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Pongoose is a new climbing brand based in the UK; a grass roots business with innovative products made by climbers who really understand what a climber wants. The flagship product, the Pongoose Climber 700, is a revolutionary new multi-directional 3in1 clipstick, brushing stick and camera boom, that also easily retrieves quickdraws. It has removable, interchangeable heads and has the ability to clip, brush and film at any angle. Read more
4
In reply to UKC Gear:
Why fart about with this when top-roping is so simple?
Guess it's all about trying to look cool on the pics.
Why fart about with this when top-roping is so simple?
Guess it's all about trying to look cool on the pics.
2
26
In reply to Removed User:
and how did that top rope get to the top, if you aren't in the delightful position of having a patient friend to be your rope monkey?
and how did that top rope get to the top, if you aren't in the delightful position of having a patient friend to be your rope monkey?
12
In reply to Removed User:
Much like hms, I've absolutely no idea what you're on about.
I'm not sure how you tend to get the rope to the top, but conventionally it involves a climber heading up first. If you're trying hard, or near your limit (which sometimes looks cool in pics, but more often than not doesn't), there's a distinct chance you won't be able to bolt-to-bolt the route in question - as such it'd be far better to save your energy and clipstick up the route.
I had a play about with one of these over the weekend and must say I was very impressed, should have a review out in the next month or so, but want to give it (and myself) a good thrashing beforehand.
Much like hms, I've absolutely no idea what you're on about.
I'm not sure how you tend to get the rope to the top, but conventionally it involves a climber heading up first. If you're trying hard, or near your limit (which sometimes looks cool in pics, but more often than not doesn't), there's a distinct chance you won't be able to bolt-to-bolt the route in question - as such it'd be far better to save your energy and clipstick up the route.
I had a play about with one of these over the weekend and must say I was very impressed, should have a review out in the next month or so, but want to give it (and myself) a good thrashing beforehand.
14
1
In reply to UKC Gear: I'd welcome almost anything that replaces the awful Beta-one but this does appear to have a fair number of screws to loosen and get lost.
5
In reply to Mike Highbury:
I'll go into this within the review, but the finishing in/around the screws is either burred, or features a circlip/rubber stopper, so that they don't work loose.
That said, I'd like to put it through a bit more use before I confirm that this actually works, but so far so good.
I'll go into this within the review, but the finishing in/around the screws is either burred, or features a circlip/rubber stopper, so that they don't work loose.
That said, I'd like to put it through a bit more use before I confirm that this actually works, but so far so good.
3
1
In reply to Rob Greenwood - UKClimbing:
You really think the pole locking mechanism feels better and more robust than the sh!t Beta-stick?
From the pictures it looks identical.
I'd pay (almost) anything for a clip-stick that will last longer than 6 months.
My collection of broken Beta-sticks grows ever bigger.
You really think the pole locking mechanism feels better and more robust than the sh!t Beta-stick?
From the pictures it looks identical.
I'd pay (almost) anything for a clip-stick that will last longer than 6 months.
My collection of broken Beta-sticks grows ever bigger.
1
In reply to JLS:
With the caveat that I'm still yet to give it a thorough testing, my initial impression is that the plastic part of the locking mechanism - although cosmetically very similar - does feel more robust. For one it's glued in place, so it won't come off and ride up the stick (which was/is a problem with the Betastick).
Internally, it may well be best for the designer to comment as I know that he's taken it apart (which apparently required an angle grinder), thus what they have to say may be of more interest + relevance. That said, from a practical point of view there's been no slippage as of yet. Watch this space...
With the caveat that I'm still yet to give it a thorough testing, my initial impression is that the plastic part of the locking mechanism - although cosmetically very similar - does feel more robust. For one it's glued in place, so it won't come off and ride up the stick (which was/is a problem with the Betastick).
Internally, it may well be best for the designer to comment as I know that he's taken it apart (which apparently required an angle grinder), thus what they have to say may be of more interest + relevance. That said, from a practical point of view there's been no slippage as of yet. Watch this space...
Post edited at 13:08
In reply to UKC Gear:
Looks like this sorts all the problems of the beta stick, as long as the last extension is strong enough to take the abuse. We are on our 3rd beta clipstick...
Looks like this sorts all the problems of the beta stick, as long as the last extension is strong enough to take the abuse. We are on our 3rd beta clipstick...
5
In reply to UKC Gear:
I've used the pongoose stick and would say get yourself to one of their demos (reading cc and white spider) to check them out for yourself.
Cool bit of kit.
I've used the pongoose stick and would say get yourself to one of their demos (reading cc and white spider) to check them out for yourself.
Cool bit of kit.
2
Some comparisons
PONGOOSE
Extended length: 2.85m (with head unit)
Collapsed length: 720mm (without head unit)
£75
BETA STICK
Beta Stick Sport V2 Compact - 66cm to 2.65m About £35
Beta Stick Sport V2 Standard - 81cm to 3.41m About £37
Pongoose
- slightly longer than the Compact Beta Stick, more substantially shorter than a Standard Beta Stick
- can unclip draws from bolts: a Beta Stick can't. However, my impression is that the Pongoose will be more fiddly than the impression given by the video for this task
- looks a bit easier to clip rope into draws with than a Beta Stick
- costs more than twice as much as a Beta Stick.
PONGOOSE
Extended length: 2.85m (with head unit)
Collapsed length: 720mm (without head unit)
£75
BETA STICK
Beta Stick Sport V2 Compact - 66cm to 2.65m About £35
Beta Stick Sport V2 Standard - 81cm to 3.41m About £37
Pongoose
- slightly longer than the Compact Beta Stick, more substantially shorter than a Standard Beta Stick
- can unclip draws from bolts: a Beta Stick can't. However, my impression is that the Pongoose will be more fiddly than the impression given by the video for this task
- looks a bit easier to clip rope into draws with than a Beta Stick
- costs more than twice as much as a Beta Stick.
2
In reply to eric_in_cheddar:
I've had a go with one, not fiddly at all. Might take a few practices to get slick with it.
Everything feels (and is) more substantial about it. The extending pole is much better than the beta. The reason its shorter is (i guess) they didn't bother with the smallest end extension as that's the bit that always broke anyway.
The brush feature is really cool too, and is integrally designed into the product, rather than a after thought of 'oh, i guess it can do this too with a bit of a fudge'.
Cost is all relative isnt it- if you have to replace your previous clip stick because it broke, then that isnt really value.
I've had a go with one, not fiddly at all. Might take a few practices to get slick with it.
Everything feels (and is) more substantial about it. The extending pole is much better than the beta. The reason its shorter is (i guess) they didn't bother with the smallest end extension as that's the bit that always broke anyway.
The brush feature is really cool too, and is integrally designed into the product, rather than a after thought of 'oh, i guess it can do this too with a bit of a fudge'.
Cost is all relative isnt it- if you have to replace your previous clip stick because it broke, then that isnt really value.
2
In reply to La benya:
It looks well thought out and made to me but I am surprised I don't see more of these in the Uk: https://www.chickswithpicks.net/avoiding-a-ground-fall-diy-stick-clip/
then again I'm a big fan of a walking pole and tape, it's just not always enough reach.
It looks well thought out and made to me but I am surprised I don't see more of these in the Uk: https://www.chickswithpicks.net/avoiding-a-ground-fall-diy-stick-clip/
then again I'm a big fan of a walking pole and tape, it's just not always enough reach.
2
In reply to yodadave:
Haha yeah, I made myself one back in the day. Works to an extent. But if you sport climb enough, a purpose made stick pays for itself.
Haha yeah, I made myself one back in the day. Works to an extent. But if you sport climb enough, a purpose made stick pays for itself.
2
In reply to eric_in_cheddar:
Yes, Beta Stick can, Pongoose head is designed to as a minor improvement over the rodeo clip.
Disappointed to see it's not an improvement in that sense, still rodeoing just holding the rope differently and depends on the thickness of the rope for grip.
> Some comparisons
> Pongoose
> - can unclip draws from bolts: a Beta Stick can't.
Yes, Beta Stick can, Pongoose head is designed to as a minor improvement over the rodeo clip.
Disappointed to see it's not an improvement in that sense, still rodeoing just holding the rope differently and depends on the thickness of the rope for grip.
2
In reply to Rob Greenwood - UKClimbing:
What is it like as a weapon though? The beta stick looks the part but is barely good enough to flight off a cat. They rarely roam the crags anyway. I need something adequate to fight a medium sized dog in a fight to the death. Could this realistically kill, say, a particularly vicious lambrapoodle?
What is it like as a weapon though? The beta stick looks the part but is barely good enough to flight off a cat. They rarely roam the crags anyway. I need something adequate to fight a medium sized dog in a fight to the death. Could this realistically kill, say, a particularly vicious lambrapoodle?
Post edited at 17:09
10
In reply to Ramon Marin:
The only real problem with the Beta stick is the locking method, which is the same here.
The shorter stick will make this seem better but part of the problem with the joints in the Beta is that the weight of the rope stresses the joint, That's why in the clip here they are so careful about stopping the rope from pulling on the joint. Obviously if you have a longer stick you have more rope and more weight.
It's not even close to solving that problem because it isn't do the same job.
> Looks like this sorts all the problems of the beta stick, as long as the last extension is strong enough to take the abuse. We are on our 3rd beta clipstick...
The only real problem with the Beta stick is the locking method, which is the same here.
The shorter stick will make this seem better but part of the problem with the joints in the Beta is that the weight of the rope stresses the joint, That's why in the clip here they are so careful about stopping the rope from pulling on the joint. Obviously if you have a longer stick you have more rope and more weight.
It's not even close to solving that problem because it isn't do the same job.
In reply to UKC Gear:
Could have used one of these in the Czech Republic a few weeks ago, all the first bolts were in super high exposed positions with pretty nasty falls if you slipped...
Could have used one of these in the Czech Republic a few weeks ago, all the first bolts were in super high exposed positions with pretty nasty falls if you slipped...
In reply to eric_in_cheddar:
As others have said, you can. I thought I knew all the usual clipstick tricks but this was a new one on me until quite recently.
> can unclip draws from bolts: a Beta Stick can't
As others have said, you can. I thought I knew all the usual clipstick tricks but this was a new one on me until quite recently.
In reply to yodadave:
Or even better, get on of these on a telescopic painters pole and you've got a long and versatile clip stick. http://supercliprescue.com/superclip.aspx
Or even better, get on of these on a telescopic painters pole and you've got a long and versatile clip stick. http://supercliprescue.com/superclip.aspx
1
In reply to Pina:
Agreed. Super Clip does all the stick clip actions perfectly for £20 plus about £15 for a painter's pole. It's simple and there is nothing to break or go wrong.
For brush or camera options then this looks solid however.
Agreed. Super Clip does all the stick clip actions perfectly for £20 plus about £15 for a painter's pole. It's simple and there is nothing to break or go wrong.
For brush or camera options then this looks solid however.
1
In reply to UKC Gear:
"Pongoose" should consider releasing just the "head" so that it will attach to a painters pole.
"Pongoose" should consider releasing just the "head" so that it will attach to a painters pole.
1
In reply to kmhphoto:
or maybe even better, just the head but with a pre-attached crocodile clip or similar, so it can be easily used with a natural stick found at the crag, without needing to finger-tape it on.
or maybe even better, just the head but with a pre-attached crocodile clip or similar, so it can be easily used with a natural stick found at the crag, without needing to finger-tape it on.
2
In reply to Mike Highbury:
Hi Mike, no need to worry, the stainless steel camera screw at the top of the bracket has a circlip attached to ensure it stays put. The dome nut in the clamp is captivated so will not fall out unless forced from the other side. Finally, the black thumb screw is removable but there is no need to unscrew it more than half a turn. Overall, we have made every effort to ensure parts are not lost.
Cheers.
> I'd welcome almost anything that replaces the awful Beta-one but this does appear to have a fair number of screws to loosen and get lost.
Hi Mike, no need to worry, the stainless steel camera screw at the top of the bracket has a circlip attached to ensure it stays put. The dome nut in the clamp is captivated so will not fall out unless forced from the other side. Finally, the black thumb screw is removable but there is no need to unscrew it more than half a turn. Overall, we have made every effort to ensure parts are not lost.
Cheers.
1
In reply to spidermonkey09:
Hi Spider Monkey, thanks for your comment on the price, we actually believe it is very reasonable for the quality of build, versatility as a 3in1 clipstick, brushing stick and camera boom, and the functionality. Give it a try, we'll be around the country doing demos so hopefully be visiting your area at some point.
Cheers.
> Looks very good, but £75 is a lot of money!
Hi Spider Monkey, thanks for your comment on the price, we actually believe it is very reasonable for the quality of build, versatility as a 3in1 clipstick, brushing stick and camera boom, and the functionality. Give it a try, we'll be around the country doing demos so hopefully be visiting your area at some point.
Cheers.
1
1
In reply to JLS:
Hi JLS,
It's hard to tell from the pictures, and naturally comparisons will be made to other products. However, the poles are actually different to others on the market and the locking mechanisms are of the best quality I have been able to source and have stood up to the testing I have done over the years. Please let me know if you have any other questions, I will shortly be answering other forum posts about the poles below.
Thanks,
Rob.
> You really think the pole locking mechanism feels better and more robust than the sh!t Beta-stick?
> From the pictures it looks identical.
Hi JLS,
It's hard to tell from the pictures, and naturally comparisons will be made to other products. However, the poles are actually different to others on the market and the locking mechanisms are of the best quality I have been able to source and have stood up to the testing I have done over the years. Please let me know if you have any other questions, I will shortly be answering other forum posts about the poles below.
Thanks,
Rob.
In reply to Rob Greenwood - UKClimbing:
Indeed Rob, the plastic collars are glued on and during the testing process I found it extremely hard work trying to dismantle one and remove the collars! I spent time dismantling one of the poles to best understand the locking mechanisms and foresee any problems, and they appear to be simple yet robust. As said in a previous reply above, the mechanisms have stood up to 3 years of testing on the crags of Portland almost on a weekly basis and are still working as well as the first use. There are other mechanisms out there aside from the twist lock style, however these are much more expensive and not a viable option to keep the product at a reasonable price. I have sourced the best available for their purpose and cost after much research. Hopefully that answers a few of the points raised.
Rob.
> With the caveat that I'm still yet to give it a thorough testing, my initial impression is that the plastic part of the locking mechanism - although cosmetically very similar - does feel more robust. For one it's glued in place, so it won't come off and ride up the stick (which was/is a problem with the Betastick).
> Internally, it may well be best for the designer to comment as I know that he's taken it apart (which apparently required an angle grinder), thus what they have to say may be of more interest + relevance. That said, from a practical point of view there's been no slippage as of yet. Watch this space...
Indeed Rob, the plastic collars are glued on and during the testing process I found it extremely hard work trying to dismantle one and remove the collars! I spent time dismantling one of the poles to best understand the locking mechanisms and foresee any problems, and they appear to be simple yet robust. As said in a previous reply above, the mechanisms have stood up to 3 years of testing on the crags of Portland almost on a weekly basis and are still working as well as the first use. There are other mechanisms out there aside from the twist lock style, however these are much more expensive and not a viable option to keep the product at a reasonable price. I have sourced the best available for their purpose and cost after much research. Hopefully that answers a few of the points raised.
Rob.
1
In reply to Ben_Climber:
Ha ha sorry Ben, instructional videos are never exciting but hopefully they get the main points for use across without causing a full on coma! Unfortunately we don't have a Hollywood budget so did the best we could as two normal people making a video with home kit! At least you have a cure for insomnia now!
> Looks like a good bit of kit!
> The videos sent me to sleep though......
Ha ha sorry Ben, instructional videos are never exciting but hopefully they get the main points for use across without causing a full on coma! Unfortunately we don't have a Hollywood budget so did the best we could as two normal people making a video with home kit! At least you have a cure for insomnia now!
In reply to eric_in_cheddar:
Hi Eric in Bristol,
Thanks for the comparisons! It's interesting people are comparing the Pongoose Climber 700 to the Beta Stick, we actually see the products as completely different rather than to be directly compared. The main reason is that our product is a 3in1 clipstick, brushing stick and camera boom, rather than just a clipstick. Hence the higher price for more functions, and you also get a free brush - although sadly not a free action camera! The design is such that it is a device that is very quick and easy to use, and reliably clips quickdraws or a rope into a quickdraw first time.
It's difficult to illustrate how easy it is to remove quickdraws with the videos but probably 9 out of 10 people that use it can take one out first time, the other 1 in 10 getting it second time, generally if they aren't following the instructions properly. Rob Greenwood himself was also skeptical but surprised to see first hand just how easy it is to do. Hopefully you'll get a chance to try one out soon!
Cheers.
> - slightly longer than the Compact Beta Stick, more substantially shorter than a Standard Beta Stick
> - can unclip draws from bolts: a Beta Stick can't. However, my impression is that the Pongoose will be more fiddly than the impression given by the video for this task
> - looks a bit easier to clip rope into draws with than a Beta Stick
> - costs more than twice as much as a Beta Stick.
Hi Eric in Bristol,
Thanks for the comparisons! It's interesting people are comparing the Pongoose Climber 700 to the Beta Stick, we actually see the products as completely different rather than to be directly compared. The main reason is that our product is a 3in1 clipstick, brushing stick and camera boom, rather than just a clipstick. Hence the higher price for more functions, and you also get a free brush - although sadly not a free action camera! The design is such that it is a device that is very quick and easy to use, and reliably clips quickdraws or a rope into a quickdraw first time.
It's difficult to illustrate how easy it is to remove quickdraws with the videos but probably 9 out of 10 people that use it can take one out first time, the other 1 in 10 getting it second time, generally if they aren't following the instructions properly. Rob Greenwood himself was also skeptical but surprised to see first hand just how easy it is to do. Hopefully you'll get a chance to try one out soon!
Cheers.
In reply to mik82:
Basically the same as with this one I think - you put a loop of rope through the stick, as though to clip the rope into the draw. You put that up against the bolt end krab, and pull the rope tight to pin the krab to the stick and pull the gate open. Then with everything pinned together you should be able to push upwards and furkle the krab off the bolt.
Basically the same as with this one I think - you put a loop of rope through the stick, as though to clip the rope into the draw. You put that up against the bolt end krab, and pull the rope tight to pin the krab to the stick and pull the gate open. Then with everything pinned together you should be able to push upwards and furkle the krab off the bolt.
In reply to La benya:
Hi, we're glad you've managed to try one out La Benya! You are correct in saying there are less extensions that other products on the market, but the length is similar overall to ensure extended length is not compromised. The smallest section is still robust and doesn't excessively bend or snap which was thought about in the design process. Hopefully when funds allow, we will be able to offer larger size poles and with the removable heads units people will be able to buy these separately so they don't need to buy the whole thing again.
Yes you are right, the brush stick and camera functions have been designed so the product is a 3in1 and these have not been added as an after-thought. We are climbers that like to boulder and sport climb and know that a lot of people also vary their climbing habits, so we wanted something that could be taken on either outing without having to be bought separately.
Cheers.
> Everything feels (and is) more substantial about it. The extending pole is much better than the beta. The reason its shorter is (i guess) they didn't bother with the smallest end extension as that's the bit that always broke anyway.
> The brush feature is really cool too, and is integrally designed into the product, rather than a after thought of 'oh, i guess it can do this too with a bit of a fudge'.
Hi, we're glad you've managed to try one out La Benya! You are correct in saying there are less extensions that other products on the market, but the length is similar overall to ensure extended length is not compromised. The smallest section is still robust and doesn't excessively bend or snap which was thought about in the design process. Hopefully when funds allow, we will be able to offer larger size poles and with the removable heads units people will be able to buy these separately so they don't need to buy the whole thing again.
Yes you are right, the brush stick and camera functions have been designed so the product is a 3in1 and these have not been added as an after-thought. We are climbers that like to boulder and sport climb and know that a lot of people also vary their climbing habits, so we wanted something that could be taken on either outing without having to be bought separately.
Cheers.
In reply to winhill:
Hi Winhill,
We've had a look at what rodeoing is and it looks fun. However, we are slightly confused as none of our videos show rodeoing! Perhaps you were watching the wrong video?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXeYwjVKSjw
With regards to rope thickness, have you tried it out? The device has been designed around using a 9.8mm which appears to be the most common size these days, however it has been tested with other diameter ropes including the thinnest sport rope on the market. The neck of the head is narrow enough to hold even a thinner rope and the loop can be widened to prevent slipping. If the user changes the bracket position to 'R' for rope as described in the instructions, the head tilts back and the bight of rope sits nicely in a loop ready to use.
All the best.
> Disappointed to see it's not an improvement in that sense, still rodeoing just holding the rope differently and depends on the thickness of the rope for grip.
Hi Winhill,
We've had a look at what rodeoing is and it looks fun. However, we are slightly confused as none of our videos show rodeoing! Perhaps you were watching the wrong video?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXeYwjVKSjw
With regards to rope thickness, have you tried it out? The device has been designed around using a 9.8mm which appears to be the most common size these days, however it has been tested with other diameter ropes including the thinnest sport rope on the market. The neck of the head is narrow enough to hold even a thinner rope and the loop can be widened to prevent slipping. If the user changes the bracket position to 'R' for rope as described in the instructions, the head tilts back and the bight of rope sits nicely in a loop ready to use.
All the best.
In reply to winhill:
Hi again rodeo guy,
Did you say you'd tried out our pole? I can't remember. We've addressed the point of the locking mechanisms in another post so hopefully you'll find that and it'll address your point about these. Can we assume you are referring to the locking mechanisms being stressed when you say 'joints'? We're not entirely sure which clip you're referring to. When the pole is extended, it is easier to control with the rope kept close to it but this is nothing to do with stressing the locking mechanisms. We'd be happy to run through all these aspects if you're able to attend one of our demos (keep an eye out). If you can't make them, hopefully Rob Greenwood's review will be sufficient to give you an in-depth and impartial account of the device.
Cheers.
> The only real problem with the Beta stick is the locking method, which is the same here.
> The shorter stick will make this seem better but part of the problem with the joints in the Beta is that the weight of the rope stresses the joint, That's why in the clip here they are so careful about stopping the rope from pulling on the joint. Obviously if you have a longer stick you have more rope and more weight.
Hi again rodeo guy,
Did you say you'd tried out our pole? I can't remember. We've addressed the point of the locking mechanisms in another post so hopefully you'll find that and it'll address your point about these. Can we assume you are referring to the locking mechanisms being stressed when you say 'joints'? We're not entirely sure which clip you're referring to. When the pole is extended, it is easier to control with the rope kept close to it but this is nothing to do with stressing the locking mechanisms. We'd be happy to run through all these aspects if you're able to attend one of our demos (keep an eye out). If you can't make them, hopefully Rob Greenwood's review will be sufficient to give you an in-depth and impartial account of the device.
Cheers.
1
In reply to john arran:
Hi John,
Great comments, and there will always be people who are happy taping a quickdraw or brush to a stick, I was one of them back in the day! There are actually a few products out there that are simply a head unit that can be attached to a pole that can be bought separately so we didn't want to put out the same kind of product. You rarely see these at the crags and people seem to want a product that's already assembled. Most decorators poles are only two sections and can also be expensive. The UKC forums were calling for a 2in1 clipstick and brushing stick last year. We went one better and made a 3in1 which is easy to use and convenient for people who switch between sport climbing and bouldering that also love photographing or filming their climbing. Now this gives people a multitude of options depending on what they want and what their budget is.
Cheers,
Rob.
> or maybe even better, just the head but with a pre-attached crocodile clip or similar, so it can be easily used with a natural stick found at the crag, without needing to finger-tape it on.
Hi John,
Great comments, and there will always be people who are happy taping a quickdraw or brush to a stick, I was one of them back in the day! There are actually a few products out there that are simply a head unit that can be attached to a pole that can be bought separately so we didn't want to put out the same kind of product. You rarely see these at the crags and people seem to want a product that's already assembled. Most decorators poles are only two sections and can also be expensive. The UKC forums were calling for a 2in1 clipstick and brushing stick last year. We went one better and made a 3in1 which is easy to use and convenient for people who switch between sport climbing and bouldering that also love photographing or filming their climbing. Now this gives people a multitude of options depending on what they want and what their budget is.
Cheers,
Rob.
In reply to Rob and Katie - Pongoose:
How many years research did you claim had gone into the product?
> Hi Winhill,
> We've had a look at what rodeoing is and it looks fun. However, we are slightly confused as none of our videos show rodeoing!
How many years research did you claim had gone into the product?
This looks good. Only the downside is the pole length – if it was 15ft or longer, it would look like no brainer to get one. The website says "there will be the option to buy a new sized pole separately". I wonder what it means. Does it mean a "sleeve" to extend the existing pole? Or, it may just mean the optional new set does not include the head-part and brush? I doubt if I'd need a compact size, so perhaps I should just wait for the longer size (>15ft) to come out…
In reply to masa-alpin:
Hi there,
Thanks for the question, it's a good one! The current pole size is the only one available for now but when we are able to we plan to bring out longer poles, although there is no date for this yet. What we mean by our information on our website is that if someone buys the Pongoose Climber 700 and they want to buy a new pole on its own when the larger pole is available, then they can. As they will already have a head unit, they won't have to buy the entire clipstick again, unless they want to! The current size pole is useful for travelling hence why we started with that. Hopefully that answers your question.
Cheers.
> Only the downside is the pole length – if it was 15ft or longer, it would look like no brainer to get one. The website says "there will be the option to buy a new sized pole separately". I wonder what it means. Does it mean a "sleeve" to extend the existing pole? Or, it may just mean the optional new set does not include the head-part and brush?
Hi there,
Thanks for the question, it's a good one! The current pole size is the only one available for now but when we are able to we plan to bring out longer poles, although there is no date for this yet. What we mean by our information on our website is that if someone buys the Pongoose Climber 700 and they want to buy a new pole on its own when the larger pole is available, then they can. As they will already have a head unit, they won't have to buy the entire clipstick again, unless they want to! The current size pole is useful for travelling hence why we started with that. Hopefully that answers your question.
Cheers.
2
In reply to Rob and Katie - Pongoose:
I'll be interested hear user rewiews on how the clamping mechanism performs longer term in the field.
I think it's a shame you've chosen a mechanism which, superficially at least, looks very similar to the failing clamps on other sticks.
That alone has ruled an immediate purchase.
I'd have bitten you hand off if you'd gone with something like this... https://goo.gl/images/uXVCJN
I'll be interested hear user rewiews on how the clamping mechanism performs longer term in the field.
I think it's a shame you've chosen a mechanism which, superficially at least, looks very similar to the failing clamps on other sticks.
That alone has ruled an immediate purchase.
I'd have bitten you hand off if you'd gone with something like this... https://goo.gl/images/uXVCJN
In reply to winhill:
I didn't know that - that would be good. Please tell me how.
> Yes, Beta Stick can [unclip draws from bolts]
I didn't know that - that would be good. Please tell me how.
In reply to AJM:
I'd just add for clarity that running both ends of the rope loop through the metal prongs stabilises the loop. Also the loop has to be big enough to run up through the whole quickdraw you are trying to retrieve.
Not easy - cursing is mandatory
> Basically the same as with this one I think - you put a loop of rope through the stick, as though to clip the rope into the draw. You put that up against the bolt end krab, and pull the rope tight to pin the krab to the stick and pull the gate open. Then with everything pinned together you should be able to push upwards and furkle the krab off the bolt.
I'd just add for clarity that running both ends of the rope loop through the metal prongs stabilises the loop. Also the loop has to be big enough to run up through the whole quickdraw you are trying to retrieve.
Not easy - cursing is mandatory
Post edited at 08:41
In reply to UKC Gear:
I saw on of these in action in the Cuttings recently and it seemed like a really robust bit of kit. It felt solid and was simple enough to use. If I remember rightly, the one we borrowed was a tester which the owners of the company had been using for years, and travelling with, and it still looked pretty much new. Definitely looked like it would outlast a betastick by a long way, and had more functionality (putting a rope through a pre-placed draw, removing draws) than our spring-clamp-taped-to-a-painters-pole homemade stick!
I saw on of these in action in the Cuttings recently and it seemed like a really robust bit of kit. It felt solid and was simple enough to use. If I remember rightly, the one we borrowed was a tester which the owners of the company had been using for years, and travelling with, and it still looked pretty much new. Definitely looked like it would outlast a betastick by a long way, and had more functionality (putting a rope through a pre-placed draw, removing draws) than our spring-clamp-taped-to-a-painters-pole homemade stick!
2
In reply to UKC Gear:
Just got my hands on one of these after having had numerous other sticks over the years (all rubbish). I haven't used it outdoors yet but next week i will be taking it on a 3 week road trip so it will get plenty of hammer. First impressions are, it oooozes quality. The pole is a heavier and stronger build and the locking mechanism does not come undone to separate the pole, whilst also locking strong and fast. The company is a small and friendly husband and wife UK team. The Aluminium head and arm are machined in the UK and anodising in done in the same factory that DMM use in Manchester. It places qd's of all sizes, removes them, places the rope, works as a brush stick, GoPro pole and an SLR Mono pod. It certainly ticks all the boxes. Proof is in the pudding though, but you usually get what you pay for.
Just got my hands on one of these after having had numerous other sticks over the years (all rubbish). I haven't used it outdoors yet but next week i will be taking it on a 3 week road trip so it will get plenty of hammer. First impressions are, it oooozes quality. The pole is a heavier and stronger build and the locking mechanism does not come undone to separate the pole, whilst also locking strong and fast. The company is a small and friendly husband and wife UK team. The Aluminium head and arm are machined in the UK and anodising in done in the same factory that DMM use in Manchester. It places qd's of all sizes, removes them, places the rope, works as a brush stick, GoPro pole and an SLR Mono pod. It certainly ticks all the boxes. Proof is in the pudding though, but you usually get what you pay for.
1
In reply to JLS:
Certainly looks like the same type of mechanism not the same. I can spin it around the wrong way and it wont come undone. Then 1/2 turn clockwise and boom it seems to be locked.....tight.
Certainly looks like the same type of mechanism not the same. I can spin it around the wrong way and it wont come undone. Then 1/2 turn clockwise and boom it seems to be locked.....tight.
1
In reply to Gaz Parry Climbing:
Sounds good, I might have been tempted... Actually, this thread inspired me to investigate "decorators poles". I got one from Screwfix for £13 and grafted on the head from one of my broken beta sticks. It's fantastic! There is now an air of Gandalf about me as I approach the crag carrying sturdy my staff.
Sounds good, I might have been tempted... Actually, this thread inspired me to investigate "decorators poles". I got one from Screwfix for £13 and grafted on the head from one of my broken beta sticks. It's fantastic! There is now an air of Gandalf about me as I approach the crag carrying sturdy my staff.
Post edited at 15:40
1
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