Black Diamond Circuit Crash Pad review lasted six months and put this bouldering crash pad to the test in several different environments it lasted long. As we have always known, Black Diamond has given nothing but the best to us. So the Black Diamond Circuit Crash Pad is one of the best bouldering Crash Pad according to us.
In general, this pad is best suited for low to mid-height boulder problems with safer landing zones and the fact that beginner boulderers usually start out on these types of problems makes it a great choice for boulderers looking for their first crash pad.
Circuit Crash Pad is a sturdy, durable, and well-designed product. The Black Diamond Circuit Crash Pad is the newest addition to Black Diamond’s long line of bouldering pads, and was engineered to be a cost-effective bouldering pad. Its closed-cell PE foam layer and bonded EVA layer make it lightweight but sturdy when it comes to impact protection. The Circuit’s suspension system is comfortable, with shoulder straps, a waist belt, and two side handles, and the hinge-style fold allows it to be easily transported. A square corner design with metal buckles and snap-on closures makes the Circuit the perfect companion for other pads, and it’s available in two colors in a compact package.
Table of Contents
Performance
PROTECTION & PADDING
For an entry-level crash pad, the BD Circuit Crash Pad has average dimensions and thickness. Do not, however, consider that average to be a bad thing. Padding is sufficient for low to mid-height problems.
With Black Diamond Circuit Crash Pad, every fall you will take will result in a soft landing. Nothing will happen to you. On landing, rocks and roots can poke through pads with hinge closures, such as the Circuit Crash Pad. Consider this gap when padding your problems if you decide to buy the Circuit Crash Pad.
There is enough surface area on the Circuit Crash Pad for you to comfortably use it as your only pad on highballs or problems with falling potential. It’s always recommended to take the Circuit Crash Pads out with other pads (regardless of which pad you purchase) to increase the level of protection.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a regular-sized pad, the Circuit Crash Pad is just what you need. You’ll probably need to spend more money if you need a large surface area or more than four inches of padding .
PACKING
In our opinion, the Circuit Crash Pad wasn’t designed to carry a lot of gear. As there is no closure flap at the bottom (just a strap), there is a possibility that small pieces of gear will fall out when hiking. Large items, such as climbing shoes, can easily be stuffed into the middle of the pad and cinched shut. However, small items such as climbing brushes or rolls of climbing tape may fall out.
Bringing your small items in a backpack, placing it in between the crash pad’s two halves, might solve this issue. Alternatively, you could wear the backpack across your chest and the pad on your back. We prefer this option, and the Impact is so light that we can carry another bag at the same time.
DURABILITY
As we approach the end of the six-month testing period, the foam remains as protective as ever and the pad shows no wear. The pad would look brand new if we washed off the dirt and chalk. Since Black Diamond is known for quality and long-lasting products, the high price point might reflect the longevity of the pad.
After using it for so many months, some threads have frayed, which is pretty typical after many months, but we’ll keep an eye on them and update this section if any new durability developments arise. However, the pad hasn’t had any problems so far.
Features
- An PE foam layer bonded to PU foam of high compression
- Metal buckles with a three-strap closure system
- Coated 900D nylon with PU
- This pad folds in a hinge style for easy transport – making it a compact size
- The Square corners gives us a coverage when paired with other pads
- Ships only to 48 lower contiguous states via FedEx ground
Advantages
The Circuit Crash Pad from Black Diamond combines simplicity, durability, and well-designed features. Padded, durable shoulder straps; easy-to-hook metal buckles; and side handles for moving pads quickly from place to place. Impact stands out from other entry-level pads thanks to its design and user-friendliness.
Additionally, it just looks cool. This even comes in many colour combinations. When fellow boulderers saw the Black Diamond Circuit Crash Pad, they praised its clean design.
The Black Diamand Circuit Crash Pad is also extremely lightweight compared with other crash pads. With a weight of under ten pounds, it’s among the lightest. Crash pads of similar size can weigh almost twice as much.
Disadvantages
Crash pads often come with a strap that you can buckle across your chest. There is none on the Circuit Crash Pad. It isn’t something we missed, but it still deserves to be mentioned for those who might want it.
Second, the bottom flap is not functional for storing gear. You’ll need to rethink your approach if you’re used to carrying all your loose gear in your crash pad. The two solutions mentioned above are to place all the loose gear in a pack that sits between the pads or wear the pack across your chest.
Product Specifications:
- Weight: 3.775 kg (8 lbs 5 oz)
- Dimensions:
- Folded:
- Height: 89cm
- Width: 20cm
- Length: 60cm
- Open:
- Height: 89cm
- Width: 10cm
- Length: 120cm
- Closure: Hinge
Final Thoughts
It is a quality crash pad overall, the Black Diamond Circuit Crash Pad. This is undoubtedly one of the best entry-level crash pads on the market with regards to durability and design. Due to its standard dimensions, it is a little pricey, so it is not for everyone. Check out the Mad Rock Mad Pad if you’re looking for an affordable, standard-sized pad. Although, if you’re willing to spend a little more to get a durable and well-designed crash pad of standard size, the Black Diamond Circuit Crash Pad is The Perfect One. So if you want to know more check here, Black Diamond Circuit Crash Pad!
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs):
How do I choose a Crash Pad?
To choose a crash pad you need to check the following:
Foam
Foam Type
Cover
Pad Height
Foam Usage
How many Crash pads do we need for bouldering?
An impact is harder when a boulder is higher than the ground. It is important to make your landing 2 to 3 crash pads deep even if your landing is quite flat.
How thick should a bouldering mat be?
Ideally, your first pad should be an all-rounder so that it’s 10 – 13 cm thick and has two layers of foam. The quality of the foam is important for durability, but you can’t tell until you use your pad a few times.
Can you go for bouldering alone?
If you want to know, if you can go for bouldering alone you need to check this article.
