Wild Country is soon changing the official product lifetime. The potential lifespan of metal products is unlimited; however, since the effective lifespan depends on multiple factors we recommend replacing these products after maximum ten years. Under extreme conditions the lifespan can be reduced to a single usage.
Products manufactured from synthetic fibers are subject to ageing even when not used. This ageing depends mainly on environmental conditions as well as the impact of UV light.
Product Life Time
The lifespan of the product is dependent on a number of factors, such as the manner and frequency of use, UV exposure, moisture, effects of weather, storage conditions, and dirt (sand, salt, etc.). Under extreme conditions the lifespan can be reduced to a single usage or even less, if the equipment has suffered damage (for example during transport) before ever being used. Please note: Products manufactured from synthetic fibres are subject to ageing even when not used. This ageing depends mainly on environmental conditions as well as the impact of UV light.
All metal products: The potential lifespan of metal products is unlimited, since the effective lifespan depends on the previously mentioned factors. We recommend replacing these products after maximum ten years.
Products with textiles: Faded or abraded fibers, any discoloring and hardening, or any irregularities in the core are a sure sign that the product should be taken out of use.
Indications of the product's maximum lifespan:
Frequency of use | Durability |
Never: Correct storage | up to 10 years since production |
Once or twice a year | up to 7 years |
Once a month | up to 5 years |
More times a month | up to 3 years |
Every week | up to 1 year |
Almost daily | up to 0.5 year |
We have set up a sling replacement service in North America and are working on establishing one for Europe as it is requested from our customers.
Comments
So if one climbed every other day, WC recommends reslinging your cams every six months? A service not currently offered in Europe.
Sounds expensive.
The guidelines just don't seem to relate to how people actually use their gear. My sense is that most climbers would reasonably expect to use their gear regularly (say, up to three times per week during the season, tailing off as it gets wetter) and go 5 years at least before even thinking about replacing cam slings, whilst many climbers would expect longer that that. I feel like this either needs a less conservative set of guidelines or some context as to why lifespan has been calculated as being so short.
What is "usage"? Carried up, but not placed? Placed but not fallen on? Placed and fallen on? Used to build a belay? Used to build a belay that is then used to haul an injured second?
Exactly, my camalots are 8 years old and will be reslung this winter. To suggest that they need to be reslung every 1-3 years as per their matrix is ridiculous, particularly as they dont offer that service.