Like the Boy Scouts - True blue and gold.,  Monday, 12 May 2008 For a very long time, the only ascenders I used were the CMI ultracenders. The handles on the CMI's are small. Petzl's ascenders offer a good sized grip without being too large overall.

During a rock climbing trip to Utah, I saw many of these ascenders in use on very high (200-800 foot) ascents. The climbers I spoke to said they wouldn't use anything else. I bought a pair that day. I really like them.

Strong, easy to use, and fairly light - a lot lighter than the ultracenders. These do take a bit of practice, but that goes for any new piece of gear.

 Peach of a Pear,  Monday, 12 May 2008 Like the previous reviewer, I too have had screwlinks rotate. I solved the problem by attaching a dogbone shaped piece of 1/8 inch rubber to the narrow end like a captive eye around the leg strap bridge. Problem solved.

The pear link is a definate improvement over the stock delta connector. By the time I got done connecting my hitch biner and foot ascender to my delta, there wouldn't be enough room to attach another biner if I wanted to. This is the perfect solution.

 Like a favorite old sweatshirt...,  Thursday, 24 April 2008 When I began recreational tree climbing, a 120' hank of safety blue was my first choice. I like it. It's comfortable, familiar, and safe. like an old sweatshirt.

After using static line for rescue for so many years, I was really surprised at how soft the hand of the Safety Blue was. It ties easily and holds knots well. At first I thought it was slippery, but then I realized that it was the abrasion resistant coating. I use a Petzl ascender on my foot loop and this rope is holding up very well. No pulls or loose fibers.

At the risk of forsaking my favorite old sweathirt, I bought a second hank of High V Safety Blue. My wife can use it when we climb together. Good Rope - period.

 Not for an odd sized head.,  Thursday, 24 April 2008 I do not own the Elios, but I tried it on and considered it for almost an hour before opting to purchase another helmet.

I tried the size 2, but is was a bad fit. The adjustment went small enough for my little noggin, but then the helmet stuck out off of the back of my head REALLY far. I was afraid it would get caught in branches etc.
Then, I tried the size 1. Again, it was possible to adjust the suspension to fit my head, but this time it looked like I had a margarine tub on my head - it was just too small. I felt like there would not be very much side impact protection either, and it just wasn't very comfortable. The foam liner is hard and bumpy. I couldn't see wearing this helmet for a short tree climb let alone a long day on rock.

I passed on the Elios and purchased a small Grivel Salamander - much better fit, simpler adjustment, and better coverage.

 Easy up - easy Down!,  Monday, 31 March 2008 Super easy for a rookie to use the first time out - Easy up - Easy down. Thanks to Peter's great instruction on the TCI basics video.

I lubricated one of my sleeves with talc right away, because I didn't know how slippery it would be "dry". They both worked fine either way. Also, I like the idea of using a natural material next to the bark. I don't know, maybe it's me, but it just seems less damaging to the cambium than plastic.

As for portability, I took peter's idea, and added a loop of accessory cord to the middle and clipped them to the daisy chain on my pack - never knew they were there.