Climbing Hardware Buying Guide

bonner1040

bonner1040

Branched out member
Location
Boston
This spring I am planning on putting together a video review/comparison of different climbing equipment. First on my list is going to be 'Climbing Hitch Buying Guide: Mechanical, Cordage and Otherwise'

I plan to show setup, use, pros cons etc for a wide variety of items.. So far my list of things to include are:

Blakes Hitch DRT
HitchClimber Pulley and hitch cord DRT
Regular micropulley and hitch cord DRT
Unicender SRT and DRT
Hitch Hiker SRT and DRT
Spiderjack DRT
LockJack DRT
Rope Wrench SRT
Zig Zag DRT

In this category is there anything anybody else would like to see included?

I own or have obtained one of everything on the list to test except for a ZK-2 RopeWrench (I have a ZK1 coming to test) and a Lockjack. If anyone has either of these two items that they would be willing to lend me I would appreciate it!

As far as format I am thinking the best idea would be to make one, all inclusive video with side by side comparison and review. It wont be best for viewer retention but I think it will provide the most objective comparison. I can then use a 'table of contents' in the description giving time markers for each segment for those that want to skip around. Or do you guys think individual videos for each product would be better?

If 'Climbing Hitch Buying Guide: Mechanical, Cordage and Otherwise' goes well I would likely tackle ascenders next, 'Ascenders a Buying Guide: Hand, Foot, Knee, Chest and Otherwise'

Any ideas or suggestions (or loans ) are appreciated!
 
i would suggest also trying to briefly show differnt frictions knots (V.T., X.T, cooper's, distil, etc.) and when/ why one may be perfered. I feel like that would start to be a lot of material considering what you already plan on reviewing.
 
I think the o-rig is more a parlor trick than anything else. And yes I've used it, better off with a pantin and vt on your bridge.

Maybe srt on a petzl rig, since that seems to be used by a number of people?
 
Ok so far after some feedback I will attempting: (loose titling so far)

Climbing Equipment Mechanicals... this will cover equipment more than technique.

Climbing Hitches: Cord and configuration

Ascenders: hand foot, knee, chest and otherwise.

Ascent systems (based loosely on the VTIO SRT document + footlocking and DRT climbing) (RADS, O-rig, rope walkers, texas, frog, etc...

The focus on each of these videos is going to be to compare and contrast and show side by side views of different options. Drilled down reviews for individual products will be in separate videos.

The Petzl RIG will be included.

So far the list of included hardware for the first video is:

HitchClimber Pulley and hitch cord DRT
Regular micropulley and hitch cord DRT
Unicender SRT and DRT
Hitch Hiker SRT and DRT
Spiderjack DRT
LockJack DRT
Rope Wrench SRT zk1 and 2
Zig Zag DRT
Anchor Bridge Climbing System DRT
Petzl RIG

Everything on that list is obtained or on its way...
 
Nick what a contribution to put together a video like that. I have been thinking you bring a certain artfulness or sense to the videos you make. I watched the whole vid of you splicing the XRR sling even though I knew I wasn’t going to be splicing them for myself. You fast forwarded at just the right times for my mind to stay engaged. And that was a huge contribution to me because I was laughing and saying, “Man wheres my wallet, I wanna pay somebody to do that” (buy them pre made).

I have a RIG pulley I haven’t put into play yet, a CMI Expedition Twin that I also haven’t put in service, set of Mar Bars. Could do without them for a specific period of time. I would be happy to pay shipping both ways for such a worthy endeavor.
 
Merle, When I am ready to do the Ascenders video I would love to include the CMI and Marbar. Those are both cool items that I dont have.

When I cover pulley which will likely be its own thing, I have a Pinto RIG already so we can hold off on that one... Ascenders is a ways off so dont rush into it and dont hold on off using anyything, reviewing used stuff is better anyway because it shows wear and tear.

Thanks for the offer.
 
Thanks Adam, Dave already offered and it OTW... I got the SJ btw, thank you... ITS SO SMALL! I was amazed. I am really excited about putting all this together because it will give people like me a much better visual as to how these products compare!

JonTreeHI:

A knee ascender is a moniker given to a floating ascender in a rope walking setup. Using two foot ascenders doesnt work because they hit each other. Having a basic, croll, or similar plain ascender 'floating' while attached to a foot loop and some form of tether pulling it up creates the 'knee' ascender. Named so because it floats in the area of your knee.
 
Ahh I see. I was imagining attaching a rope grab device to your knee, maybe a webbing loop or something. What you describe makes a little more sense, if I'm visualizing I correctly.
Thanks for clarifying nick!
 
WOW I have in my hands a ART Spiderjack and a Petzl ZigZag... What a size surprise! I never would have guessed the SJ was so small, compared to Petzl RIG its miniscule...

I am excited to get outside and start putting some miles on this stuff preparing for the review.
 
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