What the bananas

[roxy]

That is good to know. I have yet to fly a Zag. Is it fair to call the ZZ a "metal hitch"? ;-)
-AJ

Moss, I think you'd like the zigzag as well as any other mechanical hitch system because it feels most like rope on rope in my opinion. A lot depends on where and how one climbs. Here in the upper midwest we have trees that tend towards being as broad as they are tall, and a more dense than open crowns. One reason I like cordage on cordage is because when I'm climbing the tree, all up close and personal, I don't like how so much hardware gets worked on limbs.
For long ascents and a nice open American elm? 100 percent!

 

[moss]

Moss, I think you'd like the zigzag as well as any other mechanical hitch system because it feels most like rope on rope in my opinion. A lot depends on where and how one climbs. Here in the upper midwest we have trees that tend towards being as broad as they are tall, and a more dense than open crowns. One reason I like cordage on cordage is because when I'm climbing the tree, all up close and personal, I don't like how so much hardware gets worked on limbs.
For long ascents and a nice open American elm? 100 percent!

Thx for that!
-AJ

 

[oceans]

Moss, I think you'd like the zigzag as well as any other mechanical hitch system because it feels most like rope on rope in my opinion. A lot depends on where and how one climbs. Here in the upper midwest we have trees that tend towards being as broad as they are tall, and a more dense than open crowns. One reason I like cordage on cordage is because when I'm climbing the tree, all up close and personal, I don't like how so much hardware gets worked on limbs.
For long ascents and a nice open American elm? 100 percent!

So true. In tree crowns like you describe, there often isn’t a n opportunity to realize the benefits of a good mechanical device, ‘cept prolly a Positioner 2 with a swivel.

 

[Burrapeg]

Personally I prefer hitch based systems as well, but have to say Petzl ZZ works very well and reliable in the rain. Best of the actual devices IMO.
Impressive message control on the Akimbo 2 it seems!

I have gotten caught in the rain twice on a ZZ and it was no problem. I have never had it slip and they are so smooth on descent. One has perfect, consistent control. Also, a ZZ is incredibly kind to the rope, no flattening at all or excessive friction, heat, etc. But, yeah, check the little spring each time you get ready to climb with one. That is its Achilles Heal.