Collection Home
Version A
Version B
Version C
Version D1
Version D2
Version D, Vendor Modified
Version E1
Version E2
Version F
Version G1
Version G2
Version H
Version I
Version J
Version K
Version L
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Version E1 | Version E2 |
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| Version M | Version M† | Version N | Version N† |
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| Version O | Version P | Version Q |
The Petzl Ascension is probably the most old-school handled ascender still in widespread use. First developed in 1974, it progressed through numerous variations, and remains in production. Despite the design’s great age, it remains a viable ascender.
The prototypes consisted of separate handles attached to the existing Petzl Basic. These basics had the horrid zedel cams with ridges instead of conical teeth on the cam face. I don't know if these rudimentary disaster-cams entered production in handled ascenders, but they were common otherwise. The much older and now discontinued Jumar had switched to a modern conical tooth design more than a decade before, and the contemporaneous Clogs had conical teeth as well. Petzl followed suit and abandoned the embarrassing zedels. All of the production handled Petzl ascenders in my collection have conical teeth.
Petzl soon introduced cams had a flat area at the top to facilitate down-climbing. This confused many users, and Petzl eliminated the idea before the end of the 1970s. Around the same time, they introduced a cam safety supplied with an interchangeable “knob” and “post” targeting cavers and expedition climbers, respectively. I liked having a choice. Eventually they replaced these with a floppy screw-knob, apparently believing that replacing the fixed Speleo and Expedition knobs was beyond the customer’s mechanical skill. Thankfully, Petzl eventually abandoned the floppy knob that many of us felt needed to be epoxied into position. The current cam safeties are plastic. Early ones were sharp thumb impalers, but the current versions are comfortable.
Petzl devices soon became a European standard, but were not widely available in the USA until about 1979. The Ascension soon gained a following among U.S. cavers who were going on expeditions with European cavers, and its popularity then spread to the general U.S. caving population.
The Petzl Ascension may be the oldest of the surviving old-school handled ascender lineages, but it remains popular. Now there are many copies of the Petzl Ascension on the market. These are often of very high quality (with a few not-so-much). It will be interesting to see how well the Ascension survives in the face of competition from excellent ascenders available at half the price.
Petzl has made many modifications to their ascender designs.
Most of the modifications were fairly minor, with each change introducing a new version.
I have not tried to collect them all, but I have acquired several versions which are fairly
representative of their designs over the past five decades.
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I am looking for any variations that I am missing and to complete incomplete pairs. If you have any of these that you would be willing to part with, please email me. |
Here is a quick summary of the versions in my collection:
[ Top
| Version B
| Version C
| Version D1 & D2
| Version D2 mod.
| Version E1 & E2
| Version F2
| Version G1 & G2
| Version H
| Version I
]
[ Version J
| Version K
| Version L
| Version M
| Version M†
| Version N
| Version N†
| Version O
| Version P
| Version Q
| 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 |
I acquired my Petzl Ascension, Version A in 2017 as part of Bob Thrun’s collection.
Version A is 181 mm. tall, 86 mm. wide, 26 mm. thick, and weighs 184 g.
The shell is a tall irregular shaped stamping made from 4.2 mm.
aluminum alloy sheet metal. A 16 mm. wide rope channel is formed in the upper
portion of one side and a smaller cam channel lies opposite the
first. A hole drilled through both sides of the cam channel accepts
a 5.5 mm. semi-tubular rivet. The cam and cam spring are mounted
on this rivet. The head of the rivet sits into a stamped depression
on the back of the shell, while the roll is exposed on the open
side. The handle below the cam has a soft black plastic hand grip
molded into place. The hand grip has four finger grooves. A 14.7 mm.
sling attachment hole is punched below the handle opening. This
hole is slightly beveled. A 14.1 mm. hole through both sides
of the rope channel provides an attachment point just above the
cam. This hole is very well beveled.
The cam is a plated skeletonized steel casting. The cam radius increases from 36 to 53 mm. over an angle of 37°, giving a 30° cam angle. The cam has number of small conical teeth, all of which have their axes approximately parallel to the lower surface of the cam. The tooth pattern is (3.4)^2(3.2)^2(1.2). Like the other ascenders, the inner cam face radius reduces from top to bottom to accommodate various sized ropes. A spring-loaded manual safety bar is mounted on the bottom of the cam with a somewhat cracked steel semi-tubular rivet. The normal action of the spring holds the safety against the cam. When the cam is opened, the shell interferes with the safety bar, thus preventing opening the cam. If the safety bar is moved away from the cam (opposing the spring), it will clear the shell and the cam will open. At full open the safety can be released and the spring will hold the safety against the back of the shell. This provides a means of locking the cam open. A knob on the safety bar assists in operating the safety mechanism.
The plastic hand grip has "Poignée F.PETZL-France"
molded into one side.
I feel that this is a well made ascender. All sharp edges have been removed. The attachment points are simply holes in the shell, and although well rounded I consider their small radius too sharp for directly attaching sling ropes. They are probably acceptably rounded for webbing, but considering the proximity of the attachment points to the main rope, I would recommend using a small maillon for most attachments in order to reduce the risk of sling abrasion. The lower attachment hole could theoretically have the same safety problems as the one on Clog Version B . The upper rope attachment hole is located very close to the main rope. A carabiner through the upper attachment hole may drag on the main line. Note that such a carabiner will prevent putting the Petzl on or off rope, so one’s climbing system must be designed accordingly.
The cam is very well made. The cam teeth are quite sharp and very well done. The teeth are oriented more steeply than on the C.M.I. or the Jumar, so they tend to be even more self cleaning
Single-handed operation of this ascender is fairly easy with the proper hand, but is rather difficult with the opposite hand. Closing an locked open ascender is much easier than opening, since the strong cam spring assists the user.
This ascender has the same pit lip disadvantage as the Clog.
The Petzl expedition series is a very popular among handled
ascender users, particularly in Europe. Undoubtedly much of this
popularity is due to its light weight and good workmanship.
[ Top
| Version A
| Version C
| Version D1 & D2
| Version D2 mod.
| Version E1 & E2
| Version F2
| Version G1 & G2
| Version H
| Version I
]
[ Version J
| Version K
| Version L
| Version M
| Version M†
| Version N
| Version N†
| Version O
| Version P
| Version Q
| 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 |
I acquired this pair of ascenders from Julie E Rasmussen in 2015. I acquired another pair in 2017 as part of Bob Thrun’s collection.
Version B is 181 mm. tall, 84 mm. wide, 24 mm. thick, and weighs 192 g.
The shell is a tall irregular shaped stamping made from 4.2 mm.
aluminum alloy sheet metal. A 15 mm. wide rope channel is formed in the upper
portion of one side and a smaller cam channel lies opposite the
first. A hole drilled through both sides of the cam channel accepts
a 5.5 mm. semi-tubular rivet. The cam and cam spring are mounted
on this rivet. The head of the rivet sits into a stamped depression
on the back of the shell, while the roll is exposed on the open
side. The handle below the cam has a soft black plastic hand grip
molded into place. The hand grip has four finger grooves. A 13.1 mm.
sling attachment hole is punched below the handle opening. This
hole is slightly beveled. A 14.1 mm. hole through both sides
of the rope channel provides an attachment point just above the
cam. This hole is very well beveled.
The cam is a plated skeletonized steel casting. The cam radius increases from 38 to 51 mm. over an angle of 36°, giving a 25° cam angle. The cam has number of small conical teeth, all of which have their axes approximately parallel to the lower surface of the cam. The tooth pattern is (F)(3.4)^3(3.2)^2(3). The F stands for a short flat area designed to allow the user to cant the ascender and slide it down the rope without opening the cam. The outside two bottom teeth are almost ground away. Like the other ascenders, the inner cam face radius reduces from top to bottom to accommodate various sized ropes. A spring-loaded manual safety bar is mounted on the bottom of the cam with a somewhat cracked steel semi-tubular rivet. The normal action of the spring holds the safety against the cam. When the cam is opened, the shell interferes with the safety bar, thus preventing opening the cam. If the safety bar is moved away from the cam (opposing the spring), it will clear the shell and the cam will open. At full open the safety can be released and the spring will hold the safety against the back of the shell. This provides a means of locking the cam open. A knob on the safety bar assists in operating the safety mechanism.
The plastic hand grip has "Poignée PETZL France"
molded into one side and "breveté," "France_Etranger,"
and "MAXI: 400 kgs" molded into the other.
I feel that this is a well made ascender. All sharp edges have been removed. The attachment points are simply holes in the shell, and although well rounded I consider their small radius too sharp for directly attaching sling ropes.
The cam is very well made. The cam teeth are well done. The teeth are oriented more steeply than on the C.M.I. or the Jumar, so they tend to be even more self cleaning. The flat area on the cam has caused some confusion. Some cavers think this was a design defect, but actually it was provided as a feature. The flat area allows one to cant the ascender then slide it down the rope without opening the cam, provided there is no carabiner in the rope channel holes. This feature did not work very well and was later abandoned.
[ Top
| Version A
| Version B
| Version D1 & D2
| Version D2 mod.
| Version E1 & E2
| Version F2
| Version G1 & G2
| Version H
| Version I
]
[ Version J
| Version K
| Version L
| Version M
| Version M†
| Version N
| Version N†
| Version O
| Version P
| Version Q
| 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 |
Technical Details
I acquired this pair of ascenders from Speleoshoppe in October
1979.
Version C is the same as Version B except the left-handed ascender is gold anodized and the right-handed ascender is blue.
The markings are the same as those on Version B .
Petzl followed this color convention was followed for many years.
The shell is crushed at the top edge
of the hand grip due to some clamping during the manufacturing
process. This crushed point is located at precisely the point
that one would expect the shell to bend in the pit lip scenario
referred to previously and described for the Clog.
[ Top
| Version A
| Version B
| Version C
| Version D2 mod.
| Version E1 & E2
| Version F2
| Version G1 & G2
| Version H
| Version I
]
[ Version J
| Version K
| Version L
| Version M
| Version M†
| Version N
| Version N†
| Version O
| Version P
| Version Q
| Return to H.E.C. Ascenders
]
I acquired my first Petzl Ascension, Version D used from Bruce Ellison on in 2009. I acquired two more in 2012, one from Stuart Holmes and another from Daniel MacKinnon. All three were eBay purchases. Finally, CarolJo Rushin-Elron donated a fourth one while I was at the 2016 NSS Convention.
Version D is 190 mm. tall, 87 mm. wide, 30 mm. thick, and weighs 187 g.
The shell has been substantially enlarged. The original pair of upper carabiner holes have been enlarged to 13.6 by 19.5 mm. oval holes, and an additional 15.8 mm. hole is punched beside the first pair. The handle opening is larger than Version C’s.
The cam assembly has been changed in several ways. The flat
area on the cam was eliminated and the tooth pattern changed to
(3.4)^2(3.2)^2(1.2). The cam radius increases from 38 to 52 mm. over an angle of 39°, giving a 24° cam angle. The cam safety has a slightly different shape,
but functions in the same manner as Version C’s. The safety knob is threaded and attached to the
safety by a hex nut rather than riveted. This version was supplied with two types of safety knobs,
so the buyer could choose which type he prefers. Version D1
is converted to Version D2 by unbolting the mushroom shaped
("Speleo") thumb knob on the cam safety and replacing it with the cylindrical
("Expedition") knob supplied with the ascender. The speleo knob
had the same shape as the Version B
safety. This knob is less bulky and would normally be used for caving. The expedition
knob is longer, and easier to operate with gloved hands typical
in winter mountaineering conditions. I recommend selecting the
one you want to use and epoxying it in place.
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| Speleo Knob | Expedition Knob | Speleo Conversion Kit |
The hand grip is very similar to Version C’s, with a slight change in finish. The handle markings are the same as Version C’s. The cam has "PETZL" cast in each side. The cam safety has "OIL" stamped into it with an arrow pointing to the safety pivot.
The doubled upper rope attachment hole is located very close to the main rope. A carabiner through the upper oval attachment hole will probably drag on the main line. The main purpose for this hole is when using the ascender as a safety on a fixed line. The axis of the oval hole is canted so that when trailing the ascender upward, the ascender pulls free of the rope, but it drags a bit if the used falls.
This version introduces a second rope attachment hole. When used in conjunction with the frame side of the double hole, it facilitates using the ascender as a chest ascender. I haven't seen this mentioned in Petzl’s literature, but the idea is shown in the Fixe Capitan instructions.
CarolJo also donated two Expedition Safety kits, so I was able to shuffle safeties between various ascenders to have a pair with each type.
[ Top
| Version A
| Version B
| Version C
| Version D1 & D2
| Version E1 & E2
| Version F2
| Version G1 & G2
| Version H
| Version I
]
[ Version J
| Version K
| Version L
| Version M
| Version M†
| Version N
| Version N†
| Version O
| Version P
| Version Q
| 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 |
Technical DetailsI acquired this Petzl Ascension from On Rope 1 in 2021.
This ascender is 190 mm. tall, 87 mm. wide, 30 mm. thick, and weighs 190 g. The rope channel is 15 mm. wide. The cam rivet is centered 47 mm. from the inside of the rope channel. The cam radius increases from 38 to 52 mm. over an angle of 39°, giving a 24° cam angle. The tooth pattern is (3.4)^2(3.2)^2(1.2).
This ascender is identical to Version D except that the vendor modified the ascender by placing a brass grommet in the lower attachment hole. Each side of the grommet is trimmed along a chord to clear the plastic handgrip.
The markings on this ascender match those on Version D.
Carolina Shrewsbury originally purchased this ascender from a Petzl stall in France in the early 1980s.
The grommet is an interesting idea. It decreases the sharp bend that a sling takes over the hole from 3.8 to 7.5 mm. A disadvantage is that it reduces the diameter of the lower attachment hole 10 11.7 mm, which is too small for many standard carabiners.
[ Top
| Version A
| Version B
| Version C
| Version D1 & D2
| Version D2 mod.
| Version F2
| Version G1 & G2
| Version H
| Version I
]
[ Version J
| Version K
| Version L
| Version M
| Version M†
| Version N
| Version N†
| Version O
| Version P
| Version Q
| Return to H.E.C. Ascenders
]
I acquired a left Petzl Ascension, Version E from Richard Bradley in 2009, a pair from Avri Keren in 2011, another right from Stuart Holmes in 2012, and another left from Travis Luther in 2013, all on eBay.
Version E is 193 mm. tall, 88 mm. wide, 28 mm. thick, and weighs 197 g. The rope channel is 16 mm. wide. The cam radius increases from 38 to 52 mm. over an angle of 39°, giving a 24° cam angle. The tooth pattern is (3.4)^2(3.2)^2(1.2).
Version E introduces some stamped shell reinforcing behind the cam; otherwise, it is essentially the same as Version D.
This version was supplied with two types of safety knobs,
so the buyer could choose which type he prefers. Version E1
is converted to Version E2 by unbolting the mushroom shaped
("Speleo") thumb knob on the cam safety and replacing it with the cylindrical
("Expedition") knob supplied with the ascender. The speleo knob
is less bulky and would normally be used for caving. The expedition
knob is longer, and easier to operate with gloved hands typical
in winter mountaineering conditions. I recommend selecting the
one you want to use and epoxying it in place.
Speleo Knob |
Expedition Knob |
The plastic hand grip has "Poignée PETZL France" molded into one side and "breveté," "France_Etranger," and "MAXI: 400 kgs" molded into the other. The cam has "PETZL" cast in each side. The cam safety has "OIL" stamped into it with an arrow pointing to the safety pivot.
Although the reinforcing is nice, the area behind the shell is not where it was needed. Later versions extend the reinforcing to the handle area where it can do some good.
[ Top
| Version A
| Version B
| Version C
| Version D1 & D2
| Version D2 mod.
| Version E1 & E2
| Version G
| Version H
| Version I
]
[ Version J
| Version K
| Version L
| Version M
| Version M†
| Version N
| Version N†
| Version O
| Version P
| Version Q
| 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 |
Technical DetailsI acquired this left-hand ascender from Inner Mountain Outfitters at O.T.R. in 1989, but it represents the design of about two years earlier. It was paired with a right-hand Version G ascender.
This version was supplied with two types of safety knobs,
so the buyer could choose which type he prefers. Version F1
is converted to Version F2 by unbolting the mushroom shaped
("Speleo") thumb knob on the cam safety and replacing it with the cylindrical
("Expedition") knob supplied with the ascender. I made the conversion before I realized that the two ascenders had different frames. The speleo knob
is less bulky and would normally be used for caving. The expedition
knob is longer, and easier to operate with gloved hands typical
in winter mountaineering conditions. I recommend selecting the
one you want to use and epoxying it in place.
Speleo Knob |
Expedition Knob |
The shell is essentially the same as the Version E shell, as is the handle. The major difference is the addition of a stamped cam stop.
The markings are the same as Version E ’s.
The workmanship of the cam does not appear to be as good as on Version B , but is certainly adequate. The cam mounting is sloppy, with about 2 mm. of lateral play. The cam safety mounting is also loose. I doubt there is any strength problem, but one expects better workmanship in assembling a modern ascender.
The cylindrical cam closing stop is located with about 0.7 mm. clearance between the stop and the cam, so is accomplishes nothing in normal use. The stop prevents the cam from pulling through during strength tests. I'm no fan of gimmicks designed exclusively to pass some regulatory standard, but which serve no function in the real world. Unless I'm missing some other useful function, I’d suggest eliminating the stop as a cost savings.
[ Top
| Version A
| Version B
| Version C
| Version D1 & D2
| Version D2 mod.
| Version E1 & E2
| Version F2
| Version H
| Version I
]
[ Version J
| Version K
| Version L
| Version M
| Version M†
| Version N
| Version N†
| Version O
| Version P
| Version Q
| Return to H.E.C. Ascenders
]
Technical DetailsI acquired a right-hand Version G ascender from Inner Mountain Outfitters at O.T.R. in 1989, but it represents the design of about two years earlier. I acquired another right-handed one from Richard Bradley in 2009 and another left-handed one from Daniel MacKinnon in 2012, both on eBay.
This version was supplied with two types of safety knobs,
so the buyer could choose which type he prefers. Version G1
is converted to Version G2 by unbolting the mushroom shaped
("Speleo") thumb knob on the cam safety and replacing it with the cylindrical
("Expedition") knob supplied with the ascender. The speleo knob
is less bulky and would normally be used for caving. The expedition
knob is longer, and easier to operate with gloved hands typical
in winter mountaineering conditions. I recommend selecting the
one you want to use and epoxying it in place.
Speleo Knob |
Expedition Knob |
The shell is essentially the same as the Version E shell, as is the handle. The carabiner holes were increased from 12.7 mm. top/13.8 mm. bottom to 15.5 mm. top/15.7 mm. bottom. There is a cylindrical cam stop riveted above the cam.
The markings are the same as Version E ’s.
This ascender is bulkier than earlier versions. I don't see any compelling justification for the increased bulk. The larger frame provides more hand room, but increases the bulk of the ascender. I have rather large hands, and with the cam locked open, the cam teeth in Version B dig into my finger. In this version there is adequate clearance, but the minutely improved comfort hardly justifies the size increase. The extra sling hole above the cam is a welcome addition, and the enlargement of the previous version’s upper hole reduces the drag imposed by a carabiner in that hole. The crushed area noted on Version B is also present here.
The workmanship of the cam does not appear to be as good as on Version B , but is certainly adequate. The cam mounting is sloppy, with about 2 mm. of lateral play. The cam safety mounting is also loose. I doubt there is any strength problem, but one expects better workmanship in assembling a modern ascender.
The cylindrical cam closing stop is located with about 0.7 mm. clearance between the stop and the cam, so is accomplishes nothing in normal use. The stop prevents the cam from pulling through during strength tests. I'm no fan of gimmicks designed exclusively to pass some regulatory standard, but which serve no function in the real world. Unless I'm missing some other useful function, I’d suggest eliminating the stop as a cost savings.
[ Top
| Version A
| Version B
| Version C
| Version D1 & D2
| Version D2 mod.
| Version E1 & E2
| Version F2
| Version G1 & G2
| Version I
]
[ Version J
| Version K
| Version L
| Version M
| Version M†
| Version N
| Version N†
| Version O
| Version P
| Version Q
| 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 |
I acquired the left-hand ascender from Sheryle Bauer in 2009, and two right-hand ascenders in 2012, one from James R. Armstrong and one from Dane Hardinge. All three were eBay acquisitions. I acquired another left-handed one from Rob Byrom on eBay in 2021.
The shell is essentially the same as in Versions E1/E2.
The cam is a revised skeletonized casting, plated as before.
The cam face is divided by a vertical slot designed to provide
clearance for mud. The face is supported by more elaborate bracing
than Version F. The conical cam teeth have their axes approximately
parallel to the lower surface of the cam. The tooth pattern is
(2.3)(2S2.1S1)^2(1S1)^3(1.2), where the "S"s stand for
the single longitudinal mud removal slot.
The thumb knob has been replaced by a two piece mechanism consisting of a threaded rivet fixed to the safety, and a knurled cylinder which screws onto the rivet. This allows the cylinder to be screwed down against the safety where it does not project very far, or unscrewed about 7.8 mm. to make it easier to operate with gloved hands.
The front of the left ascender (see photo) and one of the right ascenders are stamped with a Sieg Heil icon, "CORDE," "ROPE," "Ø MINI," and 10 mm." The hand grip markings are the same as Version E’s
The front of the second right ascender (see photo) is stamped with a Sieg Heil icon and the U. I. A. A. approval logo. The hand grip markings are the same as Version B ’s except that "MAXI: 400 Kgs" is not present.
All three ascenders have "PETZL" cast into both sides of the cam,
and "OIL" and an arrow are stamped into the cam safety.
The arrow points to the cam safety pivot.
The cam and cam safety mounting are just as sloppy as in Version G1/G2. The cam stop is just as useless as it is there.
The slot in the cam is intended to reduce the risk of ascender slippage due to mud-caked cam teeth. This may be of some benefit under certain caving conditions, particularly with wet non-cohesive silty mud. My experience is that caves that have enough mud to clog ascender teeth usually have enough mud to stop a bulldozer. I suspect that most ropes muddy enough to stop other ascenders will stop this one too, despite the mud holes. Although I have not tried this ascender in the appropriate conditions, I suspect that the holes will not eliminate the icing problems common to other toothed cam ascenders.
Like the other versions, the ascender is easy to operate with the proper hand, but still difficult to operate with the opposite hand. A Sieg Heil icon shows which way is up for certain uses. Anyone who needs this assistance, particularly on a handled ascender, shouldn't be using the ascender anyhow. Petzl’s literature shows their ascenders being used in hauling systems, in which case the figure is upside down.
The U. I. A. A. approval logo on the right-hand ascender is interesting, since by my tests, the hand opening is smaller than the one that the U. I. A. A. specified at the time this ascender was made. Version J corrected this deficiency. In the real world, the opening is certainly adequately sized on any of these versions.
I am amused by the fact that the hand grip no longer gives a strength figure, particularly since it was clearly molded with one. In the place where "MAXI 400 Kgs" was molded in Version G1/G2, one finds a depressed groove with obvious milling machine marks. Only the descender on the letter "g" in "Kgs" is still visible.
[ Top
| Version A
| Version B
| Version C
| Version D1 & D2
| Version D2 mod.
| Version E1 & E2
| Version F2
| Version G1 & G2
| Version H
]
[ Version J
| Version K
| Version L
| Version M
| Version M†
| Version N
| Version N†
| Version O
| Version P
| Version Q
| 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 |
I acquired the right-hand ascender on eBay from Sheryle Bauer in 2009. I acquired another right-hand ascender in 2017 as part of Bob Thrun’s collection.
This ascender is identical to the second right-hand Version H ascender except the cam safety is anodized.
The markings are identical to the second right-hand Version H ascender.
As you can see, Petzl mare a lot of small changes to their ascenders, creating a number of minor variations.
[ Top
| Version A
| Version B
| Version C
| Version D1 & D2
| Version D2 mod.
| Version E1 & E2
| Version F2
| Version G1 & G2
| Version H
| Version I
]
[ Version K
| Version L
| Version M
| Version M†
| Version N
| Version N†
| Version O
| Version P
| Version Q
| Return to H.E.C. Ascenders
]
|
|
 |
| Front View: Closed | Rear View: Closed |
 |
 |
| Front View: Open for Rigging | Rear View: Open for Rigging |
I acquired this pair of ascenders from Bob & Bob
at the 1989 N.S.S. Convention. I acquired another left-handed ascender in 2017 as part of Bob Thrun’s collection.
The shell is essentially the same size as in Version H. An indentation stamped into the frame extends across the upper portion of the shell and down both sides of the hand hole, ending just above the plastic hand grip on one side and about 22 mm. above the lower sling attachment hole on the other. A cylindrical cam closing stop is riveted to the shell just above the cam. The hand grip is very similar to Version C’s, with a slight change in finish.
The cam and cam safety are the same as those on Version I. Both safeties are anodized red.
A Sieg Heil icon and the
U. I. A. A. approval logo are stamped onto the front of the rope
channel portion of the shell. The hand grip markings are the same
as Version B
’s except that "MAXI: 400 Kgs" is not
present. "PETZL" is cast into both sides of the cam,
and "OIL" and an arrow are stamped into the cam safety.
The arrow points to the cam safety pivot.
The stamped indentations should add some resistance to bending in the pit lip scenario described in the Clog discussion, but the indentation on the hand grip side ends right where the maximum bending moment would be expected. The crushed area noted on Version C is also present here.
This is the first U. I. A. A. approved ascender that I acquired. Looking at the U. I. A. A. criteria for ascenders explains why the handle opening was enlarged: there is a minimum size for acceptance. The earlier Petzl Expedition openings were too small. I made a template conforming to the dimensions of U. I. A. A. requirement M4.1.4 to check various ascenders. This ascender passes, but barely. There is a lot of extra room in the handle, but it is located in the wrong place. The protrusions between the finger grooves just miss interfering with my template. Of course, in the real world, the opening is certainly adequately sized on any of these versions.
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[ Top
| Version A
| Version B
| Version C
| Version D1 & D2
| Version D2 mod.
| Version E1 & E2
| Version F2
| Version G1 & G2
| Version H
| Version I
]
| Version J
| Version L
| Version M
| Version M†
| Version N
| Version N†
| Version O
| Version P
| Version Q
| 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 |
I acquired my Petzl Ascension, Version K from Sam Smith in 2012.
Version K is 196 mm. tall, 88 mm. wide, 27 mm. thick, and weighs 207 g. The rope channel is 15 mm. wide. The cam radius increases from 36 to 53 mm. over an angle of 34°, giving a 33° cam angle. The tooth pattern is (2.3)(2S2.1S1)^2(1S1)^3(1.2).
This version changes the shape of the bottom of the shell, making it more rounded. The cam stop has a rounded, semi-tapered shape imposed by the riveting process.
A Sieg Heil icon and the U. I. A. A. approval logo are stamped onto the front of the rope channel portion of the shell. The hand grip markings are the same as Version B ’s except that "MAXI: 400 Kgs" is not present. "PETZL" is cast into both sides of the cam, and "OIL" and an arrow are stamped into the cam safety. The arrow points to the cam safety pivot. The rear of the right ascender shell is stamped "331A."
For practical purposes, I see no great advantage or disadvantage to the change introduced in this version. Although visually obvious, the changes in the shell shape don't seem to have much functional impact.
[ Top
| Version A
| Version B
| Version C
| Version D1 & D2
| Version D2 mod.
| Version E1 & E2
| Version F2
| Version G1 & G2
| Version H
| Version I
]
[ Version J
| Version K
| Version M
| Version M†
| Version N
| Version N†
| Version O
| Version P
| Version Q
| 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 |
I acquired my Petzl Ascensions, Version L on eBay from B. Bieger in 2012.
Version L is 195 mm. tall, 89 mm. wide, 28 mm. thick, and weighs 210 g. The rope channel is 15 mm. wide. The cam radius increases from 36 to 53 mm. over an angle of 34°, giving a 33° cam angle. The tooth pattern is (2.3)(2S2.1S1)^2(1S1)^3(1.2).
This version includes an anodized cam safety.
A Sieg Heil icon and the U. I. A. A. approval logo are stamped onto the front of the rope channel portion of the shell. The hand grip markings are the same as Version B ’s except that "MAXI: 400 Kgs" is not present. "PETZL" is cast into both sides of the cam, and "OIL" and an arrow are stamped into the cam safety. The arrow points to the cam safety pivot. The rear of the right ascender shell is stamped "331A."
Anodizing the cam safety is primarily a decorative change.
[ Top
| Version A
| Version B
| Version C
| Version D1 & D2
| Version D2 mod.
| Version E1 & E2
| Version F2
| Version G1 & G2
| Version H
| Version I
]
[ Version J
| Version K
| Version L
| Version M†
| Version N
| Version N†
| Version O
| Version P
| Version Q
| 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 |
I acquired this right-hand ascender from Alan Shelby on eBay
in 2004 and another from Melody Madison in 2015.
Version M is 194 mm. tall, 88 mm. wide, 43 mm. thick, and weighs 204 g. The rope channel is 15 mm. wide. The cam radius increases from 36 to 53 mm. over an angle of 34°, giving a 33° cam angle. The tooth pattern is (2.3)(2S2.1S1)^2(1S1)^3(1.2).
The following changes were made from Version L:
Stampings indicate that these ascenders were made in 1996. At first I speculated that it may not have existed in left-hand form, but as soon as I said so here in 2005, Jay Kennedy corrected me by sending me a left-handed ascender that almost matched. That ascender turned out to be Version N†.
[ Top
| Version A
| Version B
| Version C
| Version D1 & D2
| Version D2 mod.
| Version E1 & E2
| Version F2
| Version G1 & G2
| Version H
| Version I
]
[ Version J
| Version K
| Version L
| Version M
| Version N
| Version N†
| Version O
| Version P
| Version Q
| 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 |
Technical DetailsI acquired this left-hand ascender from Jon Oshiro in 2019.
This version is 195 mm. tall, 90 mm. wide, 27 mm. thick, and weighs 207 g. The rope channel is 16 mm. wide. The cam radius increases from 36 to 53 mm. over an angle of 34°, giving a 33° cam angle. The tooth pattern is (2.3)(2S2.1S1)^2(1S1)^3(1.2).
A Sieg Heil icon and the
U. I. A. A. approval logo are stamped onto the front of the rope
channel portion of the shell. "ROPES Ø8-13 mm"
is stamped on the inside of the shell below the cam. The plastic hand grip has "breveté" and "France_Etranger" molded into the front in raised letters, and "Poignée PETZL France"
molded into the rear. "PETZL" is cast into both sides of the cam,
and "OIL" and an arrow are stamped into the cam safety.
The arrow points to the cam safety pivot. The rear of the ascender shell is stamped "CE950082."
CommentsThis ascender has the very distinct barrel-shaped cam stop that I first observed on Version N†, indicating that the latter was not a one-time fluke. I think that these stops are an artifact of the production process rather than an intentional change. In any case, they have no effect on ascender performance in the field.
[ Top
| Version A
| Version B
| Version C
| Version D1 & D2
| Version D2 mod.
| Version E1 & E2
| Version F2
| Version G1 & G2
| Version H
| Version I
]
[ Version J
| Version K
| Version L
| Version M
| Version M†
| Version N†
| Version O
| Version P
| Version Q
| 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 |
I acquired a right-handed Petzl Ascension, Version N from J. Matzke in 2009. a pair from Jeffrey Kuchak in 2012, and another right-handed from Jon Oshiro in 2017, all on eBay.
Version N is 194 mm. tall, 88 mm. wide, 43 mm. thick, and weighs 204 g. The rope channel is 15 mm. wide. The cam radius increases from 36 to 53 mm. over an angle of 34°, giving a 33° cam angle. The tooth pattern is (2.3)(2S2.1S1)^2(1S1)^3(1.2).
Version N is essentially the same as Version M except Version N has an anodized cam safety.
Stampings on the frame indicate that this ascender was made in 1996.
[ Top
| Version A
| Version B
| Version C
| Version D1 & D2
| Version D2 mod.
| Version E1 & E2
| Version F2
| Version G1 & G2
| Version H
| Version I
]
[ Version J
| Version K
| Version L
| Version M
| Version M†
| Version N
| Version O
| Version P
| Version Q
| 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 |
Technical DetailsI acquired this left-hand ascender from Jay Kennedy in 2005.
Version N† is 195 mm. tall, 90 mm. wide, 27 mm. thick, and weighs 206 g. The rope channel is 15 mm. wide. The cam radius increases from 36 to 53 mm. over an angle of 34°, giving a 33° cam angle. The tooth pattern is (2.3)(2S2.1S1)^2(1S1)^3(1.2).
The stampings below the cam on the front of Version N† match those on the rear of Versions L, and vice versa.
CommentsAt first I speculated that Version N may not have existed in
left-hand form, but as soon as I said so here, Jay Kennedy sent me this one to match. Stampings
indicate that this ascender was made in 1997. Version N† has a very distinct barrel-shaped cam stop. I think this is just an artifact of the production process, but the machine adjustment is far enough out that I decided to list this one separately.
[ Top
| Version A
| Version B
| Version C
| Version D1 & D2
| Version D2 mod.
| Version E1 & E2
| Version F2
| Version G1 & G2
| Version H
| Version I
]
[ Version J
| Version K
| Version L
| Version M
| Version M†
| Version N
| Version N†
| Version P
| Version Q
| 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 |
Technical DetailsI acquired this version from On Rope 1 at the 1998 Speleofest. I acquired another pair in 2017 as part of Bob Thrun’s collection.
Version O is 190 mm. tall, 89 mm. wide, 32 mm. thick, and weighs 188 g. The rope channel is 15 mm. wide. The cam radius increases from 36 to 53 mm. over an angle of 34°, giving a 33° cam angle. The tooth pattern is (3.4)(1S1.2S2)^2(1S1.2.3), where the "S"s stand for the single longitudinal mud removal slot.
The front of each ascender is stamped "ROPE•8<Ø<13," the Sieg Heil icon, and "CE0197." The rear of the left ascender is stamped with "97324F," the Reading is Dangerous icon and "EN567." The rear of the right ascender is stamped with "97324F," the UIAA logo, and "EN567." One side of each grip has the Petzl logo molded into it, the other side has "ASCENSION." The cam has the Petzl logo cast ito it.
Version N†
replaces the finger-groove handle with a rounded rubber handle
that I find to be much more comfortable than the old ones, and
would be even better if the remaining cusp were eliminated. There
are two tie-in holes at the base: the main one is 15.5 mm.,
the smaller one 11.4 mm. The second top carabiner hole has
disappeared, to be replaced by a dimpled cam stop located where
the cam cannot touch it. Although the upper attachment hole on
earlier versions was not essential, replacing it with an ineffective
cam stop does nothing. Remember, these cam stops only increase
the ascender strength in unrealistic laboratory tests, they serve
no function in proper field use.
The cam safety is now a large plastic thumb piece. It works
smoothly, but not comfortably, and then only with the proper hand.
Opening the cam with the opposite hand is possible, but not as
easy as it is on the early Jumar. Like
all Petzl eccentric cam ascenders with down-sloping teeth, thumbing
the cam for down-climbing is awkward. I find that it is easier
to work the cam on stiff ropes, since loose-sheathed ropes seem
to snag more readily.
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[ Top
| Version A
| Version B
| Version C
| Version D1 & D2
| Version D2 mod.
| Version E1 & E2
| Version F2
| Version G1 & G2
| Version H
| Version I
]
[ Version J
| Version K
| Version L
| Version M
| Version M†
| Version N
| Version N†
| Version O
| Version Q
| 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 |
I acquired this pair of ascenders from On Rope 1 in 2009. I acquired another pair in 2017 as part of Bob Thrun’s collection.
The Petzl Ascension, Version P is 192 mm. tall, 89 mm. wide, 31 mm. thick, and weighs 197 g. The left ascender is model B17SLN; the right is B17SRG.
The shell is a tall irregular shaped stamping made from 4.0 mm.
aluminum alloy sheet metal. A rope channel is formed in the upper
portion of one side and a smaller cam channel lies opposite the
first. The rope channel is 15 mm. wide. A hole drilled through both sides of the cam channel accepts
a 5.5 mm. semi-tubular rivet. The cam and cam spring are mounted
on this rivet. The head of the rivet is exposed on the open
side, while the roll sits into a stamped depression
on the back of the shell. The handle below the cam has a two-piece plastic hand grip
molded into place. The orange portion is hard plastic, while the black portion is a softer artificial rubber. The hand grip has a sharp projection to fit between the index and middle fingers. A 15.3 mm.
sling attachment hole is punched below the handle opening, and a smaller 11.6 by 10.5 mm. hole is punched beside it. An 18.2 by 16.8 mm. hole through both sides
of the rope channel provides an attachment point just above the
cam. All of these holes are somewhat rounded. An indentation stamped into the frame extends across the upper
portion of the shell and down both sides of the hand hole, ending
just above the plastic hand grip on one side and about 28 mm.
above the lower sling attachment hole on the other. A stamped
cam closing stop is punched into the shell just above the cam.
The cam is a skeletonized casting, as before. The cam radius increases from 39 to 55 mm. over an angle of 34°, giving a 30° cam angle. The conical cam teeth have their axes approximately parallel to the lower surface of the cam. The tooth pattern is (3.4)(1S1.2S2)^2(1S1.2.3), where the "S"s stand for the single longitudinal mud removal slot. The cam safety is much like Version O’s.
The front of the rope
channel portion of the shell is stamped with an up-pointing arrow surrounding the word "UP," "ASCENSION, and a book-with-an-"i" icon. The rear is printed with "CE0197," "EN567:1997 • ø8-13mm," "Made in France," the UIAA logo, "09065FR7923" ("08331FR5985" on the right-hand ascender), and a scanner code. The hand grip has the Petzl logo cast into both sides, as does the cam.
After a long interval, Petzl made some significant changes to the Ascension. Despite the bulge, the new handle is rather comfortable, and has room for my large hands. The cam safety is still awkward to use with the wrong hand, and it still has the sharp point that digs into my thumb. Down-climbing is still quite awkward, since the down-pointing teeth easily snag on the rope. The cam has a couple supernumerary teeth that, frankly, I don't see the reason for. Overall, though, this is a nice improvement over earlier ascensions.
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[ Top
| Version A
| Version B
| Version C
| Version D1 & D2
| Version D2 mod.
| Version E1 & E2
| Version F2
| Version G1 & G2
| Version H
| Version I
]
[ Version J
| Version K
| Version L
| Version M
| Version M†
| Version N
| Version N†
| Version O
| Version P
| 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 |
I acquired this pair of ascenders from Expé-Spelemat in 2015. I acquired another left-handed ascender in 2017 as part of Bob Thrun’s collection. In 2021 I bought two right-hand ascenders for destructive testing, one from Jamie Vise and one from eBay seller ppp_irving.
Version Q is 192 mm. tall, 90 mm. wide, 24 mm. thick, and weighs 164 g. The left ascender is model B17ALA; the right is B17ARA.
The shell is a tall irregular shaped stamping made from 3.4 mm. aluminum alloy sheet metal. A rope channel is formed in the upper portion of one side and a smaller cam channel lies opposite the first. The rope channel is 14 mm. wide. A hole drilled through both sides of the cam channel accepts a 4.5 mm. rivet. The cam and cam spring are mounted on this rivet. There is a plastic guard above the cam channel. A countersunk Philips head screw passing from the rear holds the guard in place.
The handle below the cam has a two-piece plastic hand grip
molded into place. The yellow portion is hard plastic, while the black portion is a softer artificial rubber. The hand grip has a sharp projection to fit between the index and middle fingers. A 27 mm. wide, 15.7 mm.
tall sling attachment hole is punched below the handle opening. A 17.8 by 15.5 mm. hole through both sides
of the rope channel provides an attachment point just above the
cam. All of these holes are somewhat rounded. An indentation stamped into the frame extends across the upper
portion of the shell and down both sides of the hand hole, ending
8 mm. above the plastic hand grip on one side and about 19 mm.
above the lower sling attachment hole on the other.
The new cam is a skeletonized casting. The cam radius increases from 39 to 55 mm. over an angle of 34°, giving a 30° cam angle. The conical cam teeth have their axes approximately parallel to the lower surface of the cam. The tooth pattern is changed to (3.4)(1S1)^2(2S2)(1S1)^4(3.4.3), where the "S"s stand for the single longitudinal mud removal slot. The new cam safety is plastic.
The front of the rope
channel portion of the shell is stamped with an up-pointing arrow surrounding the word "UP," and "ASCENSION." The inside is stamped with book-with-an-"i" icon, behind the cam. The rear is printed with "CE0082," "Made in France," "EN567:2012 Ø8-13mm," "EN12841:2006B•Ø8-13mm 140kg," "MEETS NFPA 1983(2012Ed.)," "FOR ROPE 11≤Ø≤13mm," "T" the UL Classified logo, "45YF," "EAC," "15069FP6771" (on the left)/"15047FR3177" (on the right), and a scanner code. The hand grip has the Petzl logo cast into both sides, as does the cam.
Petzl made a lighter ascender by going to a thinner shell, among other changes. This might reduce the resistance to bending in the pit lip scenario described in the Clog discussion.
Petzl eliminated one of the bottom holes, but made the remaining one large enough for multiple attachments. I like it.
The new cam is well made and the teeth are quite sharp.
The cam safety eliminated the thumb-stabbing projection. It is far more comfortable to use with the proper hand, but is still awkward to use with the wrong hand. Down-climbing is still quite awkward, since the down-pointing teeth easily snag on the rope.
The plastic guard acts as a cam stop.
In general, I like the improvements introduced in this version.
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[ Top
| Version A
| Version B
| Version C
| Version D1 & D2
| Version D2 mod.
| Version E1 & E2
| Version F2
| Version G1 & G2
| Version H
| Version I
]
[ Version J
| Version K
| Version L
| Version M
| Version M†
| Version N
| Version N†
| Version O
| Version P
| Version Q
]
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