Tangent_tracker said:
I will never understand why folk suggest right pantin if you are right dominant.
One reason might be the information provided by Petzl, which has no mention of foot dominance.
7. Caving-type progression
It is preferable to use the right-foot PANTIN in conjunction with CROLL and ASCENSION ascenders.
The left-foot PANTIN is not recommended for this configuration, because of the increased complexity of passing re-belays.
- Simultaneous progression:
Push with both legs at the same time (more comfortable and more power).
- Alternating progression:
One leg after the other (very fast). The TORSE (or SECUR) shoulder strap should be looser to allow an upright chest position. This technique requires good physical fitness and serious training. It is easier to introduce yourself to this technique where you can be in contact with a wall.
Tangent_tracker said:
The Pantin is an aid, not primary device!
Technically speaking, the chest ascender is the primary device and a Pantin and top ascender and foot loop combination are both aids.
Tangent_tracker said:
Your dominant leg should always remain with the foot loop, absolute no brainer.
I'm not sure about it being an absolute
no brainer
Your dominant leg is your preferred leg and some people have different preferences for different activities. My dominant leg is my right leg so on a snowboard I
should lead with my left foot forward. I don't, I'm Goofy.
I must admit to not getting on with foot-mounted ascenders. I just use a basic top ascender and a long length of accessory cord to make the foot loop and security cord. I have a tubular tape protector threaded over the foot loop section and usually get a good few years out of them. I have both feet in the foot loop unless kicking myself away from an obstruction, which I would generally do with my left foot. It's secured to an Omni Triact on the harness with a small Croll.
Over the past 40 years I must have tried nearly every type of rope climbing method and I always come back to the traditional Frog technique. I really can't see the point of using a foot mounted ascender unless you were using the Alternating Progression technique.
I always gaze upwards in amazement at Hidden Earth when people like Mark Sims demonstrate the technique so effortlessly. I'm usually out of breath just feeding the rope through the lowering device!
At the end of the day, so long as the increased complexity of passing re-belays with a left foot Pantin has been mastered then the choice of left or right foot Pantin (other manufacturers are available) is really down to what you prefer.
Mark