Which Knee Ascender in 2022?

castanea · May 9, 2022

It looks like the SAKA is out of stock indefinitely. I'm trying to get someone started climbing. What is second best?

Serf Life · May 9, 2022

Camp one is cheap, could build one with Richard’s bungee (climbing innovations) and a ct chest ascender, stein looks decent.

Bart_ · May 9, 2022

Go buy a basic ascender and splice up a Haas to custom fit your friend's leg length. You even get do overs until you get the length right. Save a hun or two, not sure of current pricing. Just look at up close of the original Haas, not the later editions. There's a thread somewhere too with details.

castanea · May 9, 2022

I actually make my own diy one, rigid and no bungee, I don't think the new climber wants to learn to splice unfortunately, mostly a rec climber.

Jonny · May 9, 2022

Hollow 12 strand like Tenex isn’t really much to learn though. It’s incredibly easy, much easier than double braid and even 3 strand.

Looks like Maple Leaf Ropes might have them in stock.

Maple Leaf Ropes

www.mapleleafropes.com

Is the new foldable SAKA being sold yet?

Crimsonking · May 10, 2022

I will second the CAMP. I like mine, super lightweight and compact. The Stein, though, is bulky and has a limited range of adjustment. Terrible configuration in my opinion.

Crimsonking · May 10, 2022

I told someone else recently- if you buy the CAMP ascender, a roll of bungee and a roll of paracord, you will spend less than you will on the package, and will have replacements for the parts that will wear out.

castanea · May 10, 2022

Jonny said:
Hollow 12 strand like Tenex isn’t really much to learn though. It’s incredibly easy, much easier than double braid and even 3 strand.

Looks like Maple Leaf Ropes might have them in stock.

Maple Leaf Ropes

www.mapleleafropes.com

Is the new foldable SAKA being sold yet?

I totally agree I just think he is intimdated by everything else there is to learn, I think homebrew gear even more so. I didnt see the foldable anywhere, and didnt expect to find the reg saka anywhere, Mumford said he has been waiting on new stock for a year, supply chain issue. I just emailed Maple Leaf to make sure its really in stock.

Jonny · May 10, 2022

I’m sure you’ll hear back by tomorrow. Maple Leaf is a great company, they got some house brand double braids in nylon or polyester, or nylon core/ poly cover. I’ve been very pleased with the quality and the price is excellent. Just in case you need to add a little to the SAKA order to qualify for free shipping.

Christrees · May 10, 2022

Good info. Thanks for the post op. I need a foot and knee ascender also. Just been debating what I want first the ascenders or rigging gear.

oldoakman · May 10, 2022

Richards footie v2 is great. Best on the market IMO.

Vicente · May 10, 2022

I use the ct simple ascender with a piece of ice line, bungee and carabiner, not very glamorous but it works well and I was able to quickly customize it to fit exactly the way I wanted, also it was super cheap.

Christrees · May 10, 2022

Vicente said:
I use the ct simple ascender with a piece of ice line, bungee and carabiner, not very glamorous but it works well and I was able to quickly customize it to fit exactly the way I wanted, also it was super cheap.

Ok cool..shit it's something to look into. I have alot to learn about ascenders. Any info appreciated.

Jonny · May 10, 2022

Ice Tail I think he means. A hollow 12 strand like Tenex, but made of Technora instead of polyester. More heat resistant than poly or nylon. Should work beautifully for a knee ascender. Class II splices for technora though, or at least in life support applications… maybe one could get a little creative for knee ascenders.

Vicente · May 10, 2022

Jonny said:
Ice Tail I think he means. A hollow 12 strand like Tenex, but made of Technora instead of polyester. More heat resistant than poly or nylon. Should work beautifully for a knee ascender. Class II splices for technora though, or at least in life support applications… maybe one could get a little creative for knee ascenders.

Yep that one, I bought several feet to use as a prussic cord, my foot loop is just tied off with some half hitches, tenex would work just as well I'm sure and be less expensive.

dspacio · May 10, 2022

I got a Kong hand ascender that was marked kinda low at local Shelter store, took a look at Haas and recreated the pattern, spliced a 'whoopie' foot loop into it. used the 5/16" Tenex with a little piece of webbing inside the foot loop. Got some bungee at local hardware store and tied it to top loop.
All told probably $60 on the kit.
I can still use it as a hand ascender, or make a 3:1 with pulley, etc.
it's big though. SAKA would be sweet.

evo · May 11, 2022

Jonny said:
Ice Tail I think he means. A hollow 12 strand like Tenex, but made of Technora instead of polyester. More heat resistant than poly or nylon. Should work beautifully for a knee ascender. Class II splices for technora though, or at least in life support applications… maybe one could get a little creative for knee ascenders.

I see no benefit at all using ice tail over tenex.. unless you like pissing $ away. And for what it’s worth it’s a blend of fibers

Bart_ · May 11, 2022

Did you get a feeling of accomplishment doing the double pass through on the ascender? Part of the elegance of the design. I maximized my bungee by having it anchor almost exactly at the foot whoopie exit. I hold my tube with one tiny zip tie at the upper exit.