ABC ascenders

[fireman1904]

Does anyone have any input on ABC handled ascenders? They look a lot like the petzl ones. On Rope1 says they are very similar but may be better in some ways. I am one to like to use different things than everyone else i cave with just to be different. For example I have a set of real Jumars that I use now. But I am looking to upgrade and also add to my collection of vertical equipment. For one so if i decide i want to use something other than my frog rig i dont have to take apart half my stuff and re rig it for something else. And two just to have some extra stuff so if we go caving and someone forgets something i may have a backup they could use.

[David Grimes]

I know that they have gotten great reviews. Most people that use them calim they are easier to get on and off the rope than the Petzl I think that is primarily due to the steel loop on the safety unlike the plastic one on the petzl. I actually considered buying them myself as they are generally cheaper by about $5 but I ended up getting petzl stuff for xmas but both work equally as well.

[Rick Brinkman]

I saw one of the handled ascenders a while back. Nice. Looks a lot like the old Petzl ascenders before the plastic "improvements".

[speleogen]

I have a Petzl on my ropewalker and an ABC on my frog. I prefer the ABC; its much easier to get on and off rope.

John

[Pitbully]

I have an ABC Handeled Ascender, It works great, the pegs for the thumb switch seem to be grabbier than the thumb lock on the Petzl. I did enjoy the cheaper price. I have no negative feedback for this ascender. I use it to rest on my mitchell

[fuzzy-hair-man]

For more discussion and info look here:
http://forums.caves.org/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=5688
and here:
http://forums.caves.org/viewtopic.php?t=5280