5 Definitely worth the chiming...

Reviewer: Elliott O'Brien, Te Awamutu   (14-11-2011)

I bought the four largest sizes (6-9) almost two years ago and they've been one of the most deployed items on my rack, that includes large DMM Wallnuts and OP Link Cams. The curvature seems to fit well in cracks in NZ Rhyolite, Limestone and Ignimbrite. The multiple placement options, even in pockets, makes them very versatile.

The long Dyneema sling allows you to take full advantage of camming and keyhole placements, and often save a draw. Being colour coded to match the anodised finish makes them easy to spot on a full rack. The downsides are that compared to wired hexes they can be trickier to place single handed, especially if you're at full reach. They also hang quite low from your harness or bandolier in comparison to other gear.

Finally, be prepared for all the cows nearby to gather and watch your climb. They chime like nothing else as you walk up and shimmy up a route.

Have added sizes 4 and 5 to my rack with this purchase. Looking forward to getting some mileage out of them on alpine rock adventures this kiwi summer.

5 Wild Country Rockcentric Review

Reviewer: joshua davies, carmarthen   (30-4-2011)

As someone else mentioned, I seem to see less people using these all the time! I can’t understand why, these things are all you could ever need for big cracks that nuts won’t fit in. The Dyneema is colour coded which makes finding the right hex quick and simple. They seat really well in both awkward and parallel sided cracks. They’re a perfect replacement for cams (which a lot of us either don’t trust or cant afford a set of). Their only competition is the Torque Nuts, but as these have way more sizes id always opt for these.

5 Wild Country Rockcentric Review

Reviewer: Graham Pinkerton, Glasgow   (31-8-2010)

They don't seem very popular at the crags these days Rockcentrics. I'm not sure if it's because Wild Country got the design so right with these that they haven't had to change the design in years. Maybe it's because they don't cost (or weigh) anywhere near as much as cams. Perhaps people are put off by sounding like a alpine cow when they move.

Who knows?

Either way it's a shame because they are so useful, and nothing feels as good as a well placed number 9 above your head. The Dynemma slings make it easier to use the best faces of the Rockcentric for the crack in question than wire. You can place them in parallel sided cracks like a cam. And they're (for climbing gear) cheap. What more could you ask for!

5 Wild Country Rockcentric Review

Reviewer: Ben, Newcastle Upon Tyne   (30-5-2010)

These are the best brand of hexes I have used. They place very well providing a very solid form of protection.

One of the things that people often forget is the variety of different placement methods you can use making them an essential part of any rack.

There is overlap between the large wires and smaller hexes and personally I often fine the hexes easier and better than the wires. All sizes are useful but have never found the desire a 9. Most frequently I use 6,7 and 4. This is based on mainly climbing fell sandstone in Northumberland. Removal is fairly easy but always take that nut buster!