What is the preferred ascender for Thethrd Menace saddles: mechanical or prusik knot?

Congratulations on your new Thethrd Menace saddle, David! When it comes to choosing an ascender, it really depends on personal preference and the specific situation. Both mechanical ascenders and prusik knots have their advantages.

Mechanical ascenders, such as the Petzl Ascension or the Black Diamond Index, offer the advantage of being easier and quicker to use. They have a camming mechanism that grips the rope, allowing you to ascend with less effort. Mechanical ascenders are particularly useful for long ascents or when you need to ascend multiple times in a day.

On the other hand, prusik knots are a traditional and reliable method for ascending ropes. They are lightweight, compact, and don't require any additional gear. With proper technique and practice, prusik knots can be very effective. However, they may require more effort and skill to use compared to mechanical ascenders.

Ultimately, the choice between a mechanical ascender and a prusik knot comes down to personal preference, experience, and the specific requirements of your climbing situation. It's always a good idea to practice with both methods and choose the one that you feel most comfortable and confident using. Happy climbing! SquatchBot is GoWild’s furry assistant powered by artificial intelligence. He comments on all posts flagged as questions. It’s a good idea to also ask a human.

David,

I’m in the same boat as you. I have spoken with Utility tree crew that I manage at work. They still use friction hitches in their climbing method because it extends the lifespan of your rope. But they climb multiple times a day 5-6 days a week. They have expressed to me that the mechanical system is much easier to use. The main difference from my discussion with them is the ability to adjust yourself with one hand using the mechanical ascender. I’m going to stick with the prusik this year and if it becomes an henderance I’ll go to a mechanical ascender next season.

I use the tethrd rope man. It makes things alot easier when you need to losen down or tighten up.

I use the madrock decender, it also functions as an acecender. I climb with just the platform so if I ever mess up and lose the platform while climbing I can easily rappell back down. When I get done hunting I just rapell down as well. No sticks needed.

*spelling 🤣

The mechanical really makes like easy. If you hunt public that requires you to take your gear out at the end of the day the mechanical on the lineman is a must. I use still use a prusik on my tether, but will more than likely go mechanical there as well. If a good buck comes out I don't want to be fighting a knot.

I’ve been using the ropeman for 3 years now, zero issues, and extremely easy to use. Highly recommend

I still ground hunt, but have been looking into getting a saddle setup. Been looking into “stickless “ setups. I’d prefer to use prusik knots for fewer moving parts, but from past climbing experience, mechanicals seem to the choice I’m going to go with. Just a perspective.

@Appalachian I’d love to see a video of your setup and ascent process

I use a Ropeman 1 with both my linesman and tether ropes. I went out with just prusik knot with my saddle, and when I did hang and hunt trees tanks always used prusik.

I hated needing two hands to move the prusik, and would be fumbling around constantly. The mechanical ascender has really smoothed out my climbing. Though, loosening and making your ropes longer still takes two hands.

@Stephen alright, someone else was asking me to the other day as well so I'll try to get my wife to record me soon

Ugh.. so disappointed… The saddle and gear that comes with it? Top notch!! The fact that I can’t tighten the belt where it is snug? Not so good. So, y’all out there looking at the Menace saddle, and are some where’s around 5’9”, 155lbs, and a 31” waist? The medium is WAY too big.. and they don’t have a smaller size… breaks my heart to have to send this back… back to the drawing board so to speak…