Grivel Ascender / descender - left and right hand

Dual-use climbing tool for ascending and descendingA&D stirrup clamp ergonomics and usabilityAluminum ascender for ascending fixed ropesGrivel A&D stirrup clamp certificationsClimbing equipment for multi-rope length routesA&D stirrup clamp features and specificationsVersatile ascender for alpine climbingGrivel climbing gear with dual functionalityDual-purpose ascender and rappelling deviceA&D stirrup clamp Grivel reviewClimbingMountaineering
Written By Chris Shirley MA FRGS

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Cost ★★★★☆

Performance ★★★★★

Overall Score ★★★★☆

Verdict: An essential piece of kit for climbing mountains, at a reasonable price!

The Ascender Descender by Grivel is offered in both a left and right-hand version (as you can see here) and represents quite the innovation in climbing gear, offering the versatility of functioning as both an ascender and an abseiling device.

 

Its introduction of a plate on the body resolves a longstanding challenge with traditional ascenders, transforming their singular upward functionality into a dual-purpose tool suitable for descending as well. This enhancement eliminates the typical difficulty in unlocking ascenders for rappelling and enables a smooth transition between climbing up and descending down a rope. By simply inserting the rope under the cam into the plate, attaching a carabiner, and briefly unloading weight to open the cam, you can initiate the descent akin to using a regular plate.

 

This piece of tech finds use not only in climbing expeditions but also in multi-rope length routes, functioning both for ascending fixed ropes and as a descent system on the same ropes. Its design features a substantial ring at the base, allowing easy connection with the harness. The A&D stirrup clamp boasts an spacious handle for when you’re wearing gloves, and is designed for effortless operation even when you can barely feel your hands. Additionally, the practical ring on the cam enhances manoeuvrability, aiding in unlocking and manipulation during use.

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About the Author:

Chris is the founder of Hiatus.Design, a mission-driven branding and website design company that works with clients all over the world.

Over the course of his life, he has travelled to more than 60 countries across six continents, earned two Guinness World Records, completed the legendary Marathon des Sables, summited Mont Blanc and unclimbed peaks in Asia, become a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS), rowed across the Atlantic Ocean and obtained a Masterʼs degree in Business Management (MA).

https://www.hiatus.design
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