Kong's new double ascender the Trender

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ClimbnFish

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Kong\'s new double ascender the Trender

I just had an opportunity to try Kong's new double handed ascender the "Trender". It's obvious that Kong's engineers have significantly improved this new version over its previous cousin the "Twin". The first thing that stands out is the top safety plate that slides and locks in place with a self-locking carabiner after the ropes are inserted. The plate was designed to prevent the accidental exit of rope and intrusion of branches into the toothed cam. Specifically on this point, manufactures of ascenders always caution users on this; something that I have personally experienced. In addition to the new safety system, the ergonomics of the handles have been significantly improved over its previous design. Overall, these are both welcomed features. The Trender was designed to accommodate twin ropes from 8-13mm. U.S. Rigging is the exclusive importer for Kong in the US and more items can be found at www.usrigging.com web page
 

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Re: Kong\'s Twin Ascender

For comparison sake, here is an image of Kong's Twin, the predecessor of the new Trender.
 

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Re: Kong\'s Twin Ascender

Ranger...I'm not sure I can answer this one as I write. I got mine from Europe through business associates. I know U.S. Rigging sells exclusively through US dealers who retail Kong, not to individual end users. I'll do some homework on this one as I have some contacts...Eric
 
Re: Kong\'s Twin Ascender

Get the new style handled 'cause the older glow in the dark break out/off causing pain and discomfort aggrevated by the fact that KONG won't re-handle them .... also I've found Kong and CMI ascenders are MUCH tougher than Petzl's .... Good Luck ....
 
Re: Kong\'s Twin Ascender

i was wondering if you would still need to back up the kong ascender while footlocking. i would assume not because it does not look like the cams could come open with the carabiner installed. any info would be great. kk1340
 
Re: Kong\'s Twin Ascender

I'm not sure I can provide a satisfactory answer to your question on back up. The small captive carabiner that's attached to the ascenders lanyard keeps the top safety plate locked down and in position during use. Also, when that same carabiner is in place, it is impossible to fully open the cams thereby preventing the rope from backing out or completely off (out) of the ascender itself. However, the cams can still be backed up (for example with a foreign object or by hand) enough such that the ascender would slip on the rope itself, however again, complete removal from the rope is impossible with the carabiner in place and the top plate locked down. These are two nice safety features. The springs on the cams are stout enough to keep good tension on the rope, however, if there would ever be a catastrophic failure of the cams themselves, then back up would be necessary. In this respect, I think it whatever is usual and customary for back up during footlocking and/or other uses should be considered.
 
Re: Kong\'s Twin Ascender

The Twin can be pushed or pulled directly off the rope even with a biner in the hole behind the cam release lever. Ive the scars to prove it. It looks like they've beefed up the rope channels on the new version, theres a substantial amount more of metal there. Thats good cuz the old ones were dangerous as Phuck!!
 
Re: Kong\'s Twin Ascender

[ QUOTE ]
i was wondering if you would still need to back up the kong ascender while footlocking. i would assume not because it does not look like the cams could come open with the carabiner installed. any info would be great. kk1340

[/ QUOTE ]


It depends on how the host line is set up. But the short answer is YES.
 
Re: Kong\'s Twin Ascender

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
i was wondering if you would still need to back up the kong ascender while footlocking. i would assume not because it does not look like the cams could come open with the carabiner installed. any info would be great. kk1340

[/ QUOTE ]


It depends on how the host line is set up. But the short answer is YES.

[/ QUOTE ]

I would always back up no matter what...kongs have popped off the rope before and if i didnt have a back up i would have fallen 30 some feet...the same ascenders even came off on you tophopper a couple times i have heard
 
Re: Kong\'s Twin Ascender

[ QUOTE ]
The Twin can be pushed or pulled directly off the rope even with a biner in the hole behind the cam release lever.

[/ QUOTE ]

The new one can not come off. There is a top plate that goes on locking the rope in the channel. Plus the snap keeps the cams from being able to open.
 
Re: Kong\'s Twin Ascender

Yeah, the top plate may do that, but the old unit had a snap hole to lock the cams shut also and that didn't prevent me from hitting the dirt. The snap to lock the cams closed is worthless. Like I said, the newer model has more material which would hopefully prevent the rope from exiting the channel.
 
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