How We Test - Ascender

Chris McNamara tested these primarily for big wall applications. The old model of the Petzl was tested on 70-plus big wall ascents. The new model was only tested at the crags, but it is very similar to the old model. The nForce was tested on a few El Cap ascents. Both devices were tested head-to-head at a local cliff.

We weighed the ascenders on our own scales but all strength ratings come from the manufacturer.