The Rock Exotica Unicender - vids - links fixed

These are some videos I did recently of the Unicender. This is the Rock Exotica version and supplied by Sherrill Tree. These represent just some of the ways the Unicender can be used.

Sorry guys, I just couldn't figure out how to link these, so the only way I found is as follows. I'm sure that's not the right way though.

DdRT Body thrust:


DdRT single foot locking:


DdRT Unicender/CMI foot ascender:


DdRT unicender ropewalker:


SRT frog walker:


And, it doesn't always go as planned (bloopers and retakes)
Actually I don't do a back flip; my helmet falls off - you'll see:


And a new one: Unicender-Mitchel ropewalker:

Non-working links.......

Thanks for the heads up.

I thought I'd finally figured out how to post a link - obviously not. I'll try to fix it.

Very nice videos Ron.

Lots of different gear set-ups. I picked up a few good tricks.

Thanks for all your hard work on the videos....

Question for you Ron....

I noticed you use several types of CMI ascenders.

Do you prefer them over Petzl ascenders?

If so, is it due to reduce rope wear, or another reason?

I'm looking to buy a few ascenders and any ideas or thoughts would be great.

Greenluck,

I am so sorry for being so slow to respond, some how I missed your post.

I no longer use any ascender with long, slanted teeth. Some climbers have no problems with these types of cams, but I have picks all over my rope from them.

I have found so many advantages to the short straight teeth, like easy of removal, clean down walking, and I have held my rope against the cam (open) and pulled the rope in 'against' the cam and don't get a single snag or pick.

Just about all the later ascender designs except Petzl and ABC have short straight teeth, such as:

Kong Futura hand and foot ascenders
CMI hand and foot ascenders
Black Diamond nForce
Heightec PMI pulsar handled and compact ascenders
A new company - CAMP

All the above manufacturers use the short, straight teeth.

My recommenation would be the PMI pulsars. The BD nForce is good too, but it has a flex frame design and takes a little getting use to.

On Rope 1 carries the Pulsars, and Kong, CMI, and CAMP hand ascenders and Kong and CMI foot ascenders. The CMI's foot ascenders have a locking feature like most cam ascenders, the Kong foot ascenders do not have the lock or safety. They operate pretty much like Petzl Pantins except of course they have short straight teeth.


I'll be watching for posts now.

Ron

Thanks for the suggestions Ron.

You even suggested a few ascenders I didn't even know existed. Wow.

Also the web site you suggested was very cool. They have lots of little parts or items that be hard to find at larger stores.

They also have good climbing articles that were worth reading / looking at.

Looks like I may be leaning towards the short tooth ascenders......

Thanks Greenluck,

This isn't fair I know, but I live 10 miles from the On Rope 1 store and the owner, Bruce Smith, is a friend of mine. Bruce co-authored a book with a buddy, Alan, and it's called On Rope. I bought a copy and learned a lot from it.

Of course I learn a lot from Bruce too, he trains and certifies rescue personel. If there's a rescue effort within 100 miles, Bruce is called. I don't know where he gets all the energy.

Be sure to check out the myths section of their website. Good stuff.

Not everyone has a problem with the long, slanted teeth, but those are designed to work on iced rope and they are aggressive. It may be that I do/expect more from my ascenders than others, like down climbing and some other things I do that's beyond up and down tree climbing.

One thing to be aware of about the short teeth is they don't grab quite as quickly as longer, slanted teeth and it takes a bit of adjustment in ascender technique, but it's not a difficult adjustment at all. Once they grab, they hold securely and there's no problem whatsoever. Once you get use to them you'll won't have any problem with them - in fact, if I hadn't mentioned it, you may not even be aware of it.

Ron

You're right Ron, being that close to the retail store isn't fair.......no wonder you have so many toys!

As for Mr. Smith's book On Rope, I agree it is a very good read. It is very detailed almost like a text or course book for school. My copy is well worn now.......You're lucky to personally know such a knowledgeable person like Mr. Smith.

Good tip on watching out for the short tooth ascender grabbing differently than the Petzl type ascenders.

The myth section on onrope1 is great. I liked the write-up on the death triangle. Good info. I already saved onrope1 to my favorites.