SAKA mini is now available

yoyoman said:
The SAKA mini is now available on my website.

Compact Self Advancing Knee Ascender for climbing a rope. In conjunction with a foot ascender (coming soon from CI), the SAKA mini allows a climber to simply walk up a rope. Easy to use, easy to store and carry.

  • 2' of super stretch bungee, solid rubber core and Dyneema cover for strength and wear resistance. 2-5 pound pull. (3 pounds at 18 inches of pull.)
  • 2' of 5/8" webbing adjustable for any reasonable stride or size of climber.
  • Simple to adjust.
  • 7.95 ounces.
  • Load bearing buckle designed and built just for the SAKA mini.
  • Compact for easy storage when not in use.
  • Uses the original SAKA ascender with progressive tooth pattern and rope friendly spring.
  • Comes with two small, 4kN rated carabiners and one 22 kN carabiner.
  • Works for climbers of all sizes, no need to choose between length or foot attachment.
  • SAKA mini video
Click to expand...
Just wanted to say that we here at the Buzz are both privileged and blessed to have folks like yourself, Treebing, PCTree, Mikepowers, Surveyor, and others working your magic to make our lives physically easier, safer, more productive, and more efficient. Thanks for all you folks do, and keep that shit coming.
 
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Richard M., have you designed an ankle ascender yet? aka: an Ankle Rocket?

Here's why... From a strictly rec-climbing perspective and as opposed to using a knee and foot ascender, when using a knee ascender and a hand ascender/foot-loop combo, I realized that I don't really need heaver climbing shoes. This, to me, is a big deal, because I can use my ultralight weight trail running shoes, vs heavier high-top hiking or tree climbing boots. Maybe this would work using two knee ascenders, or rather one ascender at knee height and the other modified to sit around ankle height, both using foot-loops. This would be more of a rope walking system, without the need for a hand ascender, except maybe to more comfortably guide the climbing line.

Without using a foot ascender and needing PPE to mitigate climbing arborist's issues like chainsaw and spur injuries. This opens up a new dimension to comfy and ergonomic rec-climbing gear, that's not necessarily intended for working arborists.

What do y'all think?
 
John@TreeXP said:
Richard M., have you designed an ankle ascender yet? aka: an Ankle Rocket?

Here's why... From a strictly rec-climbing perspective and as opposed to using a knee and foot ascender, when using a knee ascender and a hand ascender/foot-loop combo, I realized that I don't really need heaver climbing shoes. This, to me, is a big deal, because I can use my ultralight weight trail running shoes, vs heavier high-top hiking or tree climbing boots. Maybe this would work using two knee ascenders, or rather one ascender at knee height and the other modified to sit around ankle height, both using foot-loops. This would be more of a rope walking system, without the need for a hand ascender, except maybe to more comfortably guide the climbing line.

Without using a foot ascender and needing PPE to mitigate climbing arborist's issues like chainsaw and spur injuries. This opens up a new dimension to comfy and ergonomic rec-climbing gear, that's not necessarily intended for working arborists.

What do y'all think?
Click to expand...


This was posted in the new (possibly) knee ascender thread. This may be along the lines that you are thinking.
 
I just tried using the hand ascender with the foot-loop and knee ascender, in combo with a Uni. Tending slack wasn't as smooth as with both foot and knee ascender, so I replaced the foot loop with the foot ascender. Turns out, the CT Foot Ascender with their 1" straps isn't too rough on a low-top running shoe. It stayed put and didn't bite into my foot any worse than if I were using high-top hiking boots. I still like using my Camp Pilot hand ascender as a rope guide, but without anchoring it to my harness.

After seeing what a harness-anchored hand ascender's teeth can do to a line when shock loaded, I believe it's best to remove that contingency. The girl in the video has a great set up, except for the hand ascender being her only life bearing connection point on her climbing harness, but she's on the right track.

The question still remains. Is there another foot-friendly way to secure a foot ascender so it's as efficient and more comfortable on less rugged climbing shoes, than a traditional foot ascender.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10156408696205763
 
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An easier on the foot ascender might be one that has the ascender attached at the top of the foot, and has some type of rigid part that is wider than your foot on the bottom of the footloop. Below is the concept using what I had. Something simpler for the purpose could be made.
IMG_1744.webp
 
Although it will sound like I'm trying to sell doubles, the SAKAmini cost half as much as a competing product so it still saves money.
If I want to barefoot, I use the double foot loops, and a sit-stand method of ascent.
If one is trying to avoid the side force from a foot ascender by using foot loops on each foot, 2 Saka minis could be used on each leg. A small carabiner, the one that is included, can be inserted in the small hole on the SAKA ascender. Photos below.
 

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yoyoman said:
Although it will sound like I'm trying to sell doubles, the SAKAmini cost half as much as a competing product so it still saves money.
If I want to barefoot, I use the double foot loops, and a sit-stand method of ascent.
If one is trying to avoid the side force from a foot ascender by using foot loops on each foot, 2 Saka minis could be used on each leg. A small carabiner, the one that is included, can be inserted in the small hole on the SAKA ascender. Photos below.
Click to expand...

I've thankfully moved beyond the sit-stand and onto a rope-walking system, but I do see your point. The idea is to create an ideal rec-climbing rope-walking system, that'll work well with running shoes, or lightweight hiking shoes. If you could possibly show us a hi-low SAKA Mini system, and demo them with one at knee level and one closer to the foot, it would be much appreciated. Using two SAKA Mini's may very well become the ideal setup for rec-climbers, but seeing is believing.
 
I find that when I'm using the SAKA mini (I have it located just above the knee) and while doing the sit/stand ascent method the device is scraping past my groin; in some cases it hits the junk. I'm not using a hand ascender or a second foot ascender as of yet.

Are there any suggestions to remedy this? My jewels will thank thee.
Cheers
 
samsquatch said:
I find that when I'm using the SAKA mini (I have it located just above the knee) and while doing the sit/stand ascent method the device is scraping past my groin; in some cases it hits the junk. I'm not using a hand ascender or a second foot ascender as of yet.

Are there any suggestions to remedy this? My jewels will thank thee.
Cheers
Click to expand...
Gotta incorporate a foot ascender. It's the smoothest, most efficient system that you can use.
 
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