Ascenders

Featured review by G00se

The Petzl Ascension is the only foot ascender on the market worth looking at. Although the price is a bit higher, I have known cavers who regretted trying cheaper alternatives. If you are new to rope work, Petzl is the brand to buy...period!

So, I have said the same thing on my Petzl Croll review, but in a "Frog" ascending system, the Croll and Ascension are both critical components. You can't safely have one without the other. The Petzl Ascention is the only foot ascender I've ever used for caving. It works right every time. I can set and remove it while wearing gloves. It holds on wet, gritty rope. I literally have trusted my life to it scores of times. Petzl tends to be a bit pricier than other other brands, but I have caved with people frustrated with the performance of their cheaper buys.

Read more: Petzl Ascension reviews (3)

Reviewed by G00se

Does what it is supposed to do quite well.

I have been using the Patin for years as a supplement to my Frog Ascension. Normally, when you start out ascending a rope, you have to pinch the rope between your feet to get started. This is because, until you get a good 10' off the ground, there is not enough weight on the rope to automatically pull it through the ascenders. Pinching the rope with construction boots on can be a task, and a climber can expend a lot of energy in the initial ascent. The Pantin eliminates the need to pinch the rope.

Read more: Petzl Pantin review (1)

Reviewed by G00se

As a component in rope ascending, the Petzl Croll continues to be the best on the market. It is easy to use, even while wearing gloves. It holds true on wet, gritty rope. I have trusted my life to this item numerous times and will continue to do so.

Petzl's ascenders are the only ones I've ever used for caving. They work right every time. I can set and remove them while wearing gloves. I literally have trusted my life with them scores of times. Petzl tends to be a bit pricier than other brands, but I'll stick with the leader when it comes to my safety. The Croll is designated as a "chest ascender." This may cause some confusion, as it actually attaches to your harness at your waist. However, it is held in place by either a chest harness or a piece of webbing running up and over the shoulders.

Read more: Petzl Croll review (1)

Reviewed by F_klock

I first saw this device in a climbing mag. As a rescue tech, I/we are always looking to try out new ideas, especially when they are this inexpensive and LIGHT! The Tibloc can be used as an emergency ascender on single rope up to 11mm (I've used it on 12mm with no probs.) and also as a makeshift locking pulley for hauling systems like the Z-rig. Works best with an oval or HMS carabiner with a round body. Plus side: Super simple, can't be removed from rope unless the attaching biner is removed also, inexpensive, small enough to carry unnoticed on any rack.

Read more: Petzl Tibloc review (1)

Reviewed by G00se

An important part of any ascension system, the Singing Rock Puller Chest Harness is well-made and dependable. I have owned several of these units, retiring them as age requires. They are still available in climbing stores and well worth the few bucks.

Singing Rock is a great company, and this is a great item to use with a Frog Ascension System. The harness keeps your chest ascender (I prefer Petzl's Croll) in place on a climb. Without it, a climber would risk the ascender disconnecting from the rope. Many cavers make their own chest harness out of webbing. I like using a pre-made harness, because it's easily adjustable, and I can loan it out to someone who forgot to bring one. In this photo you can see the gold chest harness crossing my shoulder and back.

Read more: Singing Rock Puller Chest Ascender Harness review (1)

Reviewed by G00se

The Singing Rock Footer Ascender Sling is a quality, adjustable foot tape that allows those using a Frog ascending system to set the right length for climbing rope. As with all Sing Rock equipment I have used, I find it reasonably priced and well worth considering.

At the heart of a "Frog" rope ascension system is a foot ascender, with its accompanying foot lanyard. The foot ascender has two lines coming off of it. The first, is the life supporting lanyard that attaches to the harness. The second is a critical (but non-life supporting) foot tape, like the Singing Rock. Stock store image. In the picture below, my friend Ralph has his right hand on a Petzl foot ascender. The rope he is climbing is to the right (coming at his chest, then falling between his feet).

Read more: Singing Rock Footer Ascender Sling review (1)