The nForce Ascender by Black Diamond offers 33% more clamping force than any conventional ascender design on the market for maximum grip on icy or muddy ropes. Fast cam manipulation can be achieved by using the thumb, trigger finger or the edge of the frame. The comfortable, full-sized molded handgrip accommodates gloves and a 360 biner clip-in point allows full rotation of any locking biner.
DECENT FEATURES of the Black Diamond nForce Ascender
Four-bar linkage for greater holding power
360-degree carabiner clip-in points
Spacious grip improves dexterity and cam manipulation
My boyfriend and I went on a climbing trip to Spain and used these for some multi-pitch routes. They worked really well. They take a little getting used to, but they were easier to use than some that I have used in the past. The grips felt nice on my hands and didnt rub blisters like some that I've used before. All in all, I would recommend these.
"Nice upgrade to what's out there....cool looks....awesome performance!"
02/22/13
Had the petzl version of ascenders for a few years and was due for a new pair for our upcoming expedition to Carstensz Pyramid. At first I bought a right hand to try it out before committing to a pair of theses, and I absolutely love them. Big grip to fit while wearing down mittens, excellent grip/lock on dry/wet rope and almost same dependable performance on icy ropes. Looks not as solid as it actually is. Trigger mecanism feels weird but is an excellent feature once you are used to it. Product recommended!
Initially afraid to buy it, because (as I thought) the unreliability caused by more complex designs. But. Having taken and tested in the spring thawing waterfall was delighted! On wet and icy rope, where even Petzl slip, he kept securely. Plus, there is that working in a glove is very convenient! Conclusion: When using a safety Prusik excellent clip!
Made in America is a big plus. The linkage system makes for very smooth advancing on your line. Only downside is that I worry anytime a piece of gear is more complex, it also tends to become less reliable. Bottom line though; use in conjunction with a chest ascender, keep it clean, inspect it before use, and you will have a very efficient system and an enjoyable time on the rope.
Only used this one for mountaineering trips. It is specially designed to use with gloves on. With technical gloves, it can be easily opened and closed with one hand.
I can confirm these bad boys work well on wet ropes. My last trip to the Grampians in Australia saw us climbing in some terrible weather. The wind and rain was so strong it held 20meters of wet rope trailing behind me out almost horizontal. The nForce Ascenders gripped the rope so well as I jumard up to clean the trad gear. I always had full confidence in my ascenders and I would recommend them to anyone.
I have tried out all the common ascenders on the market and find the Black diamond to be the simplest to use and the best working. with one finger you can pull the auto-locking mechanism back and have your ascender set nice and tight on the ropes. another plus is it is much easier on the sheath of the rope wearing is down much less. Also works on wet ropes and fairly icy ropes if needed. great features, quality built, I recommend this to anyone looking for an ascender.
I'm not even a Star Wars fan but that was the only "clever" subject I could come up with ..... and hey - I never claimed to be clever or creative or even 1/2 way intelligent, so screw you for judging.Anyways - the nForce Ascender is truly top notch. I recently used it on the head-wall of Island Peak and never skipped a beat on the way up. I even used it a bit on the decent towards the bottom. Perfect amount of friction and the finger trigger is easy to operate, even with a thick glove. I highly recommend it.
I'm not even a Star Wars fan but that was the only "clever" subject I could come up with ..... and I never claimed to be clever or creative or even 1/2 way intelligent, so screw you for judging.Anyways - the nForce Ascender is truly top notch. I recently used it on the head-wall of Island Peak and never skipped a beat on the way up. I even used it a bit on the decent towards the bottom. Perfect amount of friction and the finger trigger is easy to use even with a thick glove. I highly recommend it.
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