Footlock ascenders?

T

Treevolta

Location
Toronto ON.
Hey all.
I'm keen on picking up some ascenders for footlocking. I have yet to use any model and can't decide what I'm going to go with.
Petzl Ascentree - it's lighter but more money. (390)
Kong Trender - I dunno the Kong Twin was a nightmare I hear. (550g)
CMI Twin Exp. - well it only has one handle and I reckon I won't like that. (432g)
Just checking what the experts have to say about it.
Thanks.
 
I will never buy anything Kong. Never and forever. That being said the Ascentree is nice. But you must take caution when using any toothed cam device as life support (I am assuming you will be tying into) . Arborist rope and cams don't work together and it's proven, and down right scary when they take a fall. Please be careful.
 
Viking - I saw the results of the ascender tests on climbing ropes. An eye opener for sure. I will be using my static SRT line for ascent, with back ups.

I was leaning towards the Petzl Ascentree for the start but just wanted to make sure. I think I saw the price at a local store .......$300 CAN!!!!! ( I think I saw that)

Might have to wait until I'm in the US next.

Cheers
 
Are you looking at single running a single line with this ascender or a doubled rope? If running on a doubled rope it's a little tedious to back up as you need to back up both cams. This means just a single prussik above will not work on backing up the dual ascenders. If it's going to be a single line ascent to footlock with. I would rock the CMI's with the single cam and the double handle.
 
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Do you guys just put a prusik above your ascentree then back down to your bridge for a back-up?

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If you're concerned about needing a backup for the upper ascender a better solution is to have a second attachment below and separated from the upper. A chest ascender or some other configuration that will self-tail and attaches to low is a better solution. Some harnesses like TreeFlex and Petzls have a built-in attachment.

To me adding a hitch above ascenders is problematic. In order to have the hitch slide too many climbers will tie it loose. If some outside interference happens like a twig jamming into the cams that same fail point is very likely to affect the hitch.

having the two attachments separated and independent is a better solution.
 
My solution for the back up was using 2 lines.
I was explained this by a friend. He suggested that I use my static line as I would if I were rope walking, but at the "get off point" ( I don't work SRT yet) I'll tie a butterfly knot and attach my climbing line having 2 lines on the ascent side of the tree and footlock with the Ascentree. Being that each cam is in a different rope will function as a back up. Does that work? do I make sense?
Found a store here in T.O. that sells the Petzl Ascentree for $199.99CAD as well!!
 
Treevolta,
That will work just fine. What you're saying will create two static ropes. So in turn one cam will back up the other. Still be careful though. Limbs have been known to jam cams.
 
I liked the CMI Twin Exp when I foot locked doubled rope. The single handle is actually a lot better for foot locking, the other ascenders were more of a pain for me, not as stream lined and harder on my wrists. I see Viking already posted the review I did on them, thanks man!
 
[ QUOTE ]
My solution for the back up was using 2 lines.
I was explained this by a friend. He suggested that I use my static line as I would if I were rope walking, but at the "get off point" ( I don't work SRT yet) I'll tie a butterfly knot and attach my climbing line having 2 lines on the ascent side of the tree and footlock with the Ascentree. Being that each cam is in a different rope will function as a back up.

[/ QUOTE ]


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIjtAHpsbDU

Great video from Mark Chistholm demonstrating this technique. Thanks Mark!

BTW who is the supplier in T.O.?
 
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