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Black Diamond Momentum AL

rated 4.5 of 5 stars
photo: Black Diamond Momentum AL sit harness

First harness I ever bought and after all this time I still find myself going back to this harness.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Simple
  • Best for indoor/sport climbing
  • Inexpensive

Cons

  • Double-backing

This harness works great! It's easy to take on and off and everything works just like it should. The four gear loops can store enough draws for a day of sport climbing or all your nuts, draws, and cams for trad. 

The Momentum AL harness gives all climbers the comfort and durability that Black Diamond is known for. The harness has a traditional waistbelt buckle and adjustable leg loops, which uses a simple slide adjuster to provide a wide range of fit.

From the Black Diamond website: "The waistbelt is built with our Dual Core Construction, which uses two slim bands of high-tensile webbing on the outer edges of the waistbelt and a venting OpenAir foam insert in the center to offer breathable, lightweight comfort without pressure points." And it lives up to all of this. I have never had a single problem with the fit of this harness.

Even after scraping this harness on rock and holds alike, I haven't had a problem with fraying or loose stitching. Overall, everything on this harness is extremely well made and easy to use. The only thing I don't like is the double-backing, but not enough to not give it five stars.

I've used this harness on weekend trips to Sandrock, Foster Falls, and Yonah and also every time I climb indoors; I have yet to have any problems! I would recommend this harness to anyone!

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $44.95 USD

This is my first harness and it's great. I thought I'd have to spend a lot more to get something this nice. I don't expect to buy a new harness for a long time.

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • Comfortable
  • Simple

Cons

  • Difficult to get waist really tight
  • Not a lot of padding

I went to the store and tried on a few different harnesses and the Black Diamond Momentum AL was just as comfortable as the more expensive ones. It's a simple design but has a few nice features that make me glad I bought it.

The gear loops are bent out from your body which makes it easier to clip to one-handed and without looking.

The leg straps have elastic tensioners that tighten easily but still don't constrict your thighs.

The only bad thing about it is that it can be a pain to get the waist really tight. Once you have it tightened and doubled-backed though, it feels secure and doesn't loosen. 

I've only used this harness on two days of climbing so far, but there is no sign of wear. It's a Black Diamond, so I expect it'll hold up well.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $49.95

Feels good, comfortable to just sit in as well as climb in. Would have liked a little extra webbing for the waist fastening though as it's a pretty tight fit (I'm a 34" toned waist and it's very snug) and the buckles are not quick to tighten (not a major problem unless you're planning on taking it off and on a lot).

Not sure what the elastic velcro bit is for at the front, doesn't seem to fit a purpose especially as when you stretch it open to put it on, it detaches, and when it's attached, it doesn't seem to do a great deal...

All in all though, I'm very happy with it.

Price Paid: $29.99

Sweet Harness. It is my first harness. I have had it for almost two years. I use it for both alpine and rock climbing. It seems to be holding up nicely.

Pros:
Some padding, fairly light, plenty of gear loops, easy to put on and adjust.

Cons:
If you are hanging from it for a long time, not enough padding where you need it.

I would buy it again. The price is right.

Price Paid: $40

This is a great harness. It was my first one ever to own. It is very comfortable I hardly have any problems with it. I can also adjust the straps around the legs which was a big feature for me that I liked.

I would recommend this harness so anyone who is looking to get started in climbing. It is great and is a reasonable price.

A great harness. It has served me well for over a year now. It has everything you need, plus comfort. I have already recommended to many of my friends and they have all had nothing but good to say as well.

Price Paid: $45

Most of the time I love this harness. It's solid and well built, but on a hanging belay this harness really could us some improvement with the padding placement.

Price Paid: $59.95

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Specs

Price MSRP: $44.95
Historic Range: $17.99-$54.95
Reviewers Paid: $29.99-$59.95
Product Details from Black Diamond »

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