knee ascender

[naturarbo]

Hi after owning a Turboknee System, a Systéme 3a and a Haas Velox and finding them all non practical(hope that is good american)...
Actually really shitty all of them.
Turbo is to loose, Systeme 3a is not adjustable on chin lenght, Haas is designed for very tall people.
Looked also at SAKA same basic problem as the others has to be removed for work.
Inspired by Dan Climbing Arborist I made 2 knee ascenders.
First worked very well, but sling was to worn out; lasted 3 trees.
Made a second and its even better.
Design is basic, piece is compact, no bungees, no need to remove after ascent, clips in 1 place only...your rope.
Dont know about you guys but not having to remove it for work is to me A SUPER PLUS POINT.

[Dan Maynard]

I find the Haas ok for length but I am tall. The problem I have is slipping off my boot when I hit brush and small branches, that looks like it's attached to the boot? Not managed to find a boot with better attachment in size 13.

[naturarbo]

Hi @Dan Maynard I also used foot loops before.

Main problem was them slipping while branch walking.

You can get a good foot loop from a retired foot ascender like ninja or quick step.

This boot has a loop attached designed for ascenders, very practical.

Look for Arbpro Cervino Wood or Arbortec Kayo.

All climbing boots should have it, less pieces, more production.

 

[Dan Maynard]

4 hours ago, naturarbo said:

You can get a good foot loop from a retired foot ascender like ninja or quick step.

Now that's a blinding idea, in fact I have bought a second ninja with the idea of bolting it to my right spike shank, so I'll save the loop when I get round to that.

[TaxusBaccata]

Hello mate, any updates on this after a years use? I'm planning to make something similar myself.

 

Also wondering why it's necessary for the sling to be made rigid? is that just loads of tape, or is there a stick in there?

 

Thanks!

[Old Mill Tree Care]

On 08/08/2023 at 18:23, naturarbo said:

Hi after owning a Turboknee System, a Systéme 3a and a Haas Velox and finding them all non practical(hope that is good american)...
Actually really shitty all of them.
Turbo is to loose, Systeme 3a is not adjustable on chin lenght, Haas is designed for very tall people.
Looked also at SAKA same basic problem as the others has to be removed for work.
Inspired by Dan Climbing Arborist I made 2 knee ascenders.
First worked very well, but sling was to worn out; lasted 3 trees.
Made a second and its even better.
Design is basic, piece is compact, no bungees, no need to remove after ascent, clips in 1 place only...your rope.
Dont know about you guys but not having to remove it for work is to me A SUPER PLUS POINT.

I've been using this exact thing for about fifteen years. Perfect.

[Old Mill Tree Care]

On 09/05/2024 at 18:12, TaxusBaccata said:

Hello mate, any updates on this after a years use? I'm planning to make something similar myself.

 

Also wondering why it's necessary for the sling to be made rigid? is that just loads of tape, or is there a stick in there?

 

Thanks!

There is no need for the sling to be rigid. That's a personal choice thing.

[naturarbo]

@TaxusBaccata the design is superb, probably can be improved by replacing knee strap with a non elastic thing.Not tried yet.