Film : I believe I can fly

Skyliners Project:

The talented friends featured in this film have been instrumental in the innovation and development of highlining and baselining, and this exciting project was born from their passion and love for what they do.
It was filmed amongst a group of friends, with no funding or sponsorship for the training, filming & production involved.
We have been overwhelmed by the reaction from people viewing our film and by all your comments, and we hope to be able to film more projects in the months & years to come.
If you would like to contribute to future projects, please download the film for 4.90€ below, or make a donation via the link – proceeds will go to the highliners and the smallest donation will help turn more dreams into reality.

Watch it here: http://sebmontaz.com/videos/237-i-believe-i-can-fly-flight-of-the-frenchies

Wide Boys climb Century Crack, 8C

Tom Randall and Pete Whittaker are in the US for 8 weeks in search of the most difficult off-widths they could find. "Century Crack" is the hardest off-width in the world. Stevie Haston attempted this route in the 90's with no success. No one believed the route would ever be climbed...

Alstrin Film & Hot Aches Productions have teamed up to document their two year journey.

Look for the film - Fall 2012

More info: http://www.ukclimbing.com/news/item.php?id=64870

Alpine Bouldering - Summer 2011

Video: Rock climbing techniques

Petzl Micro Traxion

The Micro Traxion is a redesign of Petzl’s Mini Traxion, it’s about 20% more efficient than the Mini and weights in at 85 g — nearly half the weight.

It can be used with ropes ranging from 8 to 11 mm.

The Micro Traxion can be used in three different systems: first is the progress-capture pulley system that uses sealed ball bearings — making it 91% efficient. For those who aren’t familiar with pulley efficiency, there are two factors that determine a pulley’s efficiency: The larger the wheel — also known as the sheave — that your rope runs over, the more efficient it is and finally, you’ve got bushings vs. bearings; bushings need to be maintained regularly while sealed ball bearings require little maintenance and are very efficient. The main difference between both is that sealed bearings can be used in giddy environments, ie. canyoneering, rock climbing, caving, ice climbing etc., while bushing are a little less expensive and slightly stronger mechanically, they can jam with ice and get dirty in messy environments.

The Mini Traxion can also be used as a pulley and glide freely when it’s locked into the open position, and lastly, it can be used as an ascender.

Bottom Line: This thing is light, efficient, and will likely win awards for its all-around uses.

You’ll likely see it hitting shelves in the U.S. in March 2012 and retail for $95.

Recall of Crux, Nara and Nemo harnesses

Singing Rock is notifying to customers that some of the produced climbing harnesses CRUX, NARA, NEMO may pose a potential casualty hazard due to inaccuracy in the production. 

This defect was identified at regular internal quality inspection and up to know there are no reports of this defect coming from normal use.

If you own any of mentioned products, please, read this important notice.

Identification - Name of the Product/production lots involved:
The lot number can be found on the label as pictured below and is either the 7 digits in the larger lot number. Compare these 7 digits with the list of numbers given below. In the case of a match, return the product to your dealer as directed below.

CRUX
1071050; 1071051; 1071130; 1075163; 1075162; 1077978;
1077980; 1062912; 1064334; 1063634; 1071048; 1071049;
1071129; 1075159; 1075160; 1075161; 1080987; 1071046;
1071047; 1071128; 1075158; 1077981; 1086111; 1071054;
1071131; 1077976; 1077977; 1070798; 1071045; 1071127;
1086110

NARA
1071104; 1071105; 1071106; 1075178; 1078062; 1062913;
1063636; 1064362; 1071101; 1071102; 1071103; 1075176;
1075177; 1078063; 1089901; 1086397; 1071093; 1071100;
1075174; 1075175; 1071088; 1071090; 1075173; 1085477;
1085479

NEMO
1071120; 1071121; 1071122; 1075166; 1075167; 1075168;
1089748; 1075169; 1062916; 1064364; 1063638; 1071123;
1071124; 1075170; 1071125; 1075171; 1075172; 1080254;
1086109

Manufacturer: LANEX a.s., division Singing Rock
Date of Manufacture: 10/2010 – 5/2011

Hazard: Possible inaccuracy in a production resulting in lower waist belt strength of the harness

Till nowadays there are no reports of this defect coming from normal use. Nonetheless, Singing Rock is acting pro-actively on this matter given the potential casualty hazard. Based on this matter is decided to change construction of stitching for CRUX and construction change of NARA and NEMO to avoid possible safety hazard.

PLEASE RETURN THESE HARNESSES FOR REPLACEMENT WITH A PERFECT PRODUCT TO YOUR NEAREST STORE OR DISTRIBUTOR.

Source: Singing Rock

Recall for replacement: GRIGRI 2

If you have a GRIGRI 2 (D14 2O, D14 2G, D14 2B) with the first five digits of the serial number between 10326 and 11136, stop use immediately and contact Petzl America to initiate an exchange.

Background

Figure 1

Petzl has discovered that exerting excessive force on the fully extended handle of the GRIGRI 2 can cause internal damage, such that the GRIGRI 2 handle may become stuck in the open position.

When the handle is stuck in this position the assisted braking function is disabled. A damaged GRIGRI 2 in this configuration will function similarly to a manual belay device (e.g. tube style device).

When using a damaged GRIGRI 2 with the handle stuck in the position as shown in Figure 1, failure to control the braking side of the rope will increase the risk of an uncontrolled descent. A GRIGRI 2 with a damaged handle must be immediately retired from service.

It is important to note that failure to control the braking side of the rope is a misuse of the GRIGRI 2 under any circumstance (See GRIGRI 2 Technical Notice - pdf file, 2,5Mo).

As of June 20, 2011, seven damaged products have been returned to Petzl through our worldwide distribution network. Petzl has no knowledge of any accidents resulting from a damaged GRIGRI 2 handle.

Petzl Response

Because the safety of our users is our primary concern, as a measure of precaution Petzl has decided to take the following actions:

• increase the mechanical strength of the handle on all GRIGRI 2’s since serial number 11137.
• recall all GRIGRI 2’s with the first five digits of the serial number between 10326 and 11136, and replace with a new revised GRIGRI 2.

Petzl will pay for all shipping costs to complete this replacement.

If you have a GRIGRI 2 (D14 2O, D14 2G, D14 2B) with the first five digits of the serial number between 10326 and 11136, stop use immediately and contact Petzl America to initiate an exchange.

Contact Petzl America in one of two ways:
- By phone: 1 (800) 932-2978 (toll free)
- By email: grigri2recall@petzl.com

The previous generation GRIGRI is not concerned by this recall.

"While the potential risk of damaging the GRIGRI 2’s handle is very small, our total commitment to the safety of our users has led us to make this decision. With the summer climbing season just beginning, Petzl understands that this recall comes at an inconvenient time and we are working hard to ensure that everyone receives their replacement GRIGRI 2 as quickly as possible. Everyone at Petzl is committed to resolving this issue. We thank you for your continued support."

Romain Lécot
Petzl General DirectorSource: Petzl