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Black Diamond Quicksilver Review

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black diamond quicksilver carabiner review
Black Diamond Quicksilver Carabiners
Credit: Black Diamond.com
Price:  $7 List
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Manufacturer:   Black Diamond
By Chris McNamara and Chris Summit  ⋅  Apr 12, 2010
52
OVERALL
SCORE
  • ease of unclipping - 15% 1.0
  • ease of clipping - 20% 6.0
  • ease of handling - 15% 8.0
  • how many ropes fit - 15% 4.0
  • rope pull smoothness - 15% 8.0
  • portability - 20% 4.0

Our Verdict

This biner has been discontinued. Check out our carabiner review to see our current favorites.
REASONS TO BUY
Fair price for versatile
Durable biner
REASONS TO AVOID
Hard to unclip from hangers when cleaning steep terrain
Not that light
Strong and versatile at an affordable price, Black Diamond Quicksilver is one of the most popular climbing carabiners in the United States. It has proven itself over time but has some stiff competition both in price and performance. For only 50 cents more the Black Diamond Positron is easier to clip and comes with a keylock gate. Also for only 50 cents more the Wild Country Nitro is lighter and scored much higher in our tests. If you are really looking for a budget biner, it is hard to beat the Mad Rock Ultra-Light Straight which scored higher than the Quicksilver and costs only $6. However, at $7 the Quicksilver is one of the better deals out there and is so ubiquitous that you can often find it on sale for under $6. We would opt for a lighter or higher scoring carabiner but this might be perfect for you.

Our Analysis and Test Results

Likes


This carabiner stands out for how long it has been around. It is one of the most popular carabiners because of its price and durability. In our tests it scored well for how smoothly the climbing rope slides through it which means less rope drag when sport climbing. The bent gate version is pretty easy to clip.

Dislikes


This is one of the few non keylock non-wire-gate carabiners. It may once have been considered light, but now it is on the heavy side for carabiners. Also, because it does not have a keylock gate, it is harder to unclip from bolt hangers, especially on overhanging routes. The big gate notch also is more likely to get hung up on slings. Because of its size, is is hard to fit into small old bolt hanger holes or chain link anchors

Best Application


This is a good all around carabiner. It is most popular with sport climbers. Because it it's weight, it is not as ideal for multi-pitch climbing

Value


This is one of the least expensive carabiners and is often on sale.

— Chris McNamara and Chris Summit
 
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