#3 on this list
Firefly II
Cypher
The Cypher Firefly II provides an accessible entry point for climbers looking to build out a functional rack on a budget without taking on the weight penalty of traditional entry-level gear. Stripping away unnecessary complexity, this draw relies on a pair of lightweight, hot-forged wiregate carabiners linked by a standard Dyneema dogbone. It is tailor-made for cash-conscious trad climbers, multi-pitch scramblers, and newer craggers who want capable equipment at roughly twenty dollars a pop. Despite its budget-friendly price point, the Firefly II does not feel cheap on the rock. The wiregate action is snappy and reliable, offering good gate clearance that makes rope and gear clipping straightforward. The lightweight construction keeps harness drag down across long pitches, and the included rubber keeper keeps the rope-end carabiner from spinning into hazardous cross-load positions. Wiregates also perform well in gritty crag conditions and cold weather, as there are no internal springs to foul with dirt or ice. The obvious trade-off is the exposed notch on the carabiner nose. Because it lacks a keylock shroud, the wire hook can catch on bolt hangers when cleaning steep sport routes or snag on wire gear and sling loops during trad transitions. Furthermore, the slender Dyneema dogbone is built strictly for carrying loads, offering little to grab onto when working a hard sequence or pulling past a crux bolt. **Highlights** - Very accessible price point lowers the barrier to building a full rack - Lightweight hot-forged wiregates help minimize harness sag - Durable Dyneema dogbone keeps overall weight around 2.6 ounces - Internal rubber keeper stabilizes the lower carabiner for consistent clipping - Resilient wire mechanism operates reliably in dusty or freezing conditions **Watch-outs** - Exposed hooked nose can snag on bolt hangers and gear during cleaning - Skinny dogbone is awkward and uncomfortable to grip during sport rests
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#4 on this list
Bulletproof Quickdraw
Edelrid
The Edelrid Bulletproof Quickdraw is a purpose-built tank designed to solve the chronic problem of carabiner grooving. While standard aluminum carabiners wear out rapidly from the friction of gritty lowering ropes and repeated falls on bolt hangers, the Bulletproof incorporates a hardened stainless-steel insert at the primary apex of the basket. This model is engineered specifically for obsessive sport climbers, crag developers, and anyone spending months projecting routes where gear takes an absolute beating. The construction pairs a Bullet solid-gate carabiner on the bolt hanger with a Bulletproof carabiner on the rope end, stitched together with a robust, wide polyamide dogbone. The steel insert virtually eliminates the sharp aluminum edges that typically retire sport draws early, making it the most durable climbing draw currently on the market. The wide sling is comfortable to grab when dogging up a route, and the Keylock nose profiles ensure seamless unhooking from bolts and ropes without hang-ups. The undeniable downside is weight. Tipping the scales at over 4 ounces per unit, carrying a baker's dozen of these on your harness creates an unmistakable drag. It is certainly not a draw you would choose for an alpine push or a long trad multi-pitch. It also commands a high price per draw, though many climbers justify the upfront cost by buying a couple of Bulletproofs specifically for the high-wear bottom clips or top anchors of their local projects. **Highlights** - Stainless-steel insert in the rope-bearing basket prevents rope-wear grooving - Beefy polyamide dogbone provides a solid, comfortable grab handle - Keylock closure on both carabiners ensures snag-free clipping and cleaning - Available with an integrated anti-twist rubber insert on the lower biner - Massively extends gear lifespan under heavy projecting conditions **Watch-outs** - Heavy at roughly 4.2 ounces per draw, making full racks cumbersome - High retail price makes it a specialized investment rather than a quiver-of-ten buy
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Firefly II | Bulletproof Quickdraw |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 2.6 oz (74 g) | — |
| Gate Type | Dual wiregate | — |
| Sling Material | Dyneema | Wide polyamide dogbone |
| Nose Style | Traditional notched nose | — |
| Price Point | Approximately $20 | — |
| Lower Biner Keeper | Integrated rubber retainer | — |
| Total Weight | — | 4.2 oz (approx. 119 g) |
| Rope Basket | — | Hardened stainless-steel insert |
| Gate Design | — | Solid straight and bent keylock gates |
| Primary Purpose | — | High-wear sport projecting and route rehearsal |
| Approximate Price | — | Around $46 per draw |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Firefly II
- Outstanding price-to-weight ratio makes building a rack affordable
- Snappy wiregate action performs reliably in freezing and gritty environments
- Lightweight 2.6-ounce build reduces fatigue on long multi-pitch leads
- Rubber retainer secures rope-side carabiner against cross-loading
- Exposed notched nose catches on bolt hangers and gear during cleaning
- Narrow Dyneema dogbone is awkward and uncomfortable to grab when resting
Bulletproof Quickdraw
- Stainless-steel insert prevents rope grooving and sharp burrs
- Stout, wide dogbone provides a comfortable grip when working moves
- Clean keylock noses prevent snagging during cleaning on steep routes
- Exceptional lifespan delays hardware retirement and saves money over time
- Heavy at roughly 4.2 ounces per unit, making full racks cumbersome
- High price per draw represents a substantial upfront investment
- Too heavy and specialized for alpine or trad multi-pitch climbs
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