Components of a Self-Advancing Knee Ascender (SAKA)

monkeylove said:
The Saka is really not that complicated, no offense to Richard at all. Thanks to his vid way back when I built my own, and it is still going strong. If you really want a Saka just buy one or give making one a go. The most that happens is your not happy with it and you try again. Remember that neither the Saka or the Haas is life support. It needs to strong and durable but it is not life support. Now saying all that if mine broke tomorrow I would be ordering Richards only because he has a sewing machine and I had to hand stitch mine.
Click to expand...

Actually, the ascender on the SAKA is for life support. The way I use it there is a short tether of Ice or Vectran that runs from the bottom hole of the ascender on the SAKA to the bridge on my saddle. That way, if the top ascender in the system (RR, HH, Bull Dog, Handled ascender) ever failed you would be left hanging from the ascender on the SAKA instead of doing a heel hang. But none of the other components of the SAKA are for life support, so I agree that they just need to be strong and durable because they take a lot of abuse.

And I definitely agree with all the nice things that many people have said about this device. I have 6 of them in various lengths, and once my students try them they completely ignore all of the old single bungie systems that I have in my kit. Good job Richard!
 
Is there a definitive way to determine the correct length (from foot to knee) or is the bungee adjustment what really matters after it's built?

I noticed on TS that the HAAS came in Regular & Long length, being 6'5" i'd assume, if i were to purchase one, that long would be the way to go. But in the process of building something, would you guys recommend say.. measuring top of foot to just below the knee? knee level? above the knee? yada-yada or a set length would work either way?

I do like the idea of the tether from KA to bridge for safety reasons for sure!

EDIT: in other news, just found me a right handed Petzl Ascension brand new/never used in bow on CL for $50! i'll have to show up with 40 cash...
 
The ideal location of the ascender would be at the pivot point of your knee, to the top of the ascender. That's where mine sets, and it allows me a fairly lengthy step without affecting my Pantin.


Dave6390 in WI
 
That's also about where mine is. Seems to be about perfect. Once you start using both feet you will find that taking short bicycle steps works the best for efficient travel.
 
Ive noticed that sort of "bicycle" looking action in the videos i've watched in rope walking techniques, great description for it as it does in fact look that way as opposed to walking a ladder. Either way, rope walking technique looks a hell of a lot better than my big ass humping air 6 times to ascend 2-3ft.

I don't even wanna know what the neighbors think i'm doing out back! Just glad no police showed up inquirying about some big sweaty guy with tourettes molesting a tree while having a seizure..
 
Squirrels don't call the cops, they just piss on your gear. Or chew on your TIP! Actually had a little shit do that to my RopeGuide, had to soak it in water overnight! Little Bastards!


Dave6390 in WI
 
Sorry, I've been doing this stuff for most of my life. I'm still learning due to all the new ropes every year! Brummels are one of the simplest of splices.


Dave6390 in WI
 
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