UKH

I could buy 12 used Helium quickdraws for £65.

https://postimg.org/image/xk9tl6ncx/

However, they seem to be the older version, with the sewn-in rubber retainers which apparently brake easily in cold.

The other question is, which version it is, Helium I or Helium II. The difference: "a slimmer wiregate makes it easier to use, while improved clipping adds even more security".
Does anybody have experience regarding these differences? Do you know when the "Mk II" was introduced, so I can estimate the age.

Thanks

In reply to yellowsubmarine: I reckon those are 1s as they have a flat section in the wiregate...

In reply to beardy mike:

What do you mean by "flat section in the wiregate"? The Helium II is supposed to have a "a slimmer wiregate".

Does anybody have both versions and can post a pic for comparison?

In reply to yellowsubmarine: look at the linked webpage. The gate at the nose end is round wire. What you have linked has a flattened piece of wire at the nose end of the gate. Simples

http://www.wildcountry.com/en/helium-karabiner

In reply to beardy mike:
Thank you for clarifying!

I just do not understand why the manufacturer only mentions "A new slimmer wiregate enhances the ease of use".

I assume the round cross-section wire prevents the aluminium notch in the nose from developing sharp edges:
http://www.outside.co.uk/images/large/Wild-Country-Helium-2-Cleanlock-nose-...

I even found a "third" version of the wire with a cross-bracing:
http://cdn.outdoorgearlab.com/photos/11/94/240969_25425_XL.jpg

But I suppose this was the initial version, which I now found up for sale:
http://www.climbingextreme.com/wp-content/gallery/carabiners-and-quickdraws...

BTW, what do you think of this deal? I mean, just based on age I would probably need to replace the slings (according to manufacturer recommendations), but they still look pristine to use.

In reply to yellowsubmarine:

I've had 9 helium QDs for several years now and love them. Used in winter too but only one rubber tag is broke and that was me trying to move the sling. Have learnt now just to wet the rubber area with a bit of spit to lube the rubber before moving that's all.

In reply to yellowsubmarine:

Sounds decent enough to me? Although new draws will still cost you an extra few quid. Certainly better than you'll be able to buy in a shop. Just check for scoring in the rope bearing surfaces of the biners and if any are scored, carefully rub them back or reject them if they are really bad...