Gibbs #1, 1/2″ Free-Running, Aluminum Shell

These ascenders are designed to be used with 11-13 mm rope. Gibbs ascenders are different than other ascenders, requiring more involvement to install and remove from the rope.  They are designed not to slip in extreme conditions, such as extreme mud and ice. 

 

This #1 sport model is intended for mountain climbers and cavers climbing rope and for hauling packs. It comes with an aluminum shell and utilizes a “free running cam” system, requiring the user to provide the downward pull on the cam to engage the teeth with the rope.  Since there is no spring to tension the cam, the user can slide the ascender up.  A free running cam requires the user to raise the ascender and then weight it to get it to bite onto the rope.