Compact, Lightweight, Mid-line attachable, Ascender/Descender. This device is awesome. Super quick rappels, match it with a Hass knee ascender and a Pantene foot ascender and you will rocket up trees. I have read mixed reviews about this item but after using it for a little over a year now the bad reviews in my opinion are from people who didn't take the time to learn how to set it up properly. Shoot your line up and tie a basal anchor to an near by tree and single rope up and down or if you will need to advance your line. Shoot up and isolate your line tie a canopy anchor and ascend single rope then switch to a moving rope system and your set. I think my only gripes about it are the clip for the single rope system chest harness attachment are a little awkward to clip into. You get used to it pretty quick though. My only other complaint is that when climbing a really sappy Fir tree the device can get so gummed up it will not slide. It is made to pretty tight tolerances and I really don't know any other device in its class that would not suffer the same issues. Always good to have an emergency backup prusik just in case.
I have used the Akimbo for a little over a year now.. I love the thing. The Akimbo makes transitioning from ascending to descending a breeze. I use basal anchor tied to another tree when I do not need to advance my line. I use a canopy anchor when I do need to advance or reposition my tie in point. This makes the climb up very quick. Once I have climbed to my tie in I switch tp a moving rope system to facilitate repositioning. Hooking in the chest harness to the Akimbo can be a little awkward but I've gotten used to it. If you climb past your tie in point (which of course you are not supposed to do) it can be hard to give yourself some slack but that's true of any ascender. It is midline attachable which I love. It advances easy and locks on nicely when weighted. Make sure you tie your hair back so you don't get it caught in the device OUCH!
I have read some bad reviews about the Akimbo and I believe the people just didn't take the time to learn how to set it up correctly. It seems a little complicated at first but once you get the basics and play with it a little it is pretty easy and all the points made in negative reviews become a non issue.
If you are looking for a ascender/descender for arborist work the Akimbo would be my choice. If I do ever wear mine out I will definitely buy another one.
Keep it Wild!
I like it 👌 perfect
