North Wall
Crystal Lake, IL http://www.climbnorthwall.com/
*This review needs to start out with the caveat that North Wall is primarily a bouldering gym. Yes, they have top and lead roping routes but if roping is your thing you might get bored after an hour. This is such a great bouldering gym that it more than compensates for anemic roping. They have some of the coolest and challenging features we have seen in a gym. So if you prefer bouldering, check it out and if you prefer roping, put down your harness for a day or two and check out the bouldering. North Wall is that good.
-Staff: excellent. The staff members we met were great; friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, and very chill. They answered all our dumb questions, and pointed out routes and such they thought we might like. A great experience.
-Cost/rental equipment: good. North Wall’s prices are okay, but if you need more than shoes then you are there to rope. Don’t. Just get some shoes and tackle North Wall’s features.
-# of routes/space usage: excellent. Again, keeping in mind we are talking about the bouldering, North Wall has a metric ton of routes to climb and they pack the walls without making them cluttered. So many routes.
-Route markings: good. The routes can sometimes get a little confusing because there are so many of them, but that means you just need to check the route before you climb. Our beef is really with the rankings. When we were there, some of the difficulties were not posted and for moderate beginners like us, it is nice to know what you are going to attempt before you spend time and energy on a problem.
-Merch: good. The merch counter has a reasonable amount of shoes, gear, vids, shirts, food, and drink for its diminutive size. While there, we were able to purchase everything we needed or wanted and the prices are great.
-Extras: fair. Slack line, classes, kids camps, ropes, and some kick-ass locals make this bouldering gym far above average. First-timer, climber, traveler, or local, you need to get your flabby butt over to North Wall and witness what a creative owner and staff can do with a gym. Go. Go now you fool!
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