Petzl Ascenders for SRT

[Sciadopitys]

When i last tried SRT i was using a Petzl right hand ascender clipped to a left hand ascender, with a webbed sling connecting me to them and then either footlocking the rope or using a pantin! It worked well, and made big climbs into the canopy a doddle. My question is...... Do i still need to back the ascenders up with an eye-to-eye friction knot such as a VT? Because surely using two (one for left hand and one for right) each one backs the other one up doesn't it? I have always assumed this was the case and have never bothered with a friction knot for back-up unless only using one ascender. But then i see pictures of that guy who fell off his rope using a double ascender, scary s*%t!!! Just wondered what you guys thought!

 

And also, i have read about setting the SRT line up so a groundman can rescue you if anything happens before you connect in with your Ddrt system. How necessary is this really? I have always just tied a running bowline (with Yosemite tie off) around the base of the tree! Good enough? or do i need to think about a different set up?

[gibbon]

I use 2 petzl ascenders but with a foot loop on the lower one, backed up with another sling 2 d ring. Not backed up with prussic as both asscenders work independantly

 

I would go with the red straight ascenders(dunno who makes them) if I bought mine again, as the petzl are designed for a slight incline and need to be tilted slightly if running up a verticle line which means a slight tweak in your technique.

[Sciadopitys]

Just noticed Petzl have introduced a new design for their ascenders for 2009. Anyone tried the new ones?

[Bundle 2]

Just noticed Petzl have introduced a new design for their ascenders for 2009. Anyone tried the new ones?

 

Not tried them ...no. Its on my list of things to do tho'.

TBH, it does not seem from viewing the blurb and pics from Petzl that anything substantial has been changed or reworked....Sure they look natty enough. However they warn of the same pitfalls when operating them as before. Agreed they offer specific methods of backing up in pdf format, very useful. They have changed the name to attract treeworkers .(presumably )

For me the issue is gettin' a hands on assessment...if they have not improved the accuracy of manufacturing tolerances I will not be replacing like for like anytime soon!

Edited March 7, 2009 by Bundle 2

[Rupe]

I will be writing a review of the new ones soon, I've been trying them out the last few weeks.

[Andy R]

Just noticed Petzl have introduced a new design for their ascenders for 2009.

 

got a link..?

[Dean Lofthouse]

got a link..?

 

I think these are em Andy

 

http://en.petzl.com/petzl/ProProduits?Produit=666&Activite=8

[Jonesie]

Yea they are the new ones Dean. I've given rupe a set to do a review on, so we should have some feedback soon.

[Will Hinchliffe]

They look quite tidy. But why no hole for a crab under the safety catch ? I look forward to reading Rupes review.

[Sciadopitys]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/PETZL-LEFT-HAND-CLIMBING-ASCENDER-B17WLA-ROPE-CLAMP_W0QQitemZ110359496962QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Sporting_Goods_Climbing_Mountaineering?hash=item110359496962&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1688%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

 

I meant this one, the other pic is a double ascender like the Kong ones are they not!?!

 

Anyway, might get em all n try em out!