Reflex vs. Blackbird

So there is some confusion when it comes to the “high” and “low” friction settings for the blackbird. If you’re using the “a” cam for ropes between 11.2-11.9 diameter you shall use the “high” friction setting. However if your rope is above 11.9 mm you have to use the B cam and you shall use the “low” friction setting.

My experience with the reflex was just a play around mock work climb set up but it allowed us to run both SRS and MRS. I found the reflex to be like a dialed in hitch consistent but with some drag even when ran through a pulley-saver, we kept hearing mid-line zigzag and while they use a link system that’s about as far as the comparison goes atleast in my experience. But the reflex felt more natural/intuitive to use which was more confidence inspiring out of the gate. I did miss the self-tending in MRS of the zigzag and the top-feed when limb walking but not a deal breaker as far as I’m concerned. ISC has now recommended either wrapping the device on single line descents (like the unicender) or the use of a wrench for single (still not required but a recommendation). I think the reflex is probably the best introduction device to the mechanical world on the mainstream market, its consistent out of the box, it has that prussic like feel, and doesn’t have the “jumpyness” of the zigzag so more confidence inspiring for those switching from prussic, and there’s no adjustments or switching this or that it’s just put it on and go. I guess final thought was yeah it was good enough, did it make me say I have to have one? No, but that’s just my experience.

The blackbird is smooth, like you’d expect from mechanicals. Single line there was less drag on ascent compared to the reflex, but I found it to be kind of picky when it came to ropes, ropes that get hot or flatten excessively (marlow’s maverick, and 11.7 blue32) would be either “jumpy” or would start to creep after long descents from heat (like the akimbo’s), but could also be me as a heavier climber (225 with saddle). However it ran flawless on tachyon, drenaline, black widow, I’ve heard it likes the 11.5 blue32 from a co-worker but they’re a lighter climber(165ish pounds), and squir. Never having use the spiderjack or positioner, the mid-device lever was quite foreign which made it less intuitive atleast for me initially. Otherwise solid device, just couldn’t replace the Vertec in my bag.
 
just saw the reflex is "in stock" at my favorite domestic vendor. Hasn't been available to buy in the US previously unless you do a "preorder". I would have bought one. but been watching folks demonstrate slippage after 6 months. glad I didn't buy it. Now seeing reports of the blackbird wearing out too. The Angus video made me want to buy a bb.

was strongly thinking to get an akimbo2 but it has some stupid bs things that seem to be challenging the community. Plus the akimbo1 is a diva, been running it several years and can never rely on it. it's either awesome or nope.

been climbing on the bulldog bone srt and zillon double. often in sap. just need bulletproof and reliable consistent. and easy to use always.

I just ordered a new unicender. proven tech. no sitback, srt/mrs, doesn't gaf about sap. great $$
 
I wish RR would get the Unicender 2 out. It was previewed I think at the 2019 TCIA.

I've still been happy with Reflex. Unicender sits in bag since I've got it. Smoother up the rope. I haven't had slippage (Yale 12.7 and Yale Imori). While I'm usually on MRS, and the Unicender is good for that, the Reflex beats it going away when I climbed SRS
 
We're going to be doing some tech upgrades soon...

@N1ght wants the blackbird. I'd leaned toward the reflex or getting myself a bulldog bone (couldn't use it last I looked when I was at a company gig). Our newer climber is on the akimbo 1 or the hitchhiker 2.

Slippage and wear concern me a bit. I don't want to be rebuilding devices every couple months.

On a zag now for the last few years. So dependable. So not midline friendly. I'm used to the fuddling about with it, but it would be nice to have something simple.

And here I thought I'd reach everyone on a blakes or tautline so they'd know how good they have it....
 
mind you it’s just my opinion but currently the longest wearing mechanical is the zigzag and that’s the beauty of it, it doesn’t care about sap, it’s the same virtually no matter the conditions. Not my favorite for SRS with whatever you want to use (chicane, reon tether, stiff tether and wrench whatever) I still think it’s the king of MRS, and I just prefer a dedicated SRS setup. Maybe I’m the oddball but I always carry a back up hitch climber system on my saddle so those MRS to SRS changeovers I can flip to a wrench setup relatively quickly, or in case of the a glob of sap locking the thumb button of my zigzag down (damn mulberries!). I’m good to go.

I did pick up a bulldog bone I just haven’t had the time to get comfortable with it before running it full time however I am quite excited.
 
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pcpTR33 said:
mind you it’s just my opinion but currently the longest wearing mechanical is the zigzag and that’s the beauty of it, it doesn’t care about sap, it’s the same virtually no matter the conditions. ..... I still think it’s the king of MRS, ....
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I can agree with that...but I still used Unicender and now Reflex instead of the Zigzag because of ease of attachment. But once its on, the Zigzag is better. So I have decided that ease of attachment outweighs bump in performance. Just personal preference. I get why you crown it King of the MRS!
 
ATH said:
I can agree with that...but I still used Unicender and now Reflex instead of the Zigzag because of ease of attachment. But once its on, the Zigzag is better. So I have decided that ease of attachment outweighs bump in performance. Just personal preference. I get why you crown it King of the MRS!
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Do you run an unmodified Unicender or do you get the Mumford edition?
 
Brando CalPankian said:
Zag is king for srs for sure. I love mine. I'm trying to improve my climbing style to better fit modern standards. The reflex just looks intuitive, as does the bb
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I really enjoyed the blackbird, and now that arbsession is stocking the replacement cams both upper and lower for $25 I wouldn’t be scared of it wearing out, that’s roughly the cost of any hitch cord now and cheap enough to keep on hand atleast to me, as long as we’re not absolutely blowing through them, which with relatively clean climbing lines and not bombing out for the sake of bombing out I don’t see changing more than once or twice a year but again all dependent on climb style
 
Brando CalPankian said:
How's the BB holding up vs the newer tech?
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I have the "compact bulldog bone" specifically. it is not adjustable. It is truly ole reliable. It is a workhorse. It's a diesel engine. It will work every time the other device does not.

It gets used daily m-f for the past 5+ years and no difference in function, at all. there is some wear lower pinch point but it's going strong. it's bombproof pretty sure.
 
pcpTR33 said:
I really enjoyed the blackbird, and now that arbsession is stocking the replacement cams both upper and lower for $25 I wouldn’t be scared of it wearing out, that’s roughly the cost of any hitch cord now and cheap enough to keep on hand atleast to me, as long as we’re not absolutely blowing through them, which with relatively clean climbing lines and not bombing out for the sake of bombing out I don’t see changing more than once or twice a year but again all dependent on climb style
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snunyabizness said:
I have the "compact bulldog bone" specifically. it is not adjustable. It is truly ole reliable. It is a workhorse. It's a diesel engine. It will work every time the other device does not.

It gets used daily m-f for the past 5+ years and no difference in function, at all. there is some wear lower pinch point but it's going strong. it's bombproof pretty sure.
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wouldn't say "critical" but imperative to keep it clean and loose. once had debris seize up the top widget and the whole device became unusable until I deep scrubbed with toothbrush and mineral spirits.
 
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