Pantin or CMI foot accenders?

[046]

Getting ready to order...

Pantin or CMI foot accenders?

Pantin only offer right foot. 125 gr
CMI left or right? which one do you use? 320 gr

http://cmi-gear.com/catalog/ascenders/foot.asp

http://storrick.cnchost.com/VerticalDevicesPage/Ascender/EccCamPages/FEC129.html

 

[moss]

I haven't climbed on the CMI foot ascender but there are differences to consider.

1. The Pantin has aggressive teeth on the cam, the CMI cam looks much more rope friendly. After my first couple of climbs using a Pantin on a new length of Tachyon I noticed 2-3" fine fibers lifting off the surface of the rope.

2. Pantin has a flatter profile against your foot/ankle

3. CMI is available for right or left foot

4. Pantin comes off the rope easily when it's not loaded. This is a virtue and sometimes a problem. You get used to keeping your toes pointed up to keep the Pantin on the rope when it's not loaded.

5. It looks like the CMI has a cam lock/safety, not sure. If so this could be a virtue and a problem. You won't have to worry about it coming off the rope but it might not come off fast enough when you want it to.
-moss

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

6. CMI is American made

They look like comparable products and are both highly respectable OEM's

Being that the gear for assist, not load bearing in a safety sense, the cam lock on the CMI may be a hindrance.

I only use my Pantin a few times a year, so this is an educated guess more then an firm opinion

 

[046]

thanks for the feedback... Pantin only comes in right... is there a reason I should need a lefty. I'm right foot and right hand.

sooo.... what's everyone using?

 

[Bermie]

I have a pantin, I have used it recently for the first time and I really like it!
Makes it easy to ascend when you are not up close to the tree, easier than footlocking the tail.
I had to have my groundie hold the tail of ropentil I got a ways up enough so the weight of the rope is sufficient to pull it through when you lift up your foot.
I do not think you will regret getting either one!

 

[moss]

I have a pantin, I have used it recently for the first time and I really like it!
Makes it easy to ascend when you are not up close to the tree, easier than footlocking the tail.
I had to have my groundie hold the tail of ropentil I got a ways up enough so the weight of the rope is sufficient to pull it through when you lift up your foot.
I do not think you will regret getting either one!

Agreed. You can use it climbing against the trunk as well and move fast, one foot against the tree to stabilize, the other on the rope. I've gotten used to tending the rope below the foot ascender by hand until the down rope weight takes over. You only have to get up to 10-15 feet and it starts to self tend. It's not a super fast take-off but it works.

My favorite technique for long ascents away from the tree is to put my free foot in a single loop footlock below the foot in the ascender, move the ascender foot up first, then move the single foot footlock (has to be a better way to say that) up next to the Pantin and stand up. Uses both legs for efficient power and is self tending at the feet. If you're using a closed hitch split tail the whole dang system is self tending so all you have to do is move your feet, stand up, and pull down on the rope above the hitch to climb.

Like so, here the single footlock is moving up next to the Pantin foot to make the next push. Can be done against the trunk (or vertical limb next to the trunk as shown in the photo):

Ok, back to CMI vs. Pantin
-moss

 

[Bermie]

Hey Moss, I like that!
Do you jam your other foot up close to the Pantin, or does the rope lock sufficiently where you have it pictured?

As for the aggressive 'teeth' on the Pantin, so far..., I have not seen any adverse effect on my rope, I use XTC Plus 16 strand, 1/2". I did make a point to check when I finished for the day...

 

[newb]

I have both in my arsenal. The Pantin, is a quality product, but the strap sucks. The CMI is a much bulkier product, however the strap is much better. The CMI having a better holding strap is a little more awkward to put on. The Pantin can be used on either foot, I do it. I try to switch legs with each climb so I don't get a Poppie leg. What I did to the Pantin strap is sew the parts that go under the foot together so they don't lossen up. That said If I were buying another one today, Pantin. Pete

 

[moss]

Hey Moss, I like that!
Do you jam your other foot up close to the Pantin, or does the rope lock sufficiently where you have it pictured?

I like to bring my feet side-by-side to get even loading on my legs but you could stand on the rope with the left foot slightly lower if you want. It takes a little practice to get good control of the rope with your left foot but once you have it it's a good ride. I use the same technique SRT as well, really like it.

As for the aggressive 'teeth' on the Pantin, so far..., I have not seen any adverse effect on my rope, I use XTC Plus 16 strand, 1/2". I did make a point to check when I finished for the day...

I'm thinking that the very tight surface weave on the Tachyon might be the reason. With a 16 strand and the less firm 24-strands like Fly and PI maybe the teeth have an easier time finding a way between the weave. Just a guess, will be curious to see what other Tachyon/Lava users find out. I've had minor picking on Fly from the Pantin but nothing to get concerned about.
-moss

 

[moss]

I have both in my arsenal. The Pantin, is a quality product, but the strap sucks. The CMI is a much bulkier product, however the strap is much better. The CMI having a better holding strap is a little more awkward to put on. The Pantin can be used on either foot, I do it. I try to switch legs with each climb so I don't get a Poppie leg. What I did to the Pantin strap is sew the parts that go under the foot together so they don't lossen up. That said If I were buying another one today, Pantin. Pete

Do you have an older Pantin? Mine just doesn't loosen up no matter what I do to it. Maybe I haven't hit enough miles on it yet.

Do you put the Pantin on the outside of your left foot? If it works I like the idea. Climbing on beech I'm gouging the bark pretty well with the Pantin on the inside when I'm on the trunk. The CMI looks like it would be even worse on thin-barked trees.
-moss

 

[arbormonkey]

I haven't tried the CMI but love my Pantin. I use a 16 strand rope and haven't found excessive rope wear, but I do not use it daily. There is a small hole on the face of the pantin, you can put a micro biner thrugh that keeps the cam from fully opening and dumping the rope until you get your technique down. Once into the tree you can use it to clip the ascender to your belt. Just an option.
AM

 

[newb]

When I flip from left to right, I keep the pantin on the inside.

 

[moss]

When I flip from left to right, I keep the pantin on the inside.

I'm confused, you put the Patin on the inside of your left foot?
-moss

 

[moss]

I've got a few climbs in now with the Pantin/Tachyon, I think the fibers coming up were just an initial breaking in, the rope seems fine. Really like Tachyon, superb rope, very good match with a foot ascender. Getting off the ground DdRT today the tail self tended in the Pantin with my feet about 6 feet off the ground.
-moss