Following on from using binoculars to scout routes....
|
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? |
|
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. |
|
The FAA doesn't like the green lasers in the sky very much. careful. |
|
Dang! Well, my father-in-law is definitely only using it for pointing out stars, not "for excitement, for thrills" like that jackass... |
|
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. |
|
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! |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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? |
|
What is the recommended affordable high powered laser pointer? |
|
quote=Austin Eddy>What is the recommended affordable high powered laser pointer? |
|
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. |