piperwells•1mo agoProlific Poster

My close call with a failing harness changed how I see used equipment

I used to think worn gear was still safe. When a main strap snapped, I dropped a few feet. I only use certified stuff now.

3 comments

3 Comments

brooke5281mo ago

Is new gear always safer than used?

the_max1mo ago

Remember that car seat my sister got from a trusted friend? Looked perfect but was actually past its expiration date by two years. Makes you wonder how many people are rolling around with gear that seems fine but could fail. Sometimes new just means you know the full history, you know? But then again, my old climbing harness has years left because the previous owner barely used it. Guess it comes down to knowing what to check for on used stuff, or do you just never really trust a previous owner?

brian_coleman1mo ago

That bit about the climbing harness made me think of my old bike helmet. Looked fine, no cracks, but it took a hard fall off a garage shelf and my buddy said the foam inside could be messed up even if you can't see it. So now I'm that guy who just buys new helmets every few years. But with something like a bike rack? I'll buy that used all day long. It's all about what could kill you if it fails quietly.