Ascenders

[abbyf]

Hi

I've got to give a presentation on ascenders and the pro's and cons of the devices we use in the industry. If anyone has anything they think would be useful comments, photo's or stories please contact me. I would be interested to hear peoples views as i thing if used correctly they are a great labour saving device but there are pit falls that inexperienced climbers fall in to literally. So if you have any comments they would be greatfully recieved.

Ta

[Peter]

Thats a jumbo sized can of worms you've got yourself!

 

I presume you have a picture of a treemotion with two big spikes stuck through the back pad?

[Rupe]

I agree, big mess! Essentially the standard kong ascenders used by many are not designed for arb use, they are designed for use on two seperate fixed lines and this is hardly ever implemented in tree work.

 

THey can be backed up to make them safer but again this is not always done. I would be very careful in saying that they are a good thing!

[Peter]

The problem with backing up double ascenders is, its time consuming, requires extra kit and a bit of thought, and since double ascenders are often used because they are easier than other methods, the backup often doesnt get done.

 

A double ascender for arb use needs backup built in, or a foolproof system that simply doesnt fail in normal use.

 

Even in SRT, open shelled ascenders are not ideal, due to twigs getting caught in the cam, and possible accidental opening in use.

[High Scale]

I have a pair of CMI ascenders that I very rarely use but when I do they are a great way to access a tree.

[gibbon]

2 asscenders are a vital bit of kit if you regularly access big trees, imo

[Rupe]

2 asscenders are a vital bit of kit if you regularly access big trees, imo

 

Two double handled ascenders or a pair of singles?

[Rupe]

Hi

I've got to give a presentation on ascenders and the pro's and cons of the devices we use in the industry. If anyone has anything they think would be useful comments, photo's or stories please contact me. I would be interested to hear peoples views as i thing if used correctly they are a great labour saving device but there are pit falls that inexperienced climbers fall in to literally. So if you have any comments they would be greatfully recieved.

Ta

 

Going back to the original question, are you talking about double handled, or singles? Or both and every combination of uses?

 

There are some excellent ways of using single ascenders backed up with chest ascenders, and use with foot ascenders. Many different type and uses.

[gibbon]

I use 2 singles. I know icould foot lock, but for me it saves a lot of energy to use the asscenders and allows rapid access for a rescue

[Rupe]

2 singles with footloops?