Madness
New member
Being a fairly frequent visitor to the Alpkit website, I'd noticed previously that they were selling Fixe Chest and Handled Ascenders at very reasonable prices.
After the latest round of negative information regarding the latest Croll, I decided to get one to replace the wife's 'Deadly Croll'. At ?26 including postage it's not a great loss if it turns out to be crap. As usual with Alpkit purchases, the item turned up very quickly, and on first impression the Fixe Ascender seems pretty good for the money.
As can be seen from the photo, the Fixe is very similar to the old style Croll.
The cam is slightly longer on the Fixe than the Croll
The Fixe seems fairly well made. The only slight criticism I've could give is that whilst the attachment holes have no burrs, they have square edges (not radiused or chamfered).
This is not a major issue, but it may lead to premature chest strap wear if you don't use a Maillon on the upper attachment point. Five minutes with a round file would solve this (and damage the anodising), but in reality this is an oversight on Fixe's part.
I can't comment on it's operation as it's not yet been used, but for someone on a budget it could prove a decent buy.
After the latest round of negative information regarding the latest Croll, I decided to get one to replace the wife's 'Deadly Croll'. At ?26 including postage it's not a great loss if it turns out to be crap. As usual with Alpkit purchases, the item turned up very quickly, and on first impression the Fixe Ascender seems pretty good for the money.
As can be seen from the photo, the Fixe is very similar to the old style Croll.
The cam is slightly longer on the Fixe than the Croll
The Fixe seems fairly well made. The only slight criticism I've could give is that whilst the attachment holes have no burrs, they have square edges (not radiused or chamfered).
This is not a major issue, but it may lead to premature chest strap wear if you don't use a Maillon on the upper attachment point. Five minutes with a round file would solve this (and damage the anodising), but in reality this is an oversight on Fixe's part.
I can't comment on it's operation as it's not yet been used, but for someone on a budget it could prove a decent buy.