The Express Set is used for climbing and mountaineering. In detail, it is a connecting means between the rope and the climbing hook in the wall. In the climbing gyms, the fasteners come as solid furnishings that hang by means of a screw member (Maillon rapide) on the walls, are used. When climbing in the nature, the climber must carry the Exen with him. The Exen consist of 2 carabiners, which are connected by an express loop. Because every climber needs more than one Exe, there are practical sets in the trade.

Express sets in different designs

The express sets in retail do not differ only in terms of price. They contain different numbers of exes (mostly between 8 and 10) with different loops. There are sets for beginners, express sets for multi-pitch rides and sets for ice climbing. The Express sets are characterized by a different load capacity and the loops consist of either polyamide or polyethylene. Before buying, climbers should pay attention to 3 things: on the material and the length of the sling and on the carbine, The material of the sling is the main difference between the individual express sets in the trade.

For beginners is generally suitable Express Set , The set should contain at least one longer noose. On Express Set consisting of 8 to 10 Exen in the usual lengths is sufficient for most purposes. If the route is longer, the climbers should have one to two more. For multi-pitch tours are Exen, which have a carabiner with a large snap opening. These work well with the thicker double ropes. Some carabiners have a snap opening with a nose, and these are less adept at multi-pitch rides. Instead, nosefree carabiners should be used. When climbing in the ice, wire snappers are best. An additional shock absorber ensures a reliable reduction of the impact force and this is very advantageous for a questionable safety point. The breaking load value for the opened snapper should be as high as possible.

What should be considered when buying an express set

The express sling is made of either polyethylene or polyamide. The latter buyers recognize that the loop is wider (between 11 to 16 mm) and that the material is colored. The polyamide is also known as nylon. Slings made of polyethylene are significantly thinner (between 8 and 11 mm) than the loops made of polyamide. Since the fiber is smooth, the material can not be dyed. The loops made of polyethylene are mostly white or have small colored parts. Buyers thus recognize the visual difference between the two materials easily. The loops of an exe hold a maximum breaking load of 22 kN. Due to the smaller width, the loops made of polyethylene are lighter. Nevertheless, the loops made of the wide polyamide are more popular because they are easier to grip. The exes in one Express Set are different lengths and this has several reasons. The snapper of the carabiners must not rest directly on the rock due to the risk of breakage. With a longer loop the climber usually lies over the edge of the rock. If the climber uses exes, then the course of the rope in the climbing route is straightened if the hooks are not exactly on top of each other. In alpine climbing and in multi-pitch climbing it is an advantage to use longer exes. With regard to the breaking loads, there are great differences in the carabiners. In the longitudinal direction, a standard-compliant carabiner must withstand at least 20 kN, with an open snapper and in the transverse direction only 7 kN. These values ​​must not be undercut.