isc 3/4 aluminum block or cmi stainless 3/4 block

[stzacrack]

New climber, last August started

I wanna buy a 3/4 block but I'm if I should get the isc blue aluminum block or the cmi stainless block and if there are real advantages either way

Honestly my main concern is that I've read opinions that the steel blocks side plates could damage my ropes but I'd like the pros opinions

Obviously gonna ask my crew leader and I already know he uses isc but I wanna know why not the stainless cmi for 60$ less?

Thanks

 

[Zale]

Because it's not as pretty.

 

[Pelorus]

The one and only time I had a rope get mangled by the side plate on one of my smaller CMI blocks, was a screwup that could have been easily prevented.
Justification to finally splurge on a DMM block I had been admiring for years...

 

[stzacrack]

Yea that's what I figured, I was also told the steel retains more heat from friction

I think I'll go for the cmi 3/4 for starters

 

[JeffGu]

If you want to save some money on an aluminum block, try the ESA one. They're $140 and pretty bombproof.