Knee Ascender

[Tree-Taylor]

Lost my folding SAKA and needed a replacement. Glad I saw this, Turbo is on the way!

 

[Steve Connally]

That folding one looks perfect. I forgot about the saka, glad I asked!

I wonder which one is better though, mini or foldable? Half a dozen of these 6 of the other?

I wasn't a huge fan of the mini. Foldable is awesome. I keep one on my saddle at all times. There should be a YouTube video of the "unboxing" of it I did for him at the Indy EXPO. Should be on his YouTube somewhere.
Don't have the bandwidth to look it up. LOL

 

[evo]

Is the camp footie good for a knee ascender build? My first was a petzl 2.0 and it worked alright. Personally I’m not fond of the lock on the saka, I rather have a few inadvertent pop offs than fumble with the latch.

 

[southsoundtree]

Is the camp footie good for a knee ascender build? My first was a petzl 2.0 and it worked alright. Personally I’m not fond of the lock on the saka, I rather have a few inadvertent pop offs than fumble with the latch.

Somewhere, Swing said the Camp turbo chest is where it's at.

Chest Ascender Turbochest Black

A revolutionary chest ascender that features two proprietary rollers for a smooth interface with the rope. This not only helps with climbing efficiency by making the upward glide much smoother. It also reduces dangerous wear and tear on the device where the rope tends to rub on the body of a...

rope-master.com

$80

 

[southsoundtree]

No comparison, IMHO. The turbochest is the best up the rope ascender I know for a knee ascender. Tried all offerings out there. A stiff tether for knee ascender is not necessary at all. Those rollers are smooth and get rid of unecessary friction.

Here.

 

[Steve Connally]

I just wanna support Richard so I don't consider any other options no matter how slick they are. Thats just me andI wouldn't expect anyone to look at it that way. Just how I choose to roll.

 

[Burrapeg]

I have both the original SAKA and the Mini. Love 'em both. The Mini is great for rec climbing where you are hiking any real distance and carrying an absolute minimum of gear. Just wads up in your pocket or side pouch on the backpack. And I agree totally on supporting Richard. He has contributed so much to what we do with his videos and constant experimenting.

 

[Serf Life]

Is the camp footie good for a knee ascender build? My first was a petzl 2.0 and it worked alright. Personally I’m not fond of the lock on the saka, I rather have a few inadvertent pop offs than fumble with the latch.

I love the turbo as a footie, no input as diy knee, the lock is on or off and stays that way which is cool. Could easily cut it fully off too, but hasn’t self engaged or disengaged once for me. Don’t like the harken personally, it is smoother no doubt, but the Camp is just great imo.

 

[islandarb]

Was just on vacation with Sam for him to mountainbike in Trinidad and Tobago. Did some work in my hosts tree. Sam filmed this ascent. Not trying to be fast. Just normal tree entry. Using my turbochest knee ascender with dyneema, and my beloved jetstep. Just a great combo with my chestie to advance my Apex.

 

[treegongfu]

Great ascent. You make it look effortless.

 

[islandarb]

People always talk about the jetstep kicking out. I have never encountered this. Also tripping over fairlead catching pants. My pants are very slim fitting and cuffs are held neat with buffs. I hate crap catching on clothing. Took years to get to this stage though.

 

[islandarb]

Great ascent. You make it look effortless.

Thanks Sir. My mentor Eric Whipple always stressed form in early days of rope walker. I really studied the science of it. And learned proper form early back in 2012. Spent lots of time practicing in a tree near my house like this one. Hours literally outside of work. Paid off.

 

[treegongfu]

That's great. I only know him through reading posts on here but I think he's a genius.

 

[islandarb]

That's great. I only know him through reading posts on here but I think he's a genius.

He is pretty awesome...very good climbing mind.

 

[rico]

People always talk about the jetstep kicking out. I have never encountered this. Also tripping over fairlead catching pants. My pants are very slim fitting and cuffs are held neat with buffs. I hate crap catching on clothing. Took years to get to this stage though.

You have a buttery smooth bicycle motion and make it look effortless bruv.

And like yourself I love my jetstep...

 

[islandarb]

You have a buttery smooth bicycle motion and make it look effortless bruv.

And like yourself I love my jetstep...

You gifted me my first. Wore out the lower strap. I love them so much I bought 4 more. 2 harken ninjas and 2 notch. Will rebuild the straps. All that wears out with them. 1 ninja did the same. I have owned them all.....but jetstep is just too clean with it's action. Thanks for yoir kind words. I truly love climbing.

 

[data farm 26]

I finally bought a SAKA a few weeks ago, wow! It was just what I was looking for, no fuss, just strapped it on and off I went. Wonderful product. I'm embarrassed that I took so long to get one, can't believe I was doing the inch worm all these years and can't help but wonder how much better shape my elbows and shoulders would be in had I gotten one sooner

I love looking down at the bulldog and seeing the rope just cruise through it non stop. And an added bonus, the ropewalking motion is actually really therapeutic for me helping loosen up my lower back on the way up!! BOOM SAKA LAKA

 

[Matias]

I remember feeling the same way! It feels so much more natural with the full setup.

 

[southsoundtree]

Levi, is this to say you previously used only one ascender?

 

[Burrapeg]

. . . And an added bonus, the ropewalking motion is actually really therapeutic for me helping loosen up my lower back on the way up!!

Indeed. I have a very dodgy lower back from years of foundry work and heavy machine work. The last seven years of rec climbing has been absolutely wonderful for my back health, and almost all of that was on a SAKA or Mini-SAKA. I am largely pain free now. Thank you Richard!!!!!