that it gets easier and easier to clip the Metolius FS Mini over time. However, it is never going to be as easy to handle these on a slightly bigger biner, especially if you are wearing belay gloves on a big wall.

Value


These are not expensive, but not a screamin' deal either. You save a little money if you buy them in a five-pack.

Best Application


These are ideal for alpine climbing or any place where you want to shave weight and bulk.

— Chris McNamara
 
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