Climbing ropes is made a lot easier with mechanical ascenders. Although these are more expensive that friction hitches, they enable climbers to ascend ropes faster and easier, thus they are less tiring. Ascenders can either be held by the hand, or strapped to the foot. Among the latter is the Petzl Pantin Foot Ascender.
The Pantin Foot Ascender consists of a stamped aluminum frame, an eccentric chrome-plated steel cam, and two straps that are reinforced with Dyneema, an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) invented and manufactured by Royal DSM. They are designed to work with hand-held ascenders such as the Petzl Ascension or Ascentree.
The frame is designed in a way that allows the rope to run vertically through it. Thus, when the climber moves his foot upward and the cam is disengaged, it glides smoothly and freely over the rope with a minimum of friction.
The cam is completely integrated within the frame. It is equipped with angled teeth that tightly clasp the rope when loaded with weight. A self-cleaning slot enables the cam to perform its function even if the rope is dirty, muddy, or icy. The area on the cam that comes into contact with the rope when it is moving upwards has been refined to assure a smooth flow.
The mounting straps are made of 18 mm-webbing strengthened with UHMWPE. This provides extra durability, and resistance to abrasion. One is wrapped around the ankle while the other runs around the instep. The fit of the straps are easily adjusted with a DoubleBack buckle.
The Petzl Pantin Foot Ascender is available in both left and right foot versions. For easy identification, these are color-coded with the one for the left foot in black while the right is in yellow.
Only ropes with a diameter ranging from 8 to 13 mm should be used with the Petzl Pantin.