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Black Diamond Dynex Daisy Chain Review

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black diamond dynex daisy chain
Black Diamond Dynex Daisy Chain
Credit: Black Diamond Equipment.com
Price:  $40 List
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Manufacturer:   Black Diamond
By Chris McNamara ⋅ Founder and Editor-in-Chief  ⋅  Oct 3, 2010

Our Verdict

The Black Diamond Dynex Daisy Chain is one of the lightest daisy chain options we know of. It is made of Dynex which as far as we can tell is Black Diamondam's version of Dyneema. If you want the lightest daisy chain out there, it is hard to beat this. That said, it is one of the more expensive daisy chains out there. For a few bucks less, the Metolius Monster Daisy Chain is also light and comes with a reinforced end. For about half the cost, the Black Diamond Nylon Daisy Chain gets the job done but is heavier and bulkier.
REASONS TO BUY
Light
Easy to get a hard bounce test with
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
End wears out faster than other similar products
Loops are a little hard to clip

Our Analysis and Test Results

Likes


This daisy chain stands out for being light. It is the lightest daisy we know of which makes it ideal for free climbing and alpine situations. On big wall when we are jumaring, we notice the difference of pushing up that top ascender. It takes a little less effort than pushing up a heavier daisy. It is a small difference, but somewhat noticable. Because it has less stretch than Nylon, it transfers force better when bounce testing while aid climbing. Dyneema webbing is light, which is noticeable when making thousands of aid moves.

We like the big generous loops on Black Diamond daisy chains. They are easy to hoot a fifi hook to or clip a biner to. By contrast, the Metolius loops lie a little more flat and are a little harder to clip.

Dislikes


The Dynex daisy does not have much stretch which increases impact forces on daisy falls while aid climbing, but how much of an effect this has is up for debate. Be sure to educate yourself and form your own opinion.

Other Versions


This daisy chain is also made out of nylon version which is heavier but less expensive and more durable. We have a review of the Black Diamond Nylon Daisy Chain as well.

Best Application


This is ideal for alpine climbing or fast and light wall climbing. If you are planning to use your daisy chain hard, I would get the Nylon version which is a little thicker and more durable. If you are using this for aid climbing, make sure you get the 55" length. The 45" length is way too short but some people may want it for free climbing uses.

Value


This is one of the more expensive daisy chains out there. The nylon version is half the cost.

Chris McNamara