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Cragsocks

Reviews

5.04

Invisible Stairs

Pros
Everything
Familiarity
I’ve used it a few of times

I forget that I have this on since its so light and compact. Makes ascending a breeze when your foot stays in line with the rope. Also keeps the clutter down without the need of a second aider. 
 

The bite is strong as with all Petzl ascenders. The spring action is light enough for running up the rope without too much effort. Easy attach and retach. 
 

 

4.02

Ergonomicly Inconvenient?

Pros
Lightweight
Efficient
Cons
See comment below
Familiarity
I’ve used it a few of times

First off, this ascender works extremely efficiently. It keeps you hand in line with the rope so there wont be any torquing of the hand. The manufacturer estimates a 30% efficiency gain, but I don't know how you can judge that. It is more comfortable than your standard hand ascender as it is quite ergonomic. 
 

The issues are that the ascender isnt necessary designed for rock climbing since there is no finger protection. Slilding the ascender up against rock can mash your knuckles, and if not that, the bottom portion bulbs out which can get caught on edges. This lack of finger protection also means there is no loop for your fingers when detaching this from the rope leading to a higher chance of dropping it if not tethered. The detaching motion also takes a little getting used to. 
 

 

Index Right

Black Diamond
Black Diamond Index Right Ascender
2.04

Go back to the index and find something else

Pros
Feathering
Cons
Heavy
Only one carabiner hole below
No ergonomic handle
Familiarity
I’ve used it a bunch

They named this the Index because you can stick your index finger in the trigger to feather, but I found it to be cumbersome since you have to stick your finger in the trigger hole.  If you leave your finger in there, you'd be one index finger short when pulling on it.  The handle doesn't have any ridges making it less ergonomic and comfortable.  The carabiner hole only fits one carabiner while the other hole can be used with a cord or maillon.  Sold as a high featured full hand ascender, it appears to be lacking many.  Also heavier than the best ascenders.

Lift Left

Singing Rock
Singing Rock Lift Left Ascender
6

Underrated as the under ascender

Pros
Lightweight
Feathering
Familiarity
I’ve used it a bunch

Lighter than most ascenders yet has the most features to accommodate all your needs - ergonomic handle, large carabiner hole for multiple connections, and an index trigger.  I can't say enough about the index trigger as this is probably the best and most ergonomic design on a full hand ascender.  A small bump on the trigger makes it easy to use your index finger to feather and release vs the BD index which requires the index finger to move into the trigger or the Petzl Ascension which requires a thumb.  This makes it the most comfortable as the lower ascender for jugging.

5.04

Ascension, right?

Pros
Lightweight
Great bite
Cons
Feathering
Familiarity
I’ve used it a bunch

The lightest of the full hand ascenders, yet it feels the most sturdy when grabbing the rope.  The only issue is the feathering requires the thumb while other ascenders can be feathered using your trigger finger.  I used this as the top ascender when jugging which doesn't require much feathering, but as a lower ascender, it can be a little less ergonomic since you would have to hold it in a way where your thumb can engage the trigger.  

5.04

Micro in size, but big efficiency

Pros
Hauling efficiency
Compact
Cons
Working load limit
Familiarity
I’ve used it a bunch

Of the compact progress capture devices, this might be the tops for hauling at 91% efficiency.  However, it's only rated for 2.5kN working load on each strand with a 4kN breaking strength, so be careful about your haul weight and consider a large pulley for big loads.  Given the compactness, it doubles as an ascender for TR solo, just be wary of the teeth as it is meant as a bodyweight ascender and not certified for fall protection.  

Duck

Kong
Kong Duck Ascender
3

Hunt for other ducks

Pros
TR solo ascender
Cons
Hauling
Familiarity
I’ve used it a bunch

Similar to the CT Rollnlock, the duck is lightweight and works well as a TR solo progress capture. The toothless cam bites well into the rope and slides with ease. For hauling, I do not recommend this as while it appears similar to the Rollnlock, the hauling position of the Duck is quite different and as the Duck requires the rope to run over and through the carabiner. This causes the Duck to flip during every pull and catch making this very inefficient. Yes this is compact, but other ascenders in this class like the Rollnlock can do more for a similar price. 

Rollnlock

Climbing Technology
Climbing Technology Rollnlock Ascender
4.02

Rolls and locks

Pros
Lightweight
No teeth
Cons
Not the best compact hauling device
Familiarity
I’ve used it a bunch

In the lightweight ascender category, the Rollnlock is great as a TR solo device given its compactness, weight, roll on the rope, and ridged cam. As a hauling device, is offers 85% efficiency, but compared to other compact devices, this doesn't quite compete given that there is no pulley wheel.