Re: FIRST LOOK at the new Petzl ascenders on Pit Rope
Posted: Feb 8, 2013 3:21 pm
In the brochure for the Basic it shows it can be used as a rope grab in haul systems. I'm not sure if the old Basic had the same approved use. NCRC classes I've taken discourage (if not outright forbid) the use of most ascenders for this use. The only rope grabs they approved were Prusiks and the Rescu/Micro-scenders - the argument being that these won't sever the rope at higher loads. Is it possible the new Basic has been designed with enough of a recess that it performs like a Rescuescender? It has the same sharp teeth as always, so I wouldn't expect it to slip at higher loads. It's more likely to just cut the sheath.