Journal

The Journal is dedicated to the sports and people that make Black Diamond what it is.

  • Wednesday, December 21, 2011

    QC LAB: Do ropes need to rest between falls?

    Before any piece of Black Diamond gear makes it on to the shelves, it spends months, sometimes years getting put through the wringer by our Director of Quality, Kolin Powick, and his team of Quality Assurance engineers. Through extensive and meticulous testing, both in the lab and in the field, KP and his team help ensure that you can count... [READ MORE]

  • Wednesday, November 23, 2011

    QC LAB: Wet vs. Dry runners, Part 2 - What about frozen runners?

      Before any piece of Black Diamond gear makes it on to the shelves, it spends months, sometimes years getting put through the wringer by our Director of Quality, Kolin Powick, and his team of Quality Assurance engineers. Through extensive and meticulous testing, both in the lab and in the field, KP and his team help ensure that you... [READ MORE]

  • Monday, October 17, 2011

    QC Lab: Wet vs. Dry runner strength

    Last week I was climbing a classic multi-pitch route in Big Cottonwood Canyon, 30 minutes from the Black Diamond Equipment offices. Clear skies upon arrival but true to the weather lately in the Wasatch there was a downpour mid pitch 2. When we met at the belay, my partner voiced his concern. “Our gear is soaked. Are these runners going to... [READ MORE]

  • Thursday, July 7, 2011

    QC Lab: To Screamer or not to Screamer?

    The following post comes direct from QA Manager Corey LaForge , who returned from a recent ascent of the Eiger Norwand with some questions about Yates Screamers that he promptly put to the test here in our lab.   A couple of months ago I climbed the North Face of the Eiger with some friends. On one particular pitch above... [READ MORE]

  • Thursday, November 4, 2010

    QC Lab: From the Archives

    Since we launched the Black Diamond Journal in 2009, we've had lots of requests for old QC Lab case studies from our Director of Global Quality, Kolin Powick . Ok, ok, we've heard you. Below are a few of KP's in-depth technical reports from our QC Lab archives.   "Is my rope still OK to use if I accidentally peed on it?"... [READ MORE]