New device from ISC

[SoftBankHawks]

Does this device have a similar feel and responsiveness in both SRS and MRS? I have found that certain devices that really shine at SRS can be unbearable sluggish in MRS.

I also want to thank you and tell you how incredible helpful your experience and insights have been concerning the Reflex.

The Akimbo literature says it is a device for both, but we all know that isn't true. The Uni is, and i'd say it is a sluggish device for MRS. ZigZag gains points, so does the Hitch Climber system and put against these 'true' SRS & MRS systems, the Reflex is no slouch, excels even, as no additional friction input is needed.

I'm glad I can be of help. I still hold great regard for this forum, it guided me when I first started.

 

[rico]

The Akimbo literature says it is a device for both, but we all know that isn't true. The Uni is, and i'd say it is a sluggish device for MRS. ZigZag gains points, so does the Hitch Climber system and put against these 'true' SRS & MRS systems, the Reflex is no slouch, excels even, as no additional friction input is needed.

Much appreciated.

 

[rico]

 

[SoftBankHawks]

I put some words about the Reflex on my homepage.

REFLEX Mechanical Hitch — Wooden Hand

ISC ‘REFLEX’ Mechanical Hitch Key points #1 Adaptability with different rope types and sizes #2 Transparent in use #3 Rope focused design #4 Midline device with CE certification #5 Complex yet simple Climbers will always have a favorite device or at least something that

www.thewoodenhand.com

 

[moss]

I put some words about the Reflex on my homepage.

REFLEX Mechanical Hitch — Wooden Hand

ISC ‘REFLEX’ Mechanical Hitch Key points #1 Adaptability with different rope types and sizes #2 Transparent in use #3 Rope focused design #4 Midline device with CE certification #5 Complex yet simple Climbers will always have a favorite device or at least something that

www.thewoodenhand.com

Great analysis and detail, thank you!

One challenge for mechanicals is the "smear", descending over limbs or trunk bends where the rope angle and climber route causes the device to be loaded hard against a tree surface. The rope wrench aces this, a slightly flexible wrench tether and hitch have no problem roughing it against a limb surface. An infrequent problem but when it happens I think, "I'm glad I'm not doing this to a mechanical".

A climber can make adjustments to their movements/body positions to minimize side loading a mechanical device. The problem is not a show stopper for any mechanical multicender as far as I can tell.

Any thoughts on how well or not the Reflex handles this scenario?
-AJ

 

[moss]

Also... love the entire 9mm-10.5mm rope diameter discussion. I'm regularly using a 9mm static line for super flexible positioning options. It greatly improves safety and reduces fatigue for a climber in more "extreme" work positions. Efficient stability is everything for physically sustainable tree work. Great to have a midline mechanical with thin line functionality.

It seems to me that defining that use as "positioning only" is very meaningful. It doesn't solve the perceptual problem of certification/regulatory entities etc. not wanting that kind of subtle differentiation in tree work gear and practices. Safe and productive use eventually wins out, takes time.
-AJ

 

[Bart_]

I think the positioning device standard includes a wee bit of drop IIRC 1 m just to not ignore the possibility but not expect it to take multi meter bigger drops. Although intuitively It would be nice to know that it could also take a bigger hit if ever needed.

The v3 awah (edit sp) drill ascender descender was drop tested in their latest vid.

 

[SoftBankHawks]

Great analysis and detail, thank you!

One challenge for mechanicals is the "smear", descending over limbs or trunk bends where the rope angle and climber route causes the device to be loaded hard against a tree surface. The rope wrench aces this, a slightly flexible wrench tether and hitch have no problem roughing it against a limb surface. An infrequent problem but when it happens I think, "I'm glad I'm not doing this to a mechanical".

A climber can make adjustments to their movements/body positions to minimize side loading a mechanical device. The problem is not a show stopper for any mechanical multicender as far as I can tell.

Any thoughts on how well or not the Reflex handles this scenario?
-AJ

While I see there always being potential to cross load I don't see devices by themselves 'smearing'. If that were the case there would be many grazed knuckles. The Wrench smears by its nature, the climber holds the hitch, which doesn't smear.
The robustness of the Reflex when put next to a ZigZag is laughable.

 

[SoftBankHawks]

Also... love the entire 9mm-10.5mm rope diameter discussion. I'm regularly using a 9mm static line for super flexible positioning options. It greatly improves safety and reduces fatigue for a climber in more "extreme" work positions. Efficient stability is everything for physically sustainable tree work. Great to have a midline mechanical with thin line functionality.

It seems to me that defining that use as "positioning only" is very meaningful. It doesn't solve the perceptual problem of certification/regulatory entities etc. not wanting that kind of subtle differentiation in tree work gear and practices. Safe and productive use eventually wins out, takes time.
-AJ

The ANSI requirements make it difficult to use smaller lines. Maybe some high-tech fibre have enough strength, but who wants to pay for that. Anyway, those with intelligence will use the right stuff, irregardless of blanket rule sets.

 

[evo]

While I see there always being potential to cross load I don't see devices by themselves 'smearing'. If that were the case there would be many grazed knuckles. The Wrench smears by its nature, the climber holds the hitch, which doesn't smear.
The robustness of the Reflex when put next to a ZigZag is laughable.

That sounds like one hell of an endorsement.
So you have been playing with it for about a year?

Same actual unit, or swap out with different tweaked designs? Trying to get a feel for wear and longevity.

 

[pcpTR33]

That sounds like one hell of an endorsement.
So you have been playing with it for about a year?

Same actual unit, or swap out with different tweaked designs? Trying to get a feel for wear and longevity.

Piggybacking off this, my main concern at this point is how long the keys/links will last, is it going to be similar wear to the Unicender? Somewhere in between? Or is that bottom link that bends going to be the first point to wear similar to the first akimbo’s bottom arm.

 

[SoftBankHawks]

As I wrote in the article, all static friction points are steel. Its hard to say for sure how long things will last, dirty ropes, time spent descending, general care etc. I've received two of the non-prototype REFLEX, I'll put them to use first day back in January, and let you all know as time progresses.
Yes, for a year I tested a number of prototypes.

 

[moss]

While I see there always being potential to cross load I don't see devices by themselves 'smearing'. If that were the case there would be many grazed knuckles. The Wrench smears by its nature, the climber holds the hitch, which doesn't smear.
The robustness of the Reflex when put next to a ZigZag is laughable.

Yeah these are subtle details, I can smear/sideload a rope wrench and hitch without messing up my hands. This is such a niche functionality it's mostly irrelevant but good to know you see the Reflex as robust in construction and materials.
-AJ

 

[evo]

@SoftBankHawks
How does the reflex handle wet ropes?
Ditto with sap/pitch?
The latter obviously has a huge spectrum as I’ve been bound stuck with hitches, but I’ve found most mechanicals I’ve tried don’t like the slightest amount on the rope.
I’m about the pull the trigger, I had a brief love affair with the akimbo. Used a bulldog I couldn’t get dialed in. I like the hh2 but setup is a pain. I don’t like the uni, as I couldn’t get it to descend well for me. So my go to is a rope wrench.

 

[southsoundtree]

@SoftBankHawks
How does the reflex handle wet ropes?
Ditto with sap/pitch?
The latter obviously has a huge spectrum as I’ve been bound stuck with hitches, but I’ve found most mechanicals I’ve tried don’t like the slightest amount on the rope.
I’m about the pull the trigger, I had a brief love affair with the akimbo. Used a bulldog I couldn’t get dialed in. I like the hh2 but setup is a pain. I don’t like the uni, as I couldn’t get it to descend well for me. So my go to is a rope wrench.

In what way is HH2 a pain?




I don't untie mine once it's dialed how I like. If I'm sliding my HH down the rope, it's an extra check on rope condition. I have enough ropes to leave my HH and HH2 on htp hanks.


I love the Ezpz Akimbo on-off!

 

[evo]

In what way is HH2 a pain?




I don't untie mine once it's dialed how I like. If I'm sliding my HH down the rope, it's an extra check on rope condition. I have enough ropes to leave my HH and HH2 on htp hanks.


I love the Ezpz Akimbo on-off!

Nothing wrong with the hh2 just takes a bit to dial in. Boils down to personal preference is all as I don’t like to leave my device on the rope when stowed. I find myself doing more small climbs than one bigger climb so lots of on/off or leaving it on and running rope through between setups

 

[Steve Connally]

I got mine Saturday. Was gonna use it today but we had 40-50mph gusts and we work on the water so the boss said take the day off, Was looking forward to the test drive but welcomed not getting seasick climbing. Tomorrow

 

[evo]

I got mine Saturday. Was gonna use it today but we had 40-50mph gusts and we work on the water so the boss said take the day off, Was looking forward to the test drive but welcomed not getting seasick climbing. Tomorrow

Climb the pitchiest tree in the rain and let me know will ya?

 

[SoftBankHawks]

@SoftBankHawks
How does the reflex handle wet ropes?
Ditto with sap/pitch?
The latter obviously has a huge spectrum as I’ve been bound stuck with hitches, but I’ve found most mechanicals I’ve tried don’t like the slightest amount on the rope.
I’m about the pull the trigger, I had a brief love affair with the akimbo. Used a bulldog I couldn’t get dialed in. I like the hh2 but setup is a pain. I don’t like the uni, as I couldn’t get it to descend well for me. So my go to is a rope wrench.

Wet ropes no problem at all.
Pitch is always gonna be a tricky problem and it depends how much you are talking about. I climbed a Red Pine this summer and my ropes began to get covered. The Blackbird wouldn't budge a millimetre and actually broke the upper bump stop as I tried to force it through. The REFLEX passed straight over the same amount of pitch.
The unique friction mechanism is light to descent, this must have some bearing on why it seems to get less stuck.

 

[Steve Connally]

Climb the pitchiest tree in the rain and let me know will ya?

Send me whatever rope you want me to throw out after