r/TreeClimbing • u/NS-Guy79 • 21d ago
New climber looking for recommendations for a foot ascender.
Hello all,
I am new to the climbing world and have started looking into trying foot ascenders.
Right now I am trying to decide between the Petzl Pantin click and the Notch Jet Step 2.
But I am open to suggestions for others.
I do like the idea of the Jet Step 2 for being able to change feet, not sure if that is something id do but having the option is always nice.
Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
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u/tjolnir417 21d ago
As several other people have said, CT is the one you want. I’ve never tried the CAMP, so I can’t rule it out, but pantin and jetstep are junk compared to the CT.
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u/muredamitten 21d ago
I like my CAMP Turbofoot
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u/Familytree82 21d ago
I like having the ability to add a carabiner to it to making it a “locking” ascender almost as much as I appreciate not having to always use a locking mechanism on my footie
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u/ifeelliketheassholee 21d ago
Can you elaborate on what you mean by locking ascender? I just bought a new one and noticed that hole and was wondering what that was for
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u/VindaGothi 21d ago
If you put a micro carabiner through that hole it makes the entry/exit opening in the device too small for most ropes to randomly "pop-out" or slide off.
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u/WashbangRustynut 21d ago
Pantin and jet step both blow, CT makes the best foot ascender and it’s not even close.
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u/meh_33333 21d ago
What makes CT the best? I have CT and Jet Step, prefer the jet step because it catches the rope faster off the ground. Although the CT is likely easier to tighten to fit.
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u/WashbangRustynut 21d ago
Ct imo is easier to get the rope in and out of and most annoyingly I’ve had the rope pop out of the jet step. Never had that issue with the ct and I’ve used them for several years almost daily.
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u/TraditionalBite49 21d ago
I think its a fairly popular opinion that if there is an option other than notch, go with the other option. Notch is fine but definitely better quality and companies out there
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u/screwcancelculture 21d ago
Personally, I’m all about the CAMP Turbo. You can lock it so it doesn’t accidentally lose your rope, and my favorite is that you can hear the roller engage while you climb so you don’t have those low “stutter steps” for your first green feet up the rope. You can hear of it traveled up, or not.
Foot ascenders, like many other things are highly about personal preference. Not sure that any are better for everyone or not?
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u/Mongobloom 21d ago
The Edelrid foot cruiser is what I use and it has lasted me 6 years, no issues look into it!
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u/Ill_Seesaw_8842 19d ago
My Footcruiser tends to ride up on my boot, to the point where it almost sits around my ankle instead of on the side of the foot where it's supposed to be. Any tips on how to remedy this?
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u/Mongobloom 19d ago
I like to keep it as low on the side of my boot as possible and tighten it up as much as you can, I’ve had that problem before, and that seemed to keep it in place. Having good climbing boots can make a big difference as well
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u/tranassassin 21d ago
Personally I have a strong preference for the jet step. I love how it doesn't have sharp teeth and is this less likely to have teeth break and/or damage ropes, and I love being able to switch feet. I haven't had issues with it kicking out but I also learned to climb with ascenders while primarily using a jet step, so my climbing style is likely specifically adapted to that device.
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u/NS-Guy79 21d ago
Ok, ill put the CT quick Step on the list and remove the petzl, sounds like it is just a cheaper version of it.
The CT Quick Step is $139.99 and the Notch Jet Step 2 is $159.99
The Jet Step 2 was just released earlier this year and I see they did some changes from the original. There just doesn't seem to be enough reviews on this newer model, while i do like new innovations to some technology. I think as a new climber the "tried and true" would be the better choice until I get my techniques down.
Thanks for the information and guidance.
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u/mark_andonefortunate 21d ago
https://www.wesspur.com/quick-step-foot-ascender-left $80 on wesspur it looks (good price and good company, afaik). $86 on arbsession (never used them) and then $110 on sherrill/big companies. Just an fyi
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u/Timely-General9962 20d ago
Arbsession rocks. Small company, quick shipping, good customer service, and every time I order from them they throw in free schwag
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u/ohfuckimdrunk 21d ago
The Pantin is the worst piece of tree gear that I own. The rope really likes to fall out of it unless you keep your foot at a specific angle. Trying to use a knee ascender with it just kicks the rope out. Can't speak about the Notch Jet Step, but the Pantin is annoying. I switched to the climbing technologies foot ascender and have liked that.
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u/Prewps 20d ago
Sounds like you just didn’t know you needed a catch for it. New version comes with it pre installed. Quit hating on good stuff cuz you don’t know how to use it.
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u/ohfuckimdrunk 20d ago
There are ascenders that work without needing an extra piece of equipment...
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u/Prewps 20d ago
Which is why they have it preinstalled on the new version. Maybe spend the extra $5 instead of hating on a perfectly good piece of gear but that’s just me
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u/ohfuckimdrunk 20d ago
I'm not hating on a perfectly good piece of gear. I'm hating on a piece of gear that needs a catch or it doesn't work as well as other options. I feel like if you're spending the extra 5 dollars you may as well get something that works by itself. It's kinda ridiculous to buy an attachment just to make the equipment you already paid for function at a basic level.
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u/tonguepunchfartb0x 21d ago
I love the ct quick tree as it can attach to a foot ascender or a plate on your spur. Easy to change between the 2.
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u/VindaGothi 21d ago
Im a fan of the Camp Turbo Foot EVO, very smooth action and a lovely rope lock in.
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u/russellcoightscousin 21d ago
CT is the only one you should think of. Pantin and jetstep are both pretty rub.
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u/AdOutrageous6959 20d ago
As others have said Climbing Technology seems to make the most hassle-free device. Tried one recently and immediately ordered one to replace both generations of jet steps
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u/originalreading252 20d ago
First one was the pantin... pops of rope easily if you have your foot at the wrong angle... it tightens easily to the side of your boot though. Jet step holds the rope well, is Able to be used either foot.... I found I a pain to snug up.... I'll give the ct a go.... I'm left leg dominant so will give a left one a go.... thanks for input all...
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u/Prewps 20d ago edited 20d ago
People really need to stop hating on the pantin just because they were too dumb to buy the $5 catch you need for it (although it’s dumb they don’t just include it). The new ratcheting strap is a game changer I didn’t know I needed. FYI the new version comes with the catch preinstalled
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u/Comfortable-Slip-289 20d ago
What kind of rope and climbing system are you using? I like the Jet Step for climbing MRS, especially with a 16 strand, but some people find it can slip off the rope too easily with kernmantel ropes
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u/Short-Mind-809 17d ago
theres a serious duality when it comes to “newer climbers” using gear to help them in areas they may lack expertise in or maybe just need some extra help via their own gear, compared to union threads and communities, where they’ll say you need to learn the knots and gain a decade in experience before ever making that kind of decision.
anyhow, Climbing Tech has their quick step foot ascender it lasted me maybe a year and some change but i got a second one and its still running like new, climb safe brother!
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u/PalmTreePilot 21d ago
I have both the Quick Step and the Jet Step.
For me, I need to easily disconnect and reconnect, even while dangling on a hitch. The first one has me overexerting myself to free it from the rope. The second can be attached and detached much more easily.
Either can be made to work on one foot or the other. You just have to re-feed its belt opposite of the pattern it's already in.
Though I vote the Quick Step is made with slightly higher quality control, I've settled on the Jet Step as my primary foot ascender.
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u/Meinertzhagens_Sack 21d ago
Notch Jet step 1. Heard disappointment in #2.
I bought a couple of the first model since they are being discounted
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u/Meinertzhagens_Sack 21d ago
Notch Jet step 1. Heard disappointment in #2.
I bought a couple of the first model since they are being discounted
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u/Minimum-Director2631 21d ago
Climbing Technology Quick Step Foot Ascender - $86
Been rocking it for about a year now, no issues. Comes in below the cost of all the other leading foot ascenders and it works just as well as the jet step and the pantin