Mountain Project Logo

Following on from using binoculars to scout routes....

Original Post
whitewalls · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2014 · Points: 146

I am thinking of getting a laser pointer to highlight routes to my son (and other climbing partners), and for trying to follow routes from a guidebook before climbing them. Anyone else thought about/done this?

Kirby Crider · · DC · Joined Mar 2010 · Points: 25

My pa-in-law has a super-powerful green laser pointer that he uses to point out constellations at night. That might be strong enough to be visible from afar, during a sunny day.

Just a thought.

john greer · · modesto · Joined Jun 2009 · Points: 110

The FAA doesn't like the green lasers in the sky very much. careful.

kgw.com/news/Portland-man-a…

Kirby Crider · · DC · Joined Mar 2010 · Points: 25

Dang! Well, my father-in-law is definitely only using it for pointing out stars, not "for excitement, for thrills" like that jackass...

David Gibbs · · Ottawa, ON · Joined Aug 2010 · Points: 2
whitewalls wrote:I am thinking of getting a laser pointer to highlight routes to my son (and other climbing partners), and for trying to follow routes from a guidebook before climbing them. Anyone else thought about/done this?
Yes. When I was visiting Austin a few years back and climbing in the Barton Creek Green Belt, there were several people doing this. Instead of trying to shout up something like "use the pocket above your right hand, no your other right hand, up a few inches, no farther left, no down a bit, no, up a bit, yeah that's it" they would, instead, indicate the hold with the laser pointer. It seemed to work pretty well, actually, for more efficient (and less annoying to other climbers around) beta-spewing.
whitewalls · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2014 · Points: 146
David Gibbs wrote: Yes. When I was visiting Austin a few years back and climbing in the Barton Creek Green Belt, there were several people doing this. Instead of trying to shout up something like "use the pocket above your right hand, no your other right hand, up a few inches, no farther left, no down a bit, no, up a bit, yeah that's it" they would, instead, indicate the hold with the laser pointer. It seemed to work pretty well, actually, for more efficient (and less annoying to other climbers around) beta-spewing.
That's exactly the sort of thing I was thinking about, that and 'describing' the route before starting to climb it - thanks very much. I also agree about beta-spewing!
Wilson On The Drums · · Woodbury, MN · Joined Dec 2010 · Points: 940

I've seen it been used in gyms and I have used a laser pointer myself when I use to work at a gym. I had a basic skills class I taught and the laser pointer is perfect for pointing out crux holds while on the ground and for giving beta without yelling like the previous post says while the climb is on-route.

Lee Green · · Edmonton, Alberta · Joined Nov 2011 · Points: 51
Kirby wrote:My pa-in-law has a super-powerful green laser pointer that he uses to point out constellations at night. That might be strong enough to be visible from afar, during a sunny day.
My wife and I have one of those too, originally purchased for astronomy but we quickly discovered its value for climbing. It is indeed visible under usual outdoor climbing conditions, and is quite handy at times.
whitewalls · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2014 · Points: 146
Lee Green wrote: My wife and I have one of those too, originally purchased for astronomy but we quickly discovered its value for climbing. It is indeed visible under usual outdoor climbing conditions, and is quite handy at times.
Thanks very much - it's off to the laser pointer shop! I take it green is the best, most visible colour in daylight?
Austin Eddy · · Chattanooga, TN · Joined Apr 2013 · Points: 11

What is the recommended affordable high powered laser pointer?

whitewalls · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2014 · Points: 146

quote=Austin Eddy>What is the recommended affordable high powered laser pointer?

I'm thinking about the 50mW green one from this link

gy3.co.uk/

Kevin DeWeese · · @failfalling - Oakland, Ca · Joined Jan 2007 · Points: 981

I've used this when guiding groups of kids out for their first climb. The lasers that are easy to get don't work too well unless the climb is in the shade or you're dealing with the first 40' of the route.

You can find stronger lasers online that work better but they can be pricey. IMO, not worth it unless you're dealing with brand new climbers that literally can't figure out right from left (the phrase "no, your OTHER right" is a joke smug at my team) when stressed out on the rock.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Climbing Gear Discussion
Post a Reply to "Following on from using binoculars to scout rou…"

Log In to Reply

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.