Black Diamond Hotwire Review

Likes
The Black Diamond Hotwire scored well in most categories. It scores above average for ease of clipping. It held three figure eight knots very well (it's roomy). As with all biners with the wire-gate design the gate is less likely to get frozen shut on alpine routes and the slightly hooded nose helps protect gate from getting inadvertently rubbed/pushed opened.

Dislikes
As with most carabiners with the wire-gate design the notch gets caught up on the bolt hanger when cleaning steep routes. The notch also gets caught up when racking nuts.

Best Application
This is an all-around carabiner light enough for trad or even big wall climbing but just the right medium size to be easily to clipped on a sport route or with a gloved hand on an alpine route.

Value
Overall toward the good end of value. Not one of the cheapest biners but not the most expensive either. Because it is so popular, you might find it on sale in our Price Finder.