I’ve seen the difference a single degree can make, but it’s rarely just the angle. It’s how the surface reads light, how dust settles, how the edge feels under your fingers. If you’re tinkering with gadgets, make them flexible enough to follow the rock’s own lines rather than forcing your own shape onto it. That’s what keeps the grip solid.

Sounds risky, but if you’re doing it, make sure you keep the test area clear. A sensor that scrambles the surface could catch you off guard and you’ll just end up falling for a simple slip. Dust is only a nuisance if you let it get into the gear—keep your tools clean and the line tight. A good idea is to test on a mock surface first, not on a real wall. Then you can tweak the angle and see what really matters without endangering yourself or the climb.