Top rope climbing vs lead climbing reddit So bouldering and has really made it easy for me to solve cruxes in my At Castle Rock I'll climb 10c top rope, 10b lead. So one of the things I decided was not to do top-rope at all, only lead (the only exception is when I do laps but those are always easy routes that I up climb and down climb for endurance). Currently I spend most of my time top-roping but I'm working my way up to Lead Climbing so I can climb outdoors. (1) Key Takeaway Bouldering is What is your grade bouldering vs sport vs top rope? I know that some people boulder v4/5s but can't climb 10s because of endurance. ♥️ Top rope vs lead climbing - We look at what top roping is and what lead climbing is, whilst considering how they are similar and different. (Being ultra-durable, you will see many climbers still with the Ecrin Roc, but they bought it years ago) Today only the Vertex is offered, as well as one other model (I forget which). A lot of the climbers at the local crags look down on top roping as opposed to lead climbing. Even if you do all of your easier warm-ups on lead before moving to top roping, it'll make a difference! I'd also practice clipping off the wall. For lead climbing, a Grigri is more difficult to use correctly than an ATC; for top-rope climbing, the opposite is true. Given that huge difficulty gap between two places so close to each other, I'm always curious what my gym bases its (in my opinion) heavily featherbagged (consistently by at least 4 grades) ratings on. Apr 4, 2025 · It is useful for single-pitch climbing (lead or top-rope), gym climbing, moderate multi-pitch, and even aid climbing and ice top-roping. The obvious example is speed climbing, but between bouldering and sport climbing (lead and top) the gap has increased the last years due to the modern style of setting. I only do when my partner wants to go to the climbing gym. There are several things the leader has to take into account such as the weight of the rope to deal with, the difficulty of letting go with one hand briefly to clip, and the mental challenge of risk management with regard to falling and body position. If you feel safe taking lead falls on cams (BD 0. Should I just suck it up and lead climb or request they set up a top rope? Am I being too easy on myself? Jul 24, 2025 · Discover the key differences between bouldering vs lead climbing, including gear, risks, techniques, and which style suits you best. My claim is that you should get used to projecting on lead because when you're the person who has to lead outdoors for the group (typically me), you don't have the luxury of trying to top-rope it first, and so exposure to difficult flash/onsight leading is good mental training. The first is very large and has many rope walls with top ropes and lead climbing with some pretty fun looking features, but I’ve tried the bouldering there and it’s pretty shocking, it’s not even that there’s not much of it but it just very poorly put together with very little thought going into the routes and extremely small walls. The gym juggles the now-usual brand of offerings: birthday parties, youth camps, and adult classes, plus a multitude of top rope and lead routes alongside a small bouldering area. Most of my anticipated outdoor projects this year are at least double that length. Hit them back with "top roping isn't real climbing, only lead climbing is real climbing". " I think I'd only prefer static rope for top rope soloing, and even that is theoretical because in order for me to get the top rope up I first have to lead rope solo up there and therefore I'll still end up top roping on dynamic rope. I have been bouldering for the last two months and just started completing a few v3s, although mostly a v2 climber. By the time you've worn out your first rope you'll know what you want your second rope to do. Hey everyone, I've been climbing for about 7 months, so if I don't say something correctly I'm sorry! Recently within the past two months I have gotten into top rope climbing and I can confidently climbing 5. Feb 2, 2025 · There are significant differences between bouldering and top rope climbing from safety to health and cost. For a beginner I would recommend getting the cheapest rope that's climbing rated you can find. Any tips for outdoor climbing? Im pretty People who consistently climb 4+ days/week: how long did it take for you to reach that level, and what are your tips for sustainably recovering? A true suspension helmet with no foam is actually pretty hard to buy now. My biggest tips would be to lead vs. Ive only been top rope climbing at the gym twice and didnt go for any hard routes, just wanted to get comfortable being higher up on the wall and got too tired before trying to go up the grades. What is better static rope? Or slings? I was going to buy 2x 120cm slings and maybe like 6m of static rope for when I need a bit more? Is 6m enough? Should I buy more? Or 2 lots of static rope? Longer slings? More selection? It will mainly be top rope, but I have been learning to lead I recently gained my lead certification at my gym and I’m really excited! But yikes lead climbing is scary! I’m a very strong and capable climber (was top roping 12s before) but I get so in my head when I lead climb, I find myself resting at every clip and barely making it up a 10b. Jun 16, 2021 · The popular consensus is that bouldering is harder than top-roping and rock climbing, even though the three sports are fundamentally different from each other. Top Rope vs Top Belay? Pros/cons? Safety, ease of use, setup, cleaning. top rope whenever feasible to get better at learning to rest efficiently & feel more comfortable with lead. I have some friends that want to go out climbing tomorrow and I just feel really shitty because I am not as skilled as them. Roped climbing in any form takes more equipment- harness, rope, helmet, belay device and eventually QuickDraws and stuff to make anchors if you are going to sport or top rope outside. Did you climb the route without hang dogging or from bottom to top without weighting the rope? 7/7+ would be actually a bit impressive for a climbing first timer. And yes we are scared of falling. Sep 4, 2019 · Lead climbing is an extremely exciting and challenging part of the sport of climbing. 9, but have been wondering lately; Should I stick with top rope, or is it better to "cross train" on bouldering problems? Bouldering is short, intense climbing. The home of Climbing on reddit. Most outdoor climbing requires at least one climber to climb on lead, and many outdoor climbers consider lead climbing as ‘real climbing’. So far I've just been using rental gear at the gym, but I'm shopping around for harnesses and I have a simple question. Hello! I've been climbing for about 2 years now, but over the past 3 months have been going on a regular basis and getting more serious about it. Once you do get to the point where you can lead, grab the basics: 10-12 quickdraws 1-2 bail bieners 2 rap rings PAS 60-70m climbing rope locking carabiners atc/grigri With lead climbing you need to have more awareness of your feet. I'm thinking about buying my own lead rope to use in the gym. My question is, how can I improve my stamina and endurance without pumping out so quickly? I paid for a lead class through my local gym. What are different diameters for? What kind of core is preferable? Silly question: are certain colors for anything? What kind of length would I need if the walls at my gym are 50-60ft? Is there a preferred material? What kind of rating Feb 13, 2024 · Both lead climbing and top rope climbing have their unique techniques and benefits. Feb 21, 2025 · When it comes to indoor climbing gyms, Seattle’s Vertical World launched the concept in 1987, attaching holds with glue to vertical pieces of plywood. 11+ confidently in a gym setting. See full list on gearjunkie. Any tips and recommendations is much appreciated. lots of direction changes. However that means that I’m always climbing slightly below my top-rope ability. 274 votes, 101 comments. com Wondering whether to start with top rope or lead climbing? We break down the differences in setup, gear, skill level, and safety to help you choose. I forced myself to do some today but didn't leave feeling any better about it--actually managed to psych myself out on a top rope route after that. The majority of the people in my gym who boulder regularly actually climb outside and albeit sometimes they top rope, it's extremely rare. A perfect intro for all climbers. Climbers use the term 'climbing' as a catch all, but non-climbers are more likely to be familiar with "rock climbing" (which usually means top roping), and boulders will use rock climbing to mean climbing with a rope to differentiate it from Moved PermanentlyThe document has moved here. The real distinction between top roping and lead climbing is the belay system used. Plus I want to dip my toes in some lead climbing this season. Rope drag: depends strongly on the material available (sport climbing draws vs. In trickier positions it can take 2/3 times to get the rope latched in which is a massive drain on energy or I find myself falling which can knock my confidence. Sep 2, 2015 · In a nutshell: Top rope and lead climbing are methods for protecting a climb. I've been climbing inside and outside for just over two years now and recently went out and tried some (fantastic) Trad leads. Rope climbing is long, steady climbing at a much "lower" V grade equivalent that take insane amounts of endurance and strategy to get through in one shot. Ropes appear expensive so I want to make sure that I'm buying the right one. Comparing them is like trying to compare BMX biking and touring the country on a road bike. The Ecrin Roc can be found on rare occasion and is still used as rentals, but that's all backstock- they have ceased production. Bellevue has really good bouldering too but some of it is closed atm. The website for the community even strongly suggests avoiding top toping as they say it polishes the rock and has a strong negative impact on the crags. Reddit's rock climbing training community. It isn't as useful when weight matters, since it's a bit heavier than the lightest ropes. Learn to belay a lead climber, including how it differs from top-rope belaying. Why is this? Isn't top rope a little safer, as there basically aren't falls? Climbing lead is also different, you might want to work on endurance and footwork, you are holding your entire weight for the climb unlike top rope and you have to stop to place protection, precise moves will help prevent you from burning out. I would absolutely encourage you to top rope if it helps you feel more confident and/or safer, but make sure you are aware that there is always inherent risk in everything we do (not even just climbing). Dec 4, 2022 · Top rope climbing is a favorite amongst climbers because anyone can learn how to climb, it doesn’t require much gear to get started (indoors), and it’s relatively safe– so long as you take the standard safety precautions seriously. e. Of you get tangled in the rope and fall you can flip and get hurt! Also, you should be good at finding efficient rest stances for clipping and regenerating energy. Can someone please explain this to me? I am a novice climber, but I don't climb routes outside of my skill level or rest excessively on the rope. My gym does the lead test on a 5. It was two 3-hour sessions, the first session we only did lead+top-rope belay just to get the moves and feeling down, the second session we actually lead-belayed and had to take some pretty large falls to know how that felt. Also watch for abrasion, that’s what actually kills ropes. When belaying the same technique for "taking in" that is used with an ATC or similar device is used, however in the event of a fall instead of having to "lock off the device" the belay does nothing and the device locks by itself. I currently use my gym's lead ropes. Read about the basics of lead climbing, including what lead climbing entails, how to learn to do it and what gear is required. For many, learning to lead is the logical next step after getting comfortable on top rope, and is a means for someday leading trad or sport routes outside. alpine draws), rope technique (single / twin rope vs. You won't be discerning enough to tell the difference between it and a tip top Petzl 8mm. On top rope you don't need to think about the rope, clipping Just did my first top rope solo, would love to get some feedback on the system I used. or people who can climb 12s but can't boulder v3/4s. Understand the differences and advantages today. A couple of months just before I started rope climbing (had only been bouldering for a few years prior) there was an incident in another gym where the auto belay failed and the person fell to their death. May 22, 2025 · Both top-rope and lead climbing fall under the umbrella of rope climbing, but the transition between the two can be daunting and tricky to navigate. I like to use a conversion chart like this as more of an lower limit for a route grade. I have been strictly top rope so far and have gotten up to 5. I avoid repelling and use runners to tether when belaying (TR). They are probably safe, but occasionally I feel the rope is questionable or nearing end-of-life, and I don't want to die just yet (or get seriously hurt). It took me going through this to realize that those climbers I used to see leading hard routes didn't get to that point by TRing even harder routes; they got there by always lead climbing. For me it's a safety thing, as I don't entirely trust the gym's lead ropes. I do like using the lead wall, we have excellent setters. Let's discuss each phrase and why you might lead or top rope. My SO and I got into an argument about sport climbing. Keep reading to learn about top rope climbing and how to get started. Interesting. Also worth mentioning there is the grigri plus that has selectable options for top rope or lead climbing which increases the amount of friction needed to lock it out. Hey, any advice for a beginning lead climber? I just started lead climbing (indoors, hoping to move outside in a month or two) and I'm having trouble figuring out which clips to use when the route traverses. Feb 21, 2025 · Discover the differences between bouldering and top rope climbing, including safety, physical and mental challenge, cost, and social aspects. Top roping can be done indoors or outdoors, and is a popular style for beginners, as it allows climbers to focus entirely on their climbing technique without having to I started climbing while studying in Colorado, engaging in both indoor and outdoor climbing, top rope, and bouldering. 9). And the difference between top-rope and Lead, well that's a whole different topic, but essentially, it's the reverse of top-rope, because you are giving out rope as the climber climbs, rather than taking in the slack, in addition to a lot of extra things to pay attention to. 6. Jun 14, 2021 · Just staring off climbing and wondering, what’s the difference between top rope and lead climbing? What you need to learn the lingo! Hey fellow climbing humans, What climbing rope brands do you prefer? And what length did you go with for your first ever rope? I really want to get into lead climbing but so far I only have a harness. Unlike bouldering, you climb higher routes with more complex holds with an emphasis on endurance and mental strength in addition to technique and strength. Pretty much agreed with this. The friends of mine that I consider to climb moderate to hard on rope (8a to 8C+)-- of which I am not one, as an exclusive boulderer-- actually mostly boulder, and/or hangboard with a focus on strength not PE/E (the one's at the top of that range) for their "training" for rope. Each piece is essential for ensuring safety during climbs. half rope technique), experience in reading the best line through the pitch, and the pitch itself (straight line, no traverses vs. In my groups I'm the one who sets anchors (I know knots and how to dress them). I currently work in a climbing gym that offers bouldering, top rope and lead climbing. I ask the staff when I'm really not sure, but I'd like to stop pestering them. It’s totally normal for leading level to be lower than top rope level. Dec 10, 2024 · Bouldering and lead climbing are two exciting ways to climb rocks. Bouldering is about climbing shorter routes without ropes, using crash pads for safety. This post goes over the exact differences and the gear used. I started lead rope climbing about two months ago. Most of this distance is caused by the stretch in the rope, making the fall more comfortable and ‘dynamic’. What’s your opinion on lead vs top rope in regards to claiming grades? I was introduced into the sport by very proficient and experienced climbers who held the attitude that only leading was “real” climbing. Knowing the differences between these two styles can help climbers choose the best style for them. We cover gear, setup, safety, communication and technique. At Castle Rock I'll climb 10c top rope, 10b lead. While If you clip in with a carabiner, you should always use the belay loop, and never leg and waist loops. Now when I talk to folks at the gym about new, difficult routes, they say "yeah, I'll probably practice it on top rope for a while before I lead it. 8 - 5. 8, if you want to get comfortable practicing bring a mock rope with you and clip that while you are climbing top rope. What does r/climbharder think about this? Top Rope vs Top Belay? Pros/cons? Safety, ease of use, setup, cleaning. Prefer lowering top rope on ATC as well, gives me a more direct control (the GriGri handle is pretty sensitive). Dec 5, 2024 · Top roping requires more gear, such as a harness, rope, belay device, and sometimes quickdraws for lead climbing. Recently noticed lots of people don't understand where you clip from doesn't change the length of the fall, only how far from the ground you end up. Both styles offer adventure and growth. 3M subscribers in the climbing community. In this article we explain the pros and cons of each! So, what’s the difference between top roping and lead climbing? Top roping you’re supported from above, while lead climbing you’re always above your rope. For a gym, especially top-rope, new climbers tying the wrong knot or not finishing it up might be an even bigger safety concern though. I did a lot of hiking (including 14ers), looked up a lot about mountaineering, and tried caving twice. Most beginner's at my gym use the maxim equinox because its the cheapest rope that the local MEC carries. Any advice for how to overcome this anxiety? I love climbing and think leading is really fun, but so far I I started lead rope climbing about two months ago. if a route boils down to just a single boulder problem (roped bouldering, something quite common where I live) then the grade of that boulder problem determines how low the route can be graded. Hi! Just started climbing, and I've only done top rope and bouldering so far, but in all of the professional climbing I've seen, everyone is climbing lead. He is adamant that top-roping is absolutely NOT sport climbing. I'm pretty sure that there's nothing wrong with using a Gri-Gri for lead, as you can see it in use in most Sharma and Ondra videos :) I prefer the ATC myself, as I'm not comfortable with using the GriGri for belaying a lead climber. Nov 14, 2022 · Even though top roping setups still require a dynamic rope, the impact forces on you as a climber and on the climbing gear (a fixed anchor at the top) are much lower than those involved in lead climbing. I. The problem I'm having though is clipping the rope in quickly and efficiently. The highest grade I completed was a 5. You should definitely do both. : r/climbing Go to climbing r/climbing r/climbing Skinny ropes of all designations are fine for alpine climbing, just understand that you might have to retire the rope if you actually whip (worst case scenario). Am I wrong with assuming that lead climbing and top roping are encompassed within sport climbing? Reddit's rock climbing training community. Average diameter of rope when action direct (14d) was first sent was 10mm. . 5 C4 = 12 kN), you should feel safe top roping on the cordelette. Endurance built from rope climbing will help teach you and your muscles how to relax and recover for prolonged Bouldering sessions, and power from Bouldering may come in handy for harder rope routes. It's going great and I'm enjoying getting away from the overcrowded top ropes in the gym. This makes lead climbing both more dangerous and more difficult. I am a little weary about lead climbing for fear of falling/heights, but have decided to push myself regardless. Also hoping to get into outdoor eventually (baby steps). Dedicated to increasing all our knowledge about how to better improve at our sport. Given enough weight difference and not enough friction in the TR anchor, you absolutely need a weight sack for top rope, or you'll get pulled up when they let go at the top cartoon style. I Did you start out top roping or just straight into lead/sport climbing? I have lead only a couple of climbs (5. In this case, clipping into a pre-tied knot with a carabiner leave a lot less space for mistakes. Pretty sure most of the top grades in climbing, maybe save the 5. What if I fall? With an attentive belay, a top rope climber who falls should never fall more than a metre or so. The problem? I become nearly paralyzed with anxiety about actually climbing lead routes. I'm a year into climbing (gym, top rope) and recently learned and tested so I can lead climb at my gym. 15's, have been done on ropes right around the 10mm range. Vertical world's bouldering is just okay imo. Is there really any significant difference between a cheaper vs a more expensive model? Top rope climbing (or top roping) is a form of rock climbing where the climber is securely attached to a climbing rope that runs through a fixed anchor at the top of the route, and back down to the belayer (or "second") at the base of the climb. Lead Climbing: ATC vs GriGri vs etc. Top roping can be done indoors or outdoors, and is a popular style for beginners, as it allows climbers to focus entirely on their climbing technique without having to Apr 4, 2025 · It is useful for single-pitch climbing (lead or top-rope), gym climbing, moderate multi-pitch, and even aid climbing and ice top-roping. What method Been indoor climbing on and off for the last few years (top rope) and my partner and I are looking to take our lead course in the next two months. With this paycheck I’m going to buy some rope and bits to make anchors. Of course there are other ways to build power and endurance if you find you actually dislike one school or the other. But more broadly I agree the nomenclature is confusing. Any tips for preparing physically and mentally as we transition into lead climbing? New to indoor climbing. 1. Any tips on how to tell which clips to use? Mar 19, 2023 · Lead Climbing Lead climbing (also known as sport climbing) involves ascending a pre-determined route on a rock or artificial climbing wall with the help of ropes and harnesses. In the last 3 months I've started to sport/lead climb outdoors more often than I boulder and I found that I'm a fair bit better at lead/sport than I am at bouldering. I guess I went into the conversation as a somewhat ignorant climber that almost exclusively boulders, I consider climbing with ropes and safety gear (non-trad) to be sport climbing. The rope should be fine unless you are climbing the full length of the rope and don't have an extra length to make the anchor. May 27, 2025 · Discover what top rope climbing is, how it works, key gear, safety tips, and how it compares to bouldering and lead climbing. For top roping / lead climbing Vertical world Seattle and Edgeworks Bellevue are my two favorites because the walls are pretty tall and the setting is really good. 11-5. What method . So for instance if a route is basically just a V4 boulder problem then the So I'm going to start lead climbing in my local gym and I'm going to need a rope. Appalachian single pitch w top access via hiking. Dec 27, 2022 · Most commercial climbing gyms provide lead and top rope climbing. Nov 27, 2023 · This article compares top rope and lead climbing, discussing the differences in technique, equipment, mental and physical challenges, and risk. So I made a small graphic. If you simply want to get outside, learn how to set up a proper top-rope and simply TR things until you are with someone who can truly teach lead climbing. It’ll be my main focus/goal for this outdoor season. My climbing gym only has 24ft top rope/autobelay walls. Lead climbing involves climbing taller walls with a rope for safety. Just starting outdoor climbing. The only thing top rope and leading have in common are the moves you have to execute to finish the climb. nbl frbcsk szycv gdzfk qtgfq xvc mkce ojrbein clalqj grvthpo baxqht ybnc xibdfmhjm cnts hdgqo