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The market for rope clamps has become more complex in recent years. For new climbers, each new model raises questions about utility, differences or advantages over other rope clamps.
However, the purchase criteria should not be the attractive design of a rope clamp, but its functionality, operating quality and safety. The packing size and the weight of a rope clamp also count.
Features and Benefits of Petzl’s Micro Traxion
In addition to the Pro Traxion and the Mini Traxion from Petzl, the smaller and more compact Micro Traxion enriches the rope clamp market. To be precise, the Micro Traxion is a successful mixture of rope pulley and rope clamp. It would be correctly described as a high-performance deflection pulley with backstop. Compared to the Mini Traxion, the Micro Traxion offers space and weight savings of approximately 50 percent.
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The lightweight under the clamps weighs 3 ounces. Nevertheless, the Micro Traxion offers an amazing breaking load of 15 KN – a strong performance. The area in which this rope clamp is to be used is for self-rescuing after falling into a crevice, for use as a pulley block or to support fellow climbers in distress, for example after falling into a crevice.
With ropes that have a diameter of 0.3 – 0.45 millimeters, this rope clamp offers good possibilities for both static and dynamic climbing ropes. A small sketch on the clamp shows how to insert the rope correctly. The ball bearing of the Micro Traxion offers an efficiency of 91%. The sophisticated design of the ultra-light Micro Traxion makes the action pleasantly easy. Operating errors should therefore not occur.
The use as backstop or deflection pulley serves the rescue of others or one’s own person. When in the open position, the backstop can simply be engaged. This allows the Micro Traxion to be used as a simple deflection pulley. The advantage of the Micro Traxion is that it can safely block even wet, icy or dirty ropes.
With so many advantages, many people wonder why they should buy the similarly designed Ropeman 2. By the way, nowadays you can find rope clamps that weigh even less than the Micro Traxion and are said to be more gentle on the rope than the Ropeman 2.
Features and Benefits of the Ropeman 2
The Ropeman 2 from Wild Country is in its reworked version a handy and serrated rope clamp, which is suitable for single ropes with 0.3 – 0.5 inches. Its functional range is limited to the forming of pulleys, fixed-rope ascents or column rescue systems.
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Thanks to a small wire loop, the Ropeman can be carried on a carabiner and protected from loss. New are the forged and rustproof sidewalls. These not only ensure more comfortable handling but also save weight. The Ropeman 2 can also be combined with a larger selection of carabiners. What is interesting about the Ropeman 2 is that this rope clamp – in contrast to the predecessor model Ropeman 1 – can also be used with half ropes in addition to single ropes.
The Ropeman 2 weighs 3.2 ounces, a bit more than the Micro Traxion. The breaking load is identical to 15 kN. The possible uses with narrower ropes are also similar. However, the Ropeman 2 can be used for rope thicknesses of up to 13 millimeters. Since the Ropeman 2 can also be used with half ropes, this is a small advantage over the Micro Traxion. The Ropeman is also cheaper.
Which Rope Clamp is the Better One?
From the idea of both rope clamps and the available data, there is no compelling reason why someone should prefer one mechanical rope clamp to the other. Minimal advantages are given with both. But are these enough to give preference to one of the two rope clamps?
A short, but nevertheless interesting test of both rope clamps can be seen in this video:
But the conclusion drawn by this climber is obvious: he uses both rope clamps at the same time for ascent and descent in order to get safely up and down again.
Some climbers use the Ropeman 2 to have a redundant safety device in the area below another rope clamp. This is also often recommended in forums. Redundancy increases the safety of climbers. In addition, climbers like to use the Ropeman 2 for secured solo climbing with the help of top ropes. Used as a climbing clamp, the Ropeman 2 is not reliable enough. Its clamping action depends on the carabiner.
Many experienced climbers think they are generally better equipped with Petzl rope clamps. Anyone can assume that such people have tested various rope clamps and experienced their advantages and disadvantages in certain situations. In the end, a lot depends on how well a rope clamp blocks under difficult conditions. Here both candidates don’t take much. They function reliably even with dirty or icy ropes, as long as the climber does not make any serious mistakes when securing them.
Also, the wear of the rope is a component that can become relevant during climbing. The Wild Country rope clamp is considered to have a slight advantage here. The Ropeman 2 has relatively small teeth. It is therefore considered to be relatively gentle on the rope. This has a low wear factor under normal loads. Its grip is good and reliable even under slightly tougher conditions. In comparison to its toothless predecessor, the Ropeman 2 is slightly more worn. The conversion is quick and easy. However, experienced climbers notice that climbers should weigh down the end of the rope on the Ropeman MK 2.
Especially when climbing caves, the climbing ropes are often loaded with clay deposits and moisture. The rope clamps used in this climbing area must be light, small, compact and absolutely reliable. In addition, the grip of the teeth must also be ensured under unfavorable conditions. The same applies to self-rescue or the rescue of others. Both rope clamps in question here have a limited range of use. Therefore further rope clamps may have to be carried along.
A Warning about the Micro Traxion from Petzl
On the Petzl website everyone can currently read that Petzl is warning climbers against improper use of the Micro Traxion. According to this, some climbers use their Micro Traxion rope clamps to secure their climbers. However, the manufacturer regards this use as posing a high risk. He felt compelled to explain.
The climbers who use the Petzl Micro Traxion rope clamp in this way see several advantages in it. On the one hand, the person in front pulls in the climbing rope comfortably. The second climber is blocked immediately if the lead climber is not careful due to a lack of concentration. In addition, the second climber, which is already in the correct position, can be supported if a pulley block is required.
From the manufacturer’s point of view, however, the situation is different. The actual benefits are offset by high accident risks. In the event of a fall, the climbing rope can be cut or damaged. The blocking function can fail in icy or clayey areas because the clamping mechanism fails. This can have fatal consequences in the event of a fall – even for the next climber.
When the second climber descends, the clamping mechanism must be disabled. This increases the risk of falling. Without additional security, the risks are very high. This was the result of corresponding tests carried out by the manufacturer. The Micro Traxion rope clip should never be used by climbers as a safety clip for a climbing partner.
A Conclusion in Favor of both Candidates
The compact Petzl Micro Traxion rope clamp with backstop is suitable for high-altitude tours, big walls and rescue operations. It is considerably more expensive than the Ropeman 2. The rope thickness of 0.3 – 0.45 inches is somewhat more limited than that of the Ropeman 2. This rope clamp does not require the rope to be weighted down.
However, the maximum payload of 187 pounds must be observed. Many climbers see the Micro Traxion as their favorite for solo climbing. Their advantages are very good rope run, low dead weight, small packing size, usable without additional weight and good handling. The purchase price is seen as a negative point.
However, the price-performance ratio is harmonious. Negatives are the lack of possibilities for use when rappelling and the higher wear factor due to the sharp teeth.
The small rope clamp Ropeman 2 benefited from the revision of its predecessor. It is considered to be gentler on ropes and considerably cheaper. The Ropeman 2 scores with its multifunctional application possibilities, such as column recovery, secured solo ascent or use as a rope clamp. This mechanical rope clamp is suitable for mountaineering, rescue operations or Prusik replacement. The operation of the smallest Wild Country rope clamp is similar to that of the Micro Traxion.
Here, however, a sufficient additional weight is indicated, at least for the first 20 meters. Many climbing fans notice this as a negative point. After the first track, everything runs like clockwork. The minus point then no longer carries any weight. The advantages are the compact design, the good handling and the low acquisition costs. The small rope thicknesses and the initially necessary weights are mentioned as shortcomings. Whoever uses both rope clamps and thus creates a redundant safety device has made the best choice.
Attention: You have to take care of your safety when climbing! The information on climbtheearth.com only helps you to learn. Before you climb, you should make sure that you have been properly instructed by an expert and that you follow all safety precautions.
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