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Modified Small UltrAscenders|
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This is a modified CMI Small UltrAscender (Version C) that is 129 mm. tall, 78 mm. wide, 29 mm. thick, and weighs 190 g.
The small UltrAscender only had one deficiency that I could easily correct: the safety. I replaced the safety on a pair of Version C small Ultrascenders with the same style safety that I used for modifying the large UltrAscender.
The other deficiency, the lack of a tie-in hole, could not be corrected without starting with an unfinished frame. This really isn't a problem to lose sleep over.
Improving the ascender voids any warranty and
releases CMI from all liability. I don't care.
The modified small UltrAscenders, rigged Texas, are what I
use for almost all of my caving except when I'm doing complex
work in big pits and can justify a heavier, more efficient rig.
So why aren't these scratched up? Originally, I modified a Version A and a Version B
small UltrAscender, but in September 2008, I restored those
two to their original forms (I still had the parts), and then
used the safeties to modify a new pair of Version C
small Ultrascenders. I photographed them before use.
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[ Top | Modified Small | Return to H.E.C. Ascenders ]
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| Front View: Closed | Rear View: Closed |
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| Front View: Open for Rigging | Rear View: Open for Rigging |
This is a modified CMI Large UltrAscender (Version D) that is 186 mm. tall, 78 mm. wide, 29 mm. thick, and weighs 263 g.
I believe that the large UltrAscender has two deficiencies
that are easily corrected. The first is the poorly designed plastic
safety, which is hard to use and breaks easily. To replace it,
I milled a 6061-T6 aluminum safety based on the early
Jumar safety design. I always thought that these early
Jumars had
the easiest and most useful design, but I improved on it by shaping
the safety so it could also hold the cam in the full-open position.
This way I can have my cam locked open as I'm waiting for my turn
to climb, then walk up, place the ascenders on the rope, touch
the safety to close the cam, and I'm ready to climb in seconds.
The second change was to eliminate the micro-finger-grips, and
replace them with a piece of PVC filed to a rounded shape.
releases CMI from all liability. I don't care.
The result is the ascender that I normally choose to use wall
climbing or on heavy caving trips. So why aren't these scratched
up? Originally, I modified a Version A
and a Version B large UltrAscender,
but in September 2008, I restored those two to their original
forms (I still had the parts), and then used the safeties to modify
a new pair of Version D large Ultrascenders. I photographed them before use.
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