REASONS TO BUY
Comfortable
Intuitive to use
Durable
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy
Bulky
Yates Speed Wall Ladder Review
One of the best ladders we have used
Yates Speed Wall Ladder
Credit: Yatesgear.com
RELATED: Finding the Perfect Big Wall Aiders
Our Verdict
The Yates Speed Wall Ladder is a lighter and thinner version of our Editors' Choice winner, the Yates Big Wall Ladder. The steps are 1" wide compared to the Big Wall Ladder's 1.75" steps. That means this aider is not as comfortable to stand in for hours but is lighter when clipped to the side of your harness. While the Big Wall Ladder comes in a 6-step and a 7-step length, the Speed Wall Ladder only comes in a 6-step length (67"). This is the aider Ammon McNeely uses to set El Cap speed records.
Overall we prefer the Yates Big Wall Ladder to the Speed Wall Ladder because it is more comfortable and is only a little heavier. But it's personal preference. McNeely prefers the Speed Wall because he likes a lighter aider. Chris Mac prefers to take a heavy, comfortable aider for the aid-intensive walls and a light aider like the Petzl Wall Step Etrier for free-intensive walls. But if you only want one aider that is versatile, it is hard to go wrong with the Speed Wall Ladder. It's comfy, durable, and not too clunky when free climbing. Another ladder to consider is the Metolius 8-Step Ladder Aider, which is even lighter but lacks a spreader bar.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Yates Speed Wall Ladder | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  |  |  | ||
| Price | $66 List $66.00 at Amazon | $77 List | $39.95 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $30 List $33.00 at Amazon | $35 List |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Comfortable, intuitive to use, durable | Comfortable, intuitive to use, durable | Great top-stepping, comfortable, good value | Surprisingly comfortable webbing width, low bulk, good value | Great value, light, very durable |
| Cons | Heavy, bulky | Heavy, bulky | Not as durable | Bottom step flips inside out | No sub top step |
| Bottom Line | One of the best ladders we have used | The best big wall aiders we have used | The best value we know in an aider | ||
| Rating Categories | Yates Speed Wall La... | Yates Big Wall Ladder | Metolius 5 Step Aider | Metolius Alpine Aider | Fish Smart Aider |
| Comfort (35%) | |||||
| Ease of Walking up (35%) | |||||
| Ease of free Climbing (10%) | |||||
| Top stepping (10%) | |||||
| Durability (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Yates Speed Wall La... | Yates Big Wall Ladder | Metolius 5 Step Aider | Metolius Alpine Aider | Fish Smart Aider |
| Style | Ladder | Ladder | Etrier | Etrier | Etrier |
| Weight | 13.6 oz | 15.6 oz | 11.2 oz | 6.8 oz | 9.0 oz |
| Step Width | 1" | 1.75" | 1" | 0.8" | 1" |
| Length | 67" | 67" | 75" | 60" | 72" |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year | unknown |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
Likes
The Speed Wall has the same great spreader bar as the Yates Big Wall Ladder. This sturdy plastic pipe keeps all the steps more open and eases the pressure on the sides of your foot.
The steps are relatively close together which allows you to rest on two feet (one foot in a lower rung). This is a good position to search for gear and organize. Then, when it's time to place the next piece, you move onto just the top foot for maximum reach.
Dislikes
These aiders are heavy and bulky. They also get caught in cracks. They are not ideal for a free intensive wall like The Nose. Yes, they are lighter than the Big Wall Ladder, but not by that much.
Best Application
These are ideal for more aid-intensive walls like Zodiac if you don't want the bulk of the Yates Big Wall Ladder.
Value
This aider is a pretty good deal only a little more expensive than the Metolius Aider and Aid Ladder.
—
Chris McNamara
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