*NEW* BD Ascender (Nforce)

[billcoe]

New Ascender from BD. Looks interesting.

 

It weighs (slightly) and costs more than the tried and true Petzl. Maybe if you were going to do some remote Alskan or Himalayan climb the "33 percent higher strength" claim might have an effect?? They don't claim that it will shred a rope less than most ascenders either. I suspect that it was tested for that.

 

"Description:

Black Diamond's nForce offers 33% more gripping power than any conventional ascender design, driving the climber’s body weight onto the rope with four-bar leverage for maximum hold. Cam manipulation can be achieved with trigger finger, thumb or edge of frame. Solid locking power and easy handling makes a perfect combo. Specify left or right.

 

Features:

 

* 33% more clamping power than conventional ascenders

* 360-degree clip-in allows full range of rotation for locking biners

* Full-size hand grip accommodates gloves and mitts

 

Specifications:

 

* Weight: 8.6 ounces

 

Interesting that they don't list rope size range. Jumar is like 6.5-13mm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[fenderfour]

It looks like operating the trigger is easier than the petzl stuff. I won't be buying any for a while.

[crackers]

It looks like operating the trigger is easier than the petzl stuff. I won't be buying any for a while.

 

I think looks might well be deceiving unless they fixed a couple of problems...but without touching it, I'd have no idea.

[kevbone]

youve seen one....you have seen them all. Thanks for sharing Bill.