The Metolius 5 Step Aider is the best etrier-style aider we have tested. Chris McNamara has used this aider on more walls than any other aider and says it is comfortable and easy to walk up in due to its reinforced Biothane step. It is also the best aider at top-stepping of all the aiders we have tested because of the many sub steps. The only downside is durability, which only matters if you climb a ton of walls. Also, it is not quite as comfortable as the ladder-style aiders with spreader bars.
This review of the 5 Step Aider also applies to the 4 Step Aider. The only difference between the two is that the 5 step has additional step that adds 12 inches to the length. Chris normally uses the 4 Step except when doing hard aid, where the 5 Step is better. Also, if you are taller than 6 feet, you might prefer the 5 Step for all applications.Metolius 5 Step Aider Review
The best value we know in an aider
Photo: Metolius
Price: $37 List | $34.95 at Backcountry
Compare prices at 2 resellers Pros: Great top-stepping, comfortable, good value
Cons: Not as durable
Manufacturer: Metolius
Compare prices at 2 resellers Pros: Great top-stepping, comfortable, good value
Cons: Not as durable
Manufacturer: Metolius
By Chris McNamara ⋅ Founder and Editor-in-Chief ⋅ Feb 12, 2010
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Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Metolius 5 Step Aider | |||||
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| Awards |  |  | |||
| Price | $34.95 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $50 List | $49.95 at Amazon | $29.95 at Amazon | $35 List |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Great top-stepping, comfortable, good value | comfortable, intuitive to use, durable | Comfortable steps, easy to walk up, big grab loop | Surprisingly comfortable webbing width, low bulk, good value | great value, light, very durable |
| Cons | Not as durable | heavy, bulky | No spreader bar | Bottom step flips inside out | no sub top step |
| Bottom Line | The best value we know in an aider | One of the best ladders we have used | |||
| Rating Categories | Metolius 5 Step Aider | Yates Speed Wall La... | Metolius 8 Step Lad... | Metolius Alpine Aider | Fish Smart Aider |
| Comfort (35%) | |||||
| Ease Of Walking Up (35%) | |||||
| Ease Of Free Climbing (10%) | |||||
| Top Stepping (10%) | |||||
| Durability (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Metolius 5 Step Aider | Yates Speed Wall La... | Metolius 8 Step Lad... | Metolius Alpine Aider | Fish Smart Aider |
| Style | Etrier | Ladder | Ladder | Etrier | Etrier |
| Weight | 11.2 oz | 13.6 oz | 11.8 oz | 6.8 oz | 9.0 oz |
| Step Width | 1" | 1" | 1" | 0.8" | 1" |
| Length | 75" | 67" | 75" | 60" | 72" |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year | unknown |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
Likes
This is one of the most comfortable etrier-style aiders to walk up because of the Biothane Step Stiffeners — that black plastic-like stuff that we think is just a fancy name for urethane. It keeps the steps open, sturdy underfoot, and keeps sides of the aiders from squeezing the sides of your foot. The Biothane also helps keep the steps open. The only downside to the Biothane is that it seems as though the steps are a little more likely to twist themselves inside out, especially the very bottom step, which seems to want to be twisted inside out more than it wants to be open. This is annoying at times, but it happens with all aiders — just more with this one.
Of all the aiders we tested, this was the best for top-stepping for two reasons: 1) there are a good number of sub-steps and 2) the top sub-step is located higher than on any other aider we tested, meaning that this aider gives you the biggest reach in the highest step. In addition, the grab loop is big enough that you can slide your foot in it for "super top-stepping."
Dislikes
The same Biothane Step Stiffeners that keeps the steps open also mean the steps are a little more bulky for free climbing. Also, the Biothane seems to get more jammed in cracks below you than an aider without plastic-like step stiffeners. This is not a big issue if you are on a mostly aid big wall. But if you are doing a more free-climbing intensive wall such as Half Dome or Touchstone Wall, it will be annoying to free climb with these clipped to the side of your harness.
We have used these aiders a lot. They hold up great except for the most important spot: the stitching that holds the steps in place wears out after about 10 Grade VI walls. This causes the step to "zipper" open. This is not an issue for most climbers because most climber won't climb 10 Grade VI walls in their lifetime. Chris Mac contacted Metolius about this many years ago. They were responsive but said that not many other people had this problem. Chris says, "I think (and I am guessing here) the challenge for them is the ability to put bar tacks through the Biothane. They only have two bar tacks on the upper side that gets the most force while they have four bar tacks on the bottom, which doesn't have to deal with as much."
Best Application
This is a great all around aider. It works great for super hard aid (Chris used them on Reticent Wall and most hard walls he has done). They also work well for less aid-intensive walls because they are not too heavy (although not super light either).
Value
This is the best buy for aiders. You get a lot of very comfortable aider for $37. The Petzl WallStep is only slightly higher-scoring but double the price.
— Chris McNamara