Ascender Selection

I just skimmed over the whole "picking" conversation, but I will say that I've climbed miles and miles of rope with aggressively toothed ascenders, more in other venues as in tree climbing, but I think it applies. Downclimbed a fair bit as well, and I've never once damaged a rope with them. Ironically the only time I've ever seen a rope sheath get picked by an ascender was by a guy climbing with one gibbs one knot and something else. It was kind of a hodge-podge system I don't really recall. I do remember inspecting both of his ascenders after the climb (because it was a brand new 300 foot rope and I was a little miffed)but never could figure out why it did that. Could have been a sharp rock in the teeth or grooves that was present for the climb, but fell out when he disengaged at the top. At least that was the only good theory we could come up with.
Don't mean to "pick" on you Ron, I'm just sayin' ;)
 
[ QUOTE ]

But, why does it matter? It seems that this thread quickly went from a thread of suggestions as solicited by the OP to a focus of proving that aggressive teeth don't pick ropes or something other than suggestions.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ron, it does matter. You made statements about the negative qualities of the more aggressive cam ascenders (Petzl ascenders fit that description). You were challenged, fair enough. Good to have all the info and views on the table so that climbers can make informed decisions about the ascenders they buy.

No one is saying that Petzl ascenders didn't pick your rope, they're simply reporting their experiences. Many have not had a problem with picking, their experience is valid and shouldn't be discounted.
-moss
 
I think it best at this point that I delete my suggestions and subsequent defenses. I'm really weary of all this and I'm sure others are as well.
 
[ QUOTE ]
The Unicender will allow for ascending and decending SRT or DRT. One tool replaces many tools.

[/ QUOTE ]

A few questions: The OP wanted an ascender.... Can this be used to footlock up a double line, like a kong? Also, can you limbwalk and tend in the slack easily? It seems like the device is too close to the body to slack tend with one arm while waking back in. I'd be interested in this if it took care of both those issues, because it then would truly replace a few different tools.
 
Though I've become a Wraptor believer, I still have my MarBar in the tool box. Double CMI's with a horizontal bar that makes the movement like doing pull-ups. It is much more comfortable on the wrists, for a beat-up old fogie like me.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Though I've become a Wraptor believer, I still have my MarBar in the tool box. Double CMI's with a horizontal bar that makes the movement like doing pull-ups. It is much more comfortable on the wrists, for a beat-up old fogie like me.

[/ QUOTE ]
Thanks for adding that; I have been quite interested in the MarBar for some time now, for the very reasons you mentioned and some others.

I have a difficult time parting with the money, especially since I already have a pair of CMI large Ultracenders like used in the commercial MarBar.

If I may ask, what are they doing at the top of the asenders? Looks like they've got some kind of support at the top for the webbing that runs down to the bar.

Thanks,
Ron
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

New threads New posts

Back
Top Bottom