Black Diamond Oval

Rated: 4 by 49 reviews.

Appalachain Outdoors

Black Diamond Oval Carabiner - Big-wall vets swear by Ovals since their smooth, uniform shape prevents carabiner "shift" when easing onto sketchy placements. Even if you’re not gearing up for the Captain, your rack should include some Ovals. Great for racking gear, clipping funky old bolt hangers or rigging anchors. FEATURES: Weight - 62 g (2.2 oz). Strengths - Closed Gate: 18 kN (4046 lbf). Open Gate: 6 kN (1349 lbf) Minor Axis: 7 kN (1574 lbf). Time-tested biner for big-wall and all-around use. Uniform shape prevents shifting. Large capacity for racking. Return Policy: Climbing equipment sales are final. In order to guarantee the life saving integrity of the climbing gear we sell -- theadventuresource.com cannot accept returns on any life safety climbing or mountaineering equipment.

USOutdoor.com

Big-wall vets swear by Ovals since their smooth, uniform shape prevents carabiner “shift” when easing onto sketchy placements. Even if you’re not gearing up for the Captain, your rack should include some Ovals. Great for racking gear, clipping funky old bolt hangers or rigging anchors.

Features:

  • Closed Gate: 18 kN (4046 lbf)
  • Large capacity for racking
  • Minor Axis: 7 kN (1574 lbf)
  • Open Gate: 6 kN (1349 lbf)
  • Time-tested biner for big-wall and all-around use
  • Uniform shape prevents shifting
  • Weight: 62 g (2.2 oz)

SummitHut.com

Big wall vets swear by Ovals since their smooth, uniform shape reduces carabiner "shift" when easing onto sketchy placements. Even if you're not gearing up for the Captain, your rack should include some Ovals because they are great for racking gear, clipping funky old bolt hangers or rigging anchors.

Features:

  • **Always read and understand the warnings and instructions that accompany your gear.**
  • Great price, save the cash to have your head examined.
  • Perfect for aid routes, etrier biners won’t shift in the basket.

Rock/Creek Outfitters

The Oval is the standard in strength and utility. With its large carrying capacity, it is equally at home carrying pitons on big walls or at hanging belays on free routes. The oval is very simple yet great for aid climbing and racking gear. Cold forged for strength and affordability.

Features:

  • Great price, save the cash for a road trip
  • Perfect for aid routes, no dreaded biner-shift

Backcountry.com

Big wall climbers, stop looking at those anodized new-fangled 'biners and pick up the time-tested Black Diamond Oval Carabiner. The Oval Carabiner's rounded design eliminates 'biner shift on aid placements and is ideal for racking gear on both trad routes and aid climbs. The Black Diamond Oval has remained unchanged for years. After all, why would you mess with something so simple and functional?


Moosejaw (Spring 2010)

The Oval Carabiner by Black Diamond is our tried-and-true classic. Symmetrical design resists etrier shift on big walls and is ideal for reversed-gate biner pairing. Good for use as a carabiner brake and for racking nuts and iron.

FEATURES of the Oval Carabiner by Black Diamond

SPECIFICATIONS:

Features:

  • Large carrying capacity
  • Proven symmetrical design
  • Uniform shape prevents shifting

REI

A favorite on gear racks for years, the Black Diamond Oval carabiner is a fine all-around choice.

  • Made from cold-forged 7/16" aluminum rod stock and individually inspected for quality and strength
  • Oval design offers a higher hauling capacity than D-shape 'biners
  • Symmetrical shape encourages runners to stay properly slotted in the curves of the 'biner


Oregon Mountain Community

The Black Diamond Oval: Big wall vets swear by Black Diamond Ovals since their smooth, uniform shape reduces carabiner shift. Utilizing a classic gate and nose interface, Ovals will also hold a fat rack of iron, stacks of nuts and tons of slings.


Marmot Mountain

Big wall vets swear by Ovals since their smooth shape prevents Carabiner "shift" when easing into dicey placements. A favorite since their invention by Raffi Bedayn in 1949, Ovals are great for racking a set of Stoppers or other gear.


Mountain Gear

Simple and inexpensive, the individually tested Oval carabiner from Black Diamond is perfect for just about any use. The round corners are nice for aiding since the load stays stable.


Campmor

Classic multipurpose oval design. Uniform shape great for big walls and racking. Individually tested. Polished silver finish. Weight 2.2 oz.

Strengths:

  • Closed gate: 18 kN
  • Open gate: 6 kN
  • Minor axis: 7 kN


Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS)

The traditional workhorse of many a climbing rack, oval carabiners feature a simple, cost effective design.

Features:

  • CE certifiedQ8 mm gate opening
  • Oval, straight-gate, aluminum carabiner

TahoeMountainSports.com

Black Diamond Oval Carabiner is the carabiner of choice for big wall pursuits due to its uniform symmetrical oval design, which reduces carabiner shift

Close Gate Strength:18 kn / 4046 lbf
Closed Gate Strength:18 kN (4046 lbf)
Country of Origin:China
Gate Open Strength:6 kN
Gate Opening:18 mm (0.71 inch)
Gate Opening US:18 mm / 0.71 in
Gate Type:Straight
Gate closed strength:18 kN
Gate open clearance:18 millimeters
Locking:No
Major Axis Strength:18 kN
Major Axis Strength (Closed):18 kN
Major Axis Strength (Open):7 kN
Manufacturer Warranty:1 Year
Material:Aluminum
Minor Axis Strength:7 kn / 1574 lbf
Open Gate Strength:6 kn / 1349 lbf
Recommended Use:Trad and big wall climbing
Rope Bearing Surface:7.8mm
Rope-bearing Surface:10.6 mm (0.417 inch)
Shape:Oval
Strength major axis closed:18 kilonewtons
Strength major axis open:6 kilonewtons
Type:straight gate
Weight:62 g (2.19 oz)
Weight (Grams):62 g

These are products that have been indicated being comparable to this product:

Omega Pacific ISO Locking Standard D Screwgate CarabinerOmega Pacific ISO Locking Standard D Screwgate Carabiner
Climbing > Carabiners
$9.50
Black Diamond Light DBlack Diamond Light D
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$5.90 - $48.49
Omega Pacific Locking OvalOmega Pacific Locking Oval
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$5.50 - $10.10
Black Diamond Lost ArrowsBlack Diamond Lost Arrows
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$17.95
Black Diamond Micro StopperBlack Diamond Micro Stopper
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$13.46 - $14.95
Black Diamond OvalWire CarabinerBlack Diamond OvalWire Carabiner
Climbing > Carabiners
$4.75 - $6.50
Black Diamond Quicksilver ScrewgateBlack Diamond Quicksilver Screwgate
Climbing > Carabiners
$7.90 - $8.50
Black Diamond Rocklock ScrewgateBlack Diamond Rocklock Screwgate
Climbing > Carabiners
$9.95 - $14.95
Omega Pacific Standard D CarabinerOmega Pacific Standard D Carabiner
Climbing > Carabiners
$7.15 - $7.50
Black Diamond StoppersBlack Diamond Stoppers
Climbing > Protection
$8.50 - $9.95

Black Diamond Oval Reviews Summary:

RatingNumber
of Reviews
523
418
36
22
10

Positive Reviews:

Great Carabiner

Rating:*****
These are simple biners great for building anchors for top rope/ Lead/ or rapping.
I have also had other uses for them; racking, belay stations, etc....

They're NOT FOR CHALK BAGS or HANGING YOUR SHOES.
(read other reviewer)

They were designed without lockers for a reason. To dock them a star cus they dont lock is like docking a star on a d-shape biner for not being oval or a static rope for not stretching, etc, etc.

BTW, they are oval so as to ensure a load is properly set along the spine and they is no shift in weight which can happen when creating anchors with D-shape biners.
Climbo! at REI on 10/26/2009

Great For Certain Things

Rating:****

For general purpose climbing biners, better designs have been around for some time now, but there are still a few things that these ovals are good for. I don't aid climb, so I can't speak to that, but I find that these are still the best choice for racking wires. The oval shape allows them to hold many pieces comfortably, and the huge gate notch can prevent a stray wire from falling off the biner when opening it. Also, these make a handy bail biner that is a bit less painful to leave up on a tough sport route than a $12 Helium or the like.

James C Watts at Backcountry.com on 07/12/2009

If it ain't broke, don't fix it

Rating:*****

We've all heard the battle b/w function, form, and weight savings on the good ole oval. The rub is that this biner performs for just about every purpose. It is a staple in my trad rack, essential for creating extension systems, and invaluable due to its durability. Heck, my dog's leash is 8mm cordelette and an oval. They won't fail you, but if you are keen on weight savings know you're looking at the heavier end of biners.

Gee Alsenz at Backcountry.com on 01/29/2009

old school still works

Rating:****
heavier than my computer. not really. but they are more solid than my computer. I mainly use them for slacklinin when i need two biners to lay smoothly flat next to each other and still maintain gait function. And affordable so i dont feel bad kicking them around in the sand on the beach or dirt in the woods when setting up the slackline.
Jordan at Moosejaw (Spring 2010) on 01/20/2008

The classic

Rating:*****
Excellent carabiner for anything related to mountaineering or climbing. The Petzl micro pulleys (the red ring that clips into a carabiner) are perfect for this guy. You can rack all of your pro with them, as well as setting up a minimalist slack line. I would recommend getting a whole bunch of them, just because they are so useful.
Nicholas at Moosejaw (Spring 2010) on 12/14/2008

I just trust Black Diamond. I have good reason too.

Rating:*****
Great Carbiner for anything. The gate opening is 3/4 and the inside is 3 3/8 in L. and 1 1/4 in W. all inside mesurments , not outside. I bought 2 of them and I should have bought 4. I will on my next order. They are super light weight and at 18kN they would hold a TANK.
Michael at Moosejaw (Spring 2010) on 07/02/2008

A Classic

Rating:*****

It's a great stand by 'biner that is good for just about anything, I have been able to find a million and a half uses for these, but they are the best when loaded with gear. I even carry a few with my rock rings so I can adjust the length on the fly, sweet!

Alex Angam at Backcountry.com on 11/03/2009

Great for slacklining

Rating:*****
I use these for slacklining, they are simple and cheap and they get the job done. I'd recommend them to anyone. The oval shape works really well for a slackline too because the line sits nice and even on it. Get it!!
Craig at Moosejaw (Spring 2010) on 06/06/2009

BD Oval

Rating:*****

I love these. Simple and functional. They wont shift when you load them, this will help keep you from crapping your pants while aiding in the valley. Every rack should have at least a few of these on it.

Matthew Cox at Backcountry.com on 03/23/2009

Great for top roping

Rating:*****
These are great for top roping and accessories. I've had a couple for many years and they are still in the same condition as the day i got them, no weakening of the hinge or anything...highly recommended
Mark at Moosejaw (Spring 2010) on 01/15/1910
Show all positive reviews...

Negative Reviews:

good price not strong enough

Rating:**
this type of carabiner is not allowed in most indoor rock gyms just for the reason that it dose not lock so i wouldnt use it in any indoor gym. also it dose not have a very good strenght so I wouldnt trust my life with it even though it dose with stand 18 kn of force.
Ben at Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) on 01/01/2008

eh...2 or.......5+

Rating:**

Ultra-classic. If you need 6000 biners, quality and price are right. Better technology exists. Perfect for rigging, slack-lining, aid racks, guiding/outdoor programs, and the like.

live4it at Backcountry.com on 03/29/2006

Neutral Reviews:

ok, versatile

Rating:***
I've used and trusted these for years. However, the almost identical Omega oval is slightly stronger and currently only 5cents more so I'd choose it over the BD. Ovals have the additional useful feature in that you can put four of them together and make yourself a "biner-brake" in the occasion you loose your rap device up on the wall. My buddies tease me for using such archiac 'biners, chiding me to replace my ovals with stonger and lighter weight designs. Slowly I'm doing this but I'll continue to carry at least 4 on my rack.
Guycan at REI on 09/23/2007

good for accesssories...

Rating:***
I have a few of these as a part of my climbing gear. They serve well to hold accessories (shoes, chalk bags, etc.), but since they are not locking, there abilities are limited. Better bet is to use screwgate carabiners, which are a bit more expensive, but much more versitle
OutdoorObcessed at REI on 09/18/2007

Classic, but I've found better for the $

Rating:***

I started using these to build my rack because they were relatively inexpensive; however, the Mad Rock Ultralight Straight Wire carabiner is just as inexpensive, lighter and easier to clip on sport climbs. These are great, but for the same price, you can do better.

Mike Merrill at Backcountry.com on 12/28/2009

Black Diamond Oval Carabiner

Rating:***

These biners work great for top-roping, carrying gear, and all kinds of other miscellaneous needs. I always carry a spare on my harness for the odd occasion.

geraldcf011103127 at Backcountry.com on 08/25/2009

do it all

Rating:***

Have one of these on me at all times usually. Comes in handy for a variety of uses. A Petzl Tiblock and gear rests on mine.

johngchrist at Backcountry.com on 09/05/2006

Good Utility Biner

Rating:***
great for attaching gear to the harness, but as your rack grows the weight begins to add up considerably.
twelvestringtex at REI on 09/12/2007