2022 foot ascender recommendations

[islandarb]

The foot strap broke after 4 or 5 months, but the bungee is great. Love the ascender itself, too. My saka mini slipped regularly, no good. I like Richard, and think highly of his work, but slipping on ascent is one of my biggest pet peeves.

Crimson, I own a few minis and a few OG Saka's all gifted by Richard. I use a mini daily at work, folds up neatly. Never had a slipping issue, nut I file down the teeth from new. Does not need those aggressive teeth. Getting the bungee the correct length as well as the webbing will make the world of diffrrence. Saying this, one has to spend hours finding obe's sweet spot. The adjustments are incremental. But once you find those variables sorted one should be able to replicate it with a new bungee. Those distances remain the same. You see my bungee is doubled for a fast recoil. No knots either all c clamps used to avoid bulk. Small things. Heat wrapped that section.

 

[islandarb]

Easily folds for storage.

 

[Crimsonking]

I experimented with whipping the other end to double it, and I was pleasantly surprised that it is still whipped 4 or 5 years later.

Doubling it is the only way to go in my opinion.

I heard that there was a batch that had trouble with slipping. I didn’t want to add to Richard’s costs, so I just saved it for a backup/training piece.

 

[BurOakTom]

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Might want to see if NOTCH is willing to put their money where their mouth is on this.

I'd say "yes". My JetStep's foot strap -- the strap that's not easily replaceable -- had a surprising bit of wear after 30-35 ascents. I sent them pics asking if this was expected and how long I should expect it to last; they just said it wasn't normal and asked for my address to send a free replacement. I got it within a week or so.

The problem *might* have been having it ride a bit too high on my boot; moving it a bit closer towards the sole it seems to move around less. I'll have to see it if makes a difference longer term.

I like that the JetStep works on either foot, and doesn't put spikes into the rope. I know, CTs and others are supposed to slip between the fibers and not cause damage, but I always like having one less thing to worry about.

Yes, there's the occasional kickout, but I prefer the easy on/off rope to having to lock & unlock.