NZcaver wrote:I'd like to check out the redesigned cam and teeth on the new Petzl ascenders, and the recessed "trigger" (I assume he means the safety). A couple more nice tiny lightweight carabiners are coming out, including a internal locking non-screw gate style one which looks interesting. The bamboo socks look nice too.
GEARFREAK!!!
Presumably Petzl's redesign on the safeties was because of people using them in the wrong hand and grinding them against the rock? if it shows how sensitive petzl and other gear companies are to safety even if the concerns were the result of misuse.
Yeah those DMM non screw gate lockers look like a really cool idea, I think usage wise they'll be less secure than a standard screw gate because the leverage at the end of the gate has to significant and there are already problems/concerns about how easy it can be to defeat the locking sleeve on screw gate carabiners. So I'm guessing it's an attempt to make spring gate carabiners a little more secure and probably get rid of gate flutter.
I doubt they could be used in place of screw gates though. Cavewise I'm guessing the locking mechanism will get clogged with mud, pity because I reckon they would have made a good compromise option between screw gates and non lockers on cowstails.
DMM does seem to make some pretty cool and innovative gear though!!