New Petzl Basic - first impressions

[Jack]

<iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DH9b5TNdzRI?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Porkbrick]

for some reason your vid is only 16 seconds long.

 

[CurSedVoyce]

Dont think I would run 1/2 inch rope through it ... looks too tight. Nice comparison.. Like the two biner option.. Dunno if I like the thinner option.

 

[Jack]

for some reason your vid is only 16 seconds long.

Played fine (full length) on my wife's iPad. She does not even have a youtube account.

 

[Jack]

Dont think I would run 1/2 inch rope through it ... looks too tight. Nice comparison.. Like the two biner option.. Dunno if I like the thinner option.

I agree. Just wanted to try the 1/2 inch ... wasn't as bad as I had expected but I wouldn't recommend it, either.

 

[bonner1040]

Thank you Jack, a LOT of good info and comparison!

 

[Jack]

The new Petzl Basic ascender is smaller, lighter, thinner, 8-11mm.

This video is a subjective comparison of the 'new' vs. the 'old' Basic.

Upon further evaluation:

Climbed with it rigged as a knee ascender on 11mm Blaze ... worked fine, IMO.

The 1/2" (13mm) line did work BUT NOT RECOMMENDED.

Overall ... the new Basic seems a little 'light-duty' for tree work.

In light of the ZigZag failure ... and the recent New Croll failure (also made of thinner stock); Petzl needs to stop catering to the crazies who weigh their shoe strings ... SAD.

I wish I would have bought more of the old style.

 

[bonner1040]

Croll failure? Details/link please

 

[Jack]

I've read some indications that this might have been the result of destructive testing ... still unclear ... this photo was from a FB post ... lots of rumors floating about ...

caveat emptor

 

[Jack]

Another photo:

EDIT: Notice that the ropes appear undamaged yet the Crolls have clearly failed ... not a good sign!!!

 

[DMc]

I actually like the thought of these units failing at the shell as opposed to destroying the rope. Just make it plain that they are not to be used as life-support, only non-critical rope capturing functions, like knee ascenders. Predictable load release at lower loadings could make them safe to use on double-braid ropes.

 

[Jack]

Good point, Dave. As mentioned in the vid, a knee ascender is my intended purpose for the Basic. However, there are some here that use the Basic as a hand ascender and tether to the saddle as though it's suitable for life support. That concept might deserve to be re-evaluated for the NEW Basic. It would be nice to find and read the full test report on the Basic. I think it was done in Italy ...