Choosing Your Ascender
Petzl ascenders are designed for ascending fixed ropes, but they also have other uses including helping a second climber who is having trouble, hauling a victim out of a crevasse or up a wall, or self-belaying. For this, there are several types of ascenders: handled ascenders, chest ascenders, and backup ascenders.
Types of Ascenders
Hand Ascenders
With an excellent grip, these ascenders are primarily designed for ascending ropes. Their design also provides various ways to install the device on a rope in order to make a pulley system or haul a pack.
ASCENSION
Handled ascender with a comfortable, powerful grip.
BASIC
Compact and lightweight ascender.
Rope ascent with hand ascender installed above the user.
Examples of other ways to use hand ascenders.
Hauling with an ASCENSION handled ascender.
Pulley system with a BASIC ascender.
Chest Ascenders
Installed directly to the harness, they are used with a hand ascender for ascending a rope.
CROLL® S
Reinforced chest ascender for thin to medium-diameter ropes.
CROLL® L
Chest ascender for large-diameter ropes.
Backup Ascenders
TIBLOC
Ultralight and compact, the TIBLOC is a backup ascender that adapts readily to situations other than ascending ropes, such as pulley systems or progress capture.
Pulley System
Progress Capture
Ascending a Rope
Locking Systems
Rope Blocking with Toothed Cam (All Ascenders Except TIBLOC)
The teeth initiate the locking action and the cam pinches the rope. Blocking is optimal in a variety of conditions, including when the rope is wet, frozen, or muddy, all while reducing the effort needed to slide the device upward.
Rope Blocking via Carabiner Compression and Toothed Frame (TIBLOC)
The carabiner compresses the rope into the toothed frame. The self-cleaning slot enables use in a variety of conditions, including when the rope is wet, icy, or muddy. Ultra-lightweight solution using only the teeth and carabiner to block the rope.
Choosing Your Ascender
| Ascender Type | Hand | Chest | Backup | ||
| Locking System | Toothed Cam | Carabiner/Teeth | |||
| Ideal Use | Rope ascent, hauling | Rope ascent, pulley system | Rope ascent, with a hand ascender | Rope ascent, haul system, progress capture | |
| Rope Compatibility | 8 to 13 mm | 8 to 11 mm | 8 to 11 mm | 8 to 13 mm | 8 to 11 mm |
| Weight | 165 g | 85 g | 85 g | 140 g | 35 g |