Rock Climbing Harness Advice/Help

[rocknroller]

I know some of you on here do some climbing. I was wondering if any of you had advice on what too look for in a harness. I'm looking to do more gym climbing this winter but then move outdoors. Is it worth buying a new harness or should I get a used one? And any advice on shoes?

I'm about 5' 8" 185 lbs and 34 waist.
About a size 10 in skate sneakers.

I already learned to belay.

Thanks in advance!

[Shhwing4]

I don't know what too look for in a harness, but I might know what to look for in a harness.

[rocknroller]

I don't know what too look for in a harness, but I might know what to look for in a harness.

I sea stand up comedy in you're future.

[Shadows]

points to whoever gets this...

[jonPOOLER]

I wouldn't recommend buying used. An entry level Black Diamond/Petzl/Mammut shouldn't run you more than 45 bucks and will last forever and be great. As far as shoes, go to a shop and try some on. You want them tight but unless you're going to take it really serious you don't want them too painful.

[*ROYALwithCHEESE*]

Charlie hustles knows about rocks

[Keith Courage]

Any shop worth their salt is going to let you try on a harness and hang from it for a few minutes to get a feel for it.

[mescalito]

coolguy could help you but he doesnt come on here anymore.

[James]

Any shop worth their salt is going to let you try on a harness and hang from it for a few minutes to get a feel for it.

This, Petzl makes a few good, cheap, entry level harnesses. It comes down to personal preference and comfort for both, but with shoes they should be a bit tight.

[ryuu no eien]

I work as an instructor over the summer and my 45 dollar mamut did me just fine. More money will get you rear belay and gear loops, more padding/ventilation, and more self locking buckles but none of those are really all that important unless you're really into it or impatient.

General rule of thumb is not to buy used as rock climbing people are super careful with their ropes and you don't know what the harness has been through. If, by some chance, the previous owner had washed it improperly or left it out in the sun or gotten chemicals on it the webbing may look fine when really it's super weakened. That being said I've had a few friends climb forever on used harnesses and be ok, just might not be the best idea.

[rocknroller]

Thanks guys!

I'm going to head over to EMS today and try on some shoes. I'll also look at some harnesses.
I can get a discount on Scarpa shoes so i think I'm going to go with these:

Scarpa Techno's they retail $119 but i can get them for $72.