Mad Rock Super Tech Draw Express, 6 Pack Review

Was the Mad Rock Super Tech Draw Express, 6 Pack the Right Choice?

In the world of climbing, quickdraws are an essential piece of gear, acting as the intermediary between your rope and the protection you place on the rock. The Mad Rock Super Tech Draw Express, 6 Pack represents a specific approach to this critical component, aiming for a blend of lightness and functionality. This particular set caught my eye during a period of extensive route development and personal project climbing, where efficiency and minimizing rack weight were paramount. I was looking for draws that offered a solid feel and easy clipping without breaking the bank.

My previous rack consisted of a motley collection of draws from various brands, some of which were decidedly on the heavier side. This led to more fatigue on longer pitches and a general sense of carrying unnecessary bulk. The promise of a downsized version of a respected model, like the Ultra Tech, piqued my interest, suggesting a refinement in design without sacrificing core performance. My first impression upon unboxing these draws was one of pleasant surprise; they felt robust despite their apparent lightness, with clean finishes and well-formed carabiners.

I had briefly considered some other ultra-lightweight options, but many seemed to sacrifice gate feel or durability for the sake of a few grams. The appeal of the Mad Rock Super Tech Draw Express, 6 Pack lay in its perceived balance, offering a tangible construction that felt like it could withstand the rigors of real-world use. My initial reaction was a quiet sense of satisfaction, a feeling that I might have found a new workhorse for my rack.

Real-World Testing: Putting Mad Rock Super Tech Draw Express, 6 Pack to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of these draws took place primarily on sport climbing routes at my local crag, which features a mix of limestone and sandstone. This environment provided ample opportunity to clip and reclip through sequences, testing the gate action and the overall handling of the quickdraws. I also integrated them into a multi-pitch trad project, where the focus shifted to how they draped, clipped to gear, and handled the occasional tug from rope drag.

These quickdraws performed admirably across varied conditions, from sunny, exposed faces where the aluminum was warm to the touch, to shaded, damp cracks where a bit of moisture was present. The Super Tech Bent carabiner, in particular, proved to be a standout feature, offering a generous gate opening and a smooth, positive interaction with the rope. Even after repeated clipping and unclipping, the gates maintained their snappy feel, and the keylock noses prevented snagging on the rope or quickdraw webbing.

The ease of use was immediately apparent. There was no significant learning curve; the carabiners felt familiar, and the 10 mm dogbone provided just the right amount of stiffness and length to allow for clean clipping in awkward positions. A minor surprise was how well the keylock noses on the Super Tech Bent carabiner navigated my chalky fingers on particularly hot days; they didn’t feel slippery or prone to accidental release.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, these Mad Rock Super Tech Draw Express, 6 Pack quickdraws have become a staple on my climbing rack. They’ve been on countless sport routes, several multi-pitch adventures, and even used for general rigging tasks in a workshop setting. The aluminum construction has held up remarkably well, showing only minor cosmetic scuffs and scratches from regular contact with rock and gear.

Durability has been a strong point; there are no signs of the aluminum cracking or deforming, and the gates continue to operate with their original responsiveness. The 10 mm dogbone webbing has resisted abrasion, a common issue with thinner dogbones, and remains stiff enough to prevent unwanted flipping or tangling. I haven’t experienced any significant performance drop, which is a testament to their robust design.

Maintenance has been minimal, essentially involving an occasional rinse with water after a dusty climbing day and a quick check for any debris in the gate mechanism. Compared to some of the lighter, more minimalist draws I’ve used in the past, these Mad Rocks offer a far superior feel and durability for their weight class. They strike a solid balance, avoiding the fragility that can sometimes accompany ultra-lightweight gear.

Breaking Down the Features of Mad Rock Super Tech Draw Express, 6 Pack

Specifications

The Mad Rock Super Tech Draw Express, 6 Pack is comprised of six individual quickdraws, each featuring a combination of Mad Rock’s Super Tech Bent and Super Tech Straight carabiners connected by a 4 in x 10 mm dogbone. The carabiners themselves are forged from high-quality aluminum, contributing to their overall strength and light weight. Each draw in this set tips the scales at approximately 1 lb for the entire six-pack, which translates to about 2.67 oz per draw.

These specifications are crucial for climbers who prioritize efficiency. The Super Tech Bent carabiner, with its generous gate opening and keylock nose, makes clipping the rope or protection much easier, especially when fatigued or dealing with awkward body positions. The Super Tech Straight carabiner offers a reliable anchor point, and the 10 mm width of the dogbone provides a good balance between light weight and sufficient webbing thickness for durability and handling. The compact 4-inch length of the dogbone keeps the overall profile of the draw low, reducing the chances of snagging on features.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of a quickdraw is to facilitate smooth and secure transitions between protection points and the climbing rope. The Mad Rock Super Tech Draw Express, 6 Pack excels at this core function. Clipping into protection with either the straight or bent gate carabiner is consistently easy, with a satisfying “clack” that assures you of a secure connection.

The main strength of this set lies in the exceptional gate feel of both carabiners. The keylock nose on the bent gate is particularly noteworthy, smoothly guiding the rope or carabiner without any hesitation. The 10 mm dogbone strikes an excellent balance between being light and durable, providing enough stiffness to prevent the draws from twisting up too much on the harness. One minor weakness, if one can call it that, is that the straight gate carabiner, while functional, doesn’t offer quite the same effortless clipping experience as the bent gate counterpart.

Overall, these draws meet and often exceed expectations for their intended purpose. They perform reliably, feel robust, and contribute positively to the climbing experience without introducing any significant drawbacks.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Mad Rock Super Tech Draw Express, 6 Pack is functional and understated, focusing on practical utility. The use of aluminum for the carabiners provides a good strength-to-weight ratio, and the finish on them feels durable. The keylock noses are smoothly integrated, preventing snags, which is a critical ergonomic consideration when you’re reaching for a draw mid-climb.

Ergonomically, these draws are a pleasure to use. The profile of the carabiners is comfortable to grip, even with gloved hands or sweaty palms. The slight curve of the Super Tech Bent carabiner’s nose, combined with the smooth gate action, makes one-handed clipping significantly less of a challenge. The 10 mm dogbone is neither too stiff nor too floppy, allowing the draw to hang naturally from your harness without excessive tangling.

Durability & Maintenance

Under typical climbing conditions, these draws are built to last. For their intended use as climbing quickdraws, they are undoubtedly reusable and designed for moderate to heavy duty. The aluminum carabiners are strong, and the 10 mm dogbone webbing is robust against abrasion.

Maintenance is straightforward; a simple rinse with water and air drying is usually sufficient after a day out. It’s important to periodically check the gates for any grit or debris that could impede their smooth operation, though the keylock system tends to resist accumulating much. No major failure points have emerged in my experience, though like all carabiners, they will eventually wear with extreme use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mad Rock Super Tech Draw Express, 6 Pack comes as a complete set of six quickdraws, with no additional accessories included. The primary customization within this product lies in the selection of carabiner types – the inclusion of both Super Tech Bent and Super Tech Straight carabiners caters to different clipping preferences.

While the draws themselves are not directly customizable in terms of altering their length or carabiner type within the pack, Mad Rock does offer these carabiners and dogbones separately. This allows climbers to build custom quickdraws or replace worn components if needed. The compatibility with standard climbing ropes and protection gear is, of course, universal, as is expected for any certified climbing quickdraw.

Pros and Cons of Mad Rock Super Tech Draw Express, 6 Pack

Who Should Buy Mad Rock Super Tech Draw Express, 6 Pack?

The Mad Rock Super Tech Draw Express, 6 Pack is an excellent choice for sport climbers looking to build out their rack with reliable, functional quickdraws without overspending. It’s also ideal for intermediate climbers who are starting to invest in more specialized gear for longer routes or harder projects. Climbers who prioritize a good balance of weight and durability over the absolute lightest options will find these draws to be a solid addition.

Those who should perhaps skip this product are individuals who exclusively climb ultra-alpine routes where every single gram counts and specialized, lighter-weight gear is non-negotiable. Additionally, if you have a very specific need for mixed-length draws on your rack, purchasing this fixed-length set might not be the most efficient solution. For those seeking a comprehensive solution, pairing these draws with a good draw organizer could enhance their usability and keep them tidy on the harness.

Conclusion on Mad Rock Super Tech Draw Express, 6 Pack

The Mad Rock Super Tech Draw Express, 6 Pack stands out as a highly competent and well-priced option in the climbing gear market. These quickdraws deliver on their promise of a lightweight yet durable design, with carabiners that offer excellent gate feel and smooth operation. The inclusion of the keylock nose on the bent gate carabiner is a particularly user-friendly touch that significantly enhances the clipping experience in real-world climbing scenarios.

For the price, the value proposition is strong. You get a set of six reliable draws that are built to last and perform consistently, making them a smart investment for any climber looking to upgrade their rack. I would personally recommend these quickdraws to any sport climber or general trad climber who seeks a solid, dependable, and relatively lightweight option without venturing into the premium price bracket of some ultralight offerings. They are a testament to Mad Rock’s ability to produce quality gear that performs.