Must haves for a beginner climber

doligo wrote: I never heard of anyone wearing out a Reverso,

First generation Reversos had a tendency to develop a wicked sharp edge after a year or two.

Rob, Thanks so much for the great advice! I am loving all the conversation going on here and I find it all useful. It sounds like climbing together will be a great exercise in strengthening our relationship and ability to encourage each other without being too pushy or emotional, as well. Rob, I think you are right. A chalk bag and a pair of shoes (so that he has something to open but can go back and exchange for the perfect fit) and a gift card for the local gym, are probably the best (and safest) of all the things I could get him! I definitely look forward to climbing with him (I did some light climbing in the local gym before I wrist surgery and haven't been back since so I am down to release some nursing school stress!)I also love some sessions with a guide. Then he can buy equipment as needed instead of stock piling a bunch of stuff that he may never use (and other than text books we are minimalists:)
Thanks again all of you and I hope you all get equally as thoughtful and well researched/well advised Christmas gifts this year!
Nicole

Gunkiemike wrote: First generation Reversos had a tendency to develop a wicked sharp edge after a year or two.

I've got one of those hanging on my wall right now. Edge is scary sharp. It was wearing OK climbing but I used it to do a few raps while canyoneering on a wet, sandy, static line(we had one too few steel piranhas)and it got destroyed.

Birth control. It's way harder to climb once you have kids.

Gunkiemike wrote: First generation Reversos had a tendency to develop a wicked sharp edge after a year or two.

Oh, I remember that. But then, aren't they significantly heavier than ATCs?