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DMM harnesses in the US

Original Post
ARowland Rowland · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2011 · Points: 20

So I'm looking to replace my first harness (the ubiquitous gumby-marker BD Momentum) with something that fits better (I've lost some weight since I bought it) and has more gear loops. I'm not sure how I came across it, but I was super stoked when I found the DMM Renegade. It's got a neat design where the pads and loops float freely on the load-bearing webbing so you can keep it centered, which is something that always bugged me about the BD, probably because I was so close to one end of the adjustment. Anyway, the 7 gear loops look awesome. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like anyone is importing it. I could order overseas from ebay but when it's said and done it would be more expensive than a MM Cadillac, so probably not worth it. Anyone know why these harnesses aren't making it into the states? Or have recommendations for alternatives?

Thanks

Nic Lazz · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2011 · Points: 315

ARowland,

Here is my mental vomit on this issue. I hope this helps and is stimulating, if not please disregard.

I too have found the DMM harnesses and also enjoyed them very much. Why dont people import them? I can only guess it is too expensive.

I have a few friends living in England and what I was going to do is just get someone to buy one there, or I buy it and have it shipped to them, and then they bring it over on a trip.

The price of imports mean that we buy US brand because they are cheaper.

And interesting factoid about imports from the UK is that they are cheaper in Canada than in the US. When I was in Vancouver BC this summer I was thinking about buying some Wild Country (the connection being that WC is a British brand) Helium Friends. When I went to Mountain Co-Op, the Canadian REI, I found that these cams were $10-15 cheaper than in the US! So the import laws must be killing us in order to get their stuff. Also, notice how Petzl, a french brand, is much more expensive than most US brands.

But of course you will ask, "We have DMM wires and carabiners so why not the harnesses?" And to that I would respond that the DMM wires and carabiners are something that are worth the import because they are doing things with those items that no one in the US is.

So, perhaps you could post on UKClimbing and get someone to come over with one and sell it to you. Or perhaps there is room to start an import business....(PM me).

Also check out the WC harnesses because they have a similar design to the DMM as British climbers seem to have different needs than american climbers, hence the two ropes and pinkpointing all the time.

Also check out the Arc'teryx B-360 Harness, its big, super light, has lots of area to clip gear, and is REALLY EXPENSIVE.

I hope this helps. Once again this is just my mental vomit on also wanting this harness and not being able to get it. If I'm wrong anyone can correct me please! Thanks.

Ryan Williams · · London (sort of) · Joined May 2009 · Points: 1,245

DMM makes awesome stuff. But they are still a pretty small company. For example, Ellis Brigham is a major mountain sports retailer in the UK w/ dozens of stores. They stock Arcteryx, BD, Petzl and Elderid harnesses, but not DMM or Wild Country. Rock and Snow, another major retailer, keeps ONE model of DMM harnesses in stock. The smaller local shops usually have DMM.

Anyways, I live here and get Misty Mountain harnesses shipped over from NC. Nothing in the world beats a Misty Mountain Cadillac for long free climbs. It has enough gear loops and two buckles on the front to keep them all centered. Simple and effective, no nonsense, best harnesses in the world!

If anyone wants me to send over a DMM harness I can, but you'll pay a premium (including a 20% VAT). Or I can bring some home next spring/summer when I'll be in CA for a month.

Nic Lazz · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2011 · Points: 315

I just got in touch with a retailer for DMM in the US. Pm me for more info.

Pavel K · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 211

look at WC Syncro. I like it a lot for trad and ice.

patto · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2012 · Points: 25

DMM as far as I'm concerned make the best quality metal climbing gear around. They have some of the best hot forges around. They produce the complicated hot forged designs for many of their larger European competitors such as Petzl, Mammut and Wild Country. Their carabiners are of a quality is above all others. No other company is producing single piece items of the same complexity.

Their non metal items are decent quality but hardly stand out from the crowd. I own the renegade harness. Its decent and its handy having 7 gear loops. But to be honest the BD ones fit me well and the Arc'teryx harness seem good.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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