ale5064344

I'm 5'4" with a 31" waist and found the large harness to be too large, especially around my thighs. I think it's safe to size down if you're right at the cusp of one size or another.

Otherwise, I find this harness to be really comfortable. I like the gear loops, the padded legs loops, and the extra loops to hold down excess straps. I think it fits nicely at my waist in a really comfortable position relative to my leg loops.

The only other complaint I have is that it isn't breathable at all. Sweat definitely will accumulate under the harness.

I only started climbing a month before I invested in my own gear. I knew I would be using the shoe primarily for gym climbing, and as a beginner I figured it would be wise to go with a less agressive shoe.

I've now owned these Evolvs for over a month, and I climb in them about three days a week. Though they are generally a good shoe (better than the rentals I was using), I have a few problems with them.

First, the shoes put a lot of stress on my big toes. I often find that my toes are so sore that I cannot fully bend them, something that I've never experienced before. The shoe fits me appropriately, so I don't think this is a fit issue but maybe a style issue. I have a fairly flat foot that isn't particularly wide, but I don't think the shoe is suited to my foot type.

Secondly, the shoes are completely flat. I thought that this would be appropriate for a beginner shoe, but there have been several times when I have wished I had a more aggressive shoe to be able to balance on tiny holds or provide some extra leverage. I will say that the only good part of having a flat shoe is the ability to smear.

I'm rating the Elektra 4 stars because I think it's a good shoe--comfortable enough, made well, etc. I just don't think it is all that effective if you are trying to really challenge yourself on new, difficult climbs.