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Description

Time-tested on the world's biggest walls.

There's a reason that the Petzl Ascension is the most popular ascender for big wall climbers. Its simple, functional, ergonomic design makes it the choice for any aid line out there. The thumb catch makes it easy to partially release the cam and ease your progress low on the pitch where rope weight isn't helping you yet. Wet, muddy, or icy ropes? Not a problem for this ascender's super-aggressive teeth. Petzl also added a top carabiner loop as an additional security measure for when you're cleaning the Great Roof.

  • Large thumb release lever for easy manipulation of the cam on traverses and lower outs
  • Top carabiner loop eliminates the chance of an accidental release on traversing pitches
  • Ergonomic, padded handle for superior comfort
  • Aggressive cam teeth add security on muddy and icy ropes

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Petzl Ascension Handled Ascender

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Here's what others have to say...

5 5

Iggy Smalls

Member since 

Took this to do Washington Column in Yosemite. Worked well and was comfy.

5 5

Riley McDonald

Member since 

Got these primarily for rope soloing and as loaners for a second and I love them. Sooo much better than prusiks of course!

I really like how the teeth are hard to disengage unless you purposefully pull down and out. Makes it much harder to accidentally disengage.

Also, this is totally subjective, but these seem to tear up rope a little less quickly than the BD ascenders.

Not Just For Rock!
5 5

mph5672198

Member since 

I took this ascender caving and can't complain. The grip fit my hand well and I had no problems using it. I really like orange, so I'm glad I was able to find a reasonable priced ascender in orange, lol.

5 5

Jeff Guest

Member since 
Groups:

I have used the BD Ascenders and these Petzl Ascenders. I really can't decide which one I think is better between the two but I have noticed that the Petzl Ascenders seem to weigh slightly less than BD. They are basically the same price too! If you are concerned about weight then I would go with Petzl.

4 5

Clay Stoner

Member since 

Standard ascenders and have stood up to a bit of abuse. Mostly used for cleaning/bolting

5 5

Jeff Guest

Member since 
Groups:

I got to use one of these last weekend when the rope got stuck in a slot canyon. I used one of these and a tiblock to ascent up 100' of rope to retrieve it. I own the BD Ascenders which I LOVE, but I also really liked this ascender too! It seams a little lighter than the BD version, and is easier to open to put on and take off the rope than the BD version because there is no "Z pattern" you have to follow. It doesn't seem as smooth to open and close though, but there was no slipping and it worked great! The Petzl and Black Diamond Acsenders are both great ascenders and are the same price, but I would probably go with the Petzle because it is about 2oz lighter per ascender than the BD ones.

does this ascender tear up rope? looks...

Michael Martinelli

Member since 
Posted on

does this ascender tear up rope? looks like the teeth may cut into the rope.

Ryan Hamilton

Member since 
Responded on

No, they roll up the rope then dig in a little when pressure is applied. Petzl knows what they're doing with this stuff.

Hunter Lea

Member since 
Responded on

Michael,

In my experience with this piece, the teeth have caused little/no noticeable damage to my rope beyond a little cosmetic damage to the sheath in the form of minor snags. These were usually in areas where the rope was already frayed, and were worst on my dynamic rope... avoid ascending on a dynamic line if at all possible.

Happy trails!

Happy trails!

Thomas Ogasawara

Member since 
Responded on

They're designed to just separate the fibers of the sheath without causing any permanent damage. Once Tension is applied to the rope again the previous splits are closed and the rope reverts to normal. That said, they will cause small snags occasionally, but nothing seriously damaging.

5 5

J.W.

Member since 

If you need a handled ascender, in my opinion, these are the best. I've used mine for years as an integral component of my frog rig for SRT (e.g. vertical caving.) Over time, I've made the decision to switch to a Petzl Basic, but not due to any failures or perceived shortcomings of the Ascension. I wanted to shave off some weight and bulk from my rig. If the form factor works, there will be no drawbacks with this device. Highly recommended.

5 5

Westy

Member since 

Well after years of Blakes, Prusiks and Icicle knots I finally broke down and purchased these. They are nice if you have them and less nice if you don't. Just wonderful being able to pull and hang with something solid in hand.

5 5

Ryan Hampton

Member since 

I have always been a huge fan of PETZL. I use their harnesses exclusively and helmets are breathable and, well, protective. This ascender is top notch. It grabs with authority, slides like there is lube involved, and catches without missing a beat. GREAT PIECE OF GEAR. The only drawback of sorts, is the safety catch. When weighted in a precarious stance, the device tends to hold to the rope a little too tightly, but it sure is better than it coming open under weight, committing the climber to the depths. GREAT PIECE OF GEAR. Wish they had a right/left combo piece however. Good gear, good price, will save that ass. The auto belay option is progressive, clip the biner in as directed with a harness leash and an etier and you have a great piece of ascending gear that will take you to the top, clean and sure. Thanks Petzl.

4 5

Edward  Stoklannd

Member since 

These ascenders are intuitive, color coded, and light they work well.
My only complaint is that it feels more difficult to open the rope-grabbing mechanism than I think it could be. In a way, that is a sort of built in safety that prevents someone from accidentally opening it, but I still think it could stand to open more easily for one handed operation.

5 5

Greg G

Member since 
Groups:

I've used the BD nForce ascenders for a few years, and thought they were ok. I had no idea what I was missing out on until I gave these ascenders a try this past fall. The ease of use is unparalleled. There is no extra moving parts or procedures I have to go through to unlock the tool or get it past a knot, which is cluth for fast ascents. I would highly recommend this piece of gear for any big wall climber or anyone looking to add an item as useful as this to their rack.

I own a sailboat and would like to create...

bhs4044417

Member since 
Posted on

I own a sailboat and would like to create a climbing system to use on my mast. I have a line that will be stationary from the base to the top of the mast. What equipment would I need to create a safe system. By the way I am a novice. Can anyone help me?

Lyric Rosatti

Member since 
Best Answer Responded on

First off, I am assuming you mean you want to top your mast, and not just hang over for balast. So, you should pick up two of these, one right handed, and one left handed. You will also need a harness, two slings, or one sling and a foot loop. You will also need carabiners to attach those things to the Ascender.

Some people would leave it at that, and trust that the Ascender is enough to keep you in place at the top, and in all likely hood, it will. I think that most people would want some kind of other back up system at the top. What does the top of your mast look like, is there anything else to tie off to? What size boat is it?
Foot Loop: http://www.backcountry.com/petzl-footape-adjustable-foot-loop

J.W.

Member since 
Responded on

Personally, I would completely avoid using two handled ascenders. I highly recommend that you outfit yourself with a "frog" system. This will provide a high degree of safety. For more information check out the following link: http://technology.darkfrontier.us/Vertical/Frog/

5 5

Bob Gray

Member since 

This is essential equipment anytime jugging up a fixed line is part of your adventure. Easy to hold, easy to use, and rock solid. These are my absolute favorite ascenders.

Accept no substitute
5 5

Andrew McLean

Member since 
Groups:

I reserve the five star rating for very few items, but the Petzl Ascension Handled Ascender is worthy of it. This was an instant design classic when it first came out and has improved with various iterations over the years. These are the ascenders of choice if you are going to be doing lots of jugging as they are comfortable, secure and have a smooth action. They are ideal for Big Wall climbing, but I have also used them for Adventure Racing, Caving and cleaning routes.

About the only thing to watch on them is that the rope is fully engaged before you start fumbling with the trigger. Unlike other ascenders, with this one the rope is either in, or out - there is not threading, or halfway about it. This is good as it is secure, but if you are tired and not paying attention, the rope will pop right out when you thumb the trigger. Always tie a backup knot and never trust your life to one piece of equipment!

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