Kong Oka Descender: Is it Worth the Switch?
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- Опубликовано: 21 апр 2024
- The Kong Oka has become a preferred rappel device for my climbing setup. In this video I talk about the features that I really like and demonstrate just how little effort is necessary to maintain a smooth descent for my body weight using some of the many implementations the product has been tested for. Products that I mentioned with a link are further down in the description.
I really like that I can keep this device attached to me at all times without worrying about it flopping around during a climb. I also like it's versatility with the many supported and tested methods for implementation as there are a wide variety of options to gain the optimal amount of friction for a controlled descent.
I don't even get into how you can effectively lock-off this device if this was your only option during the rappel. If you review the instructions of the device, you'll see that there is a way to effectively lock-off and be hands free which is not something all devices are possible of having as a feature. That's a bonus feature that I quite frankly don't see a need for within my setup but something I know in case something did happen to my friction hitches.
Stick around til' the end where I show a climb and rappel with the device always attached to me in real time. If you liked this content, then please check out my other video mentioned at the 17:40 mark where I discuss what I wish I knew about simple figure 8 rappel devices: • I Wish I Knew: Simple ...
If you want to see this testing done via an SRT climb, different rope thickness, or even with a wet test then please comment down below stating which you want to see. If enough requests come through for it, I'll be sure to put a test together just like you see in this video.
Kong Oka:
www.kong.it/en/product/oka/
Kong Oka + bundled carabiner:
www.amazon.com/KONG-USA-Kong-...
DMM Ceros:
dmmwales.com/products/ceros?v...
Bow Scale 110lb:
www.amazon.com/VISTA-Digital-...
DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this video is for entertainment only. All viewers accept full responsibility for their actions in attempt to recreate anything in this video.
#saddlehunting #rappel #kong #treeclimbing #isitworthit #dsrt 
Развлечения
I liked this video. I have the Kong Oka saved in my folders for later purchase. I think it's the Oka descender and carabiner combo.
Had mine saved as a "purchase for later" item as well and eventually pulled the trigger after not being able to decide. Glad I did and glad I could put some content together in case it helps the next enthusiast. Happy climbing!
Mike, Great video. I need another descender like I need a hole in the head. I have a crap ton of descenders (i.e. Figure 8's, Rock Exotica Totem, Sterling ATS, Grigri, Petzl Zig Zag+, Rope Runner Pro), but your video inspired me to buy yet another descender. I just received my Kong OKa, so I haven't yet used it. I have to say that for a light weight, versatile descender that will handle up to 12.7mm rope, the Kong OKa is incredibly versatile for adding friction on the fly, belaying another climber, and it allows us to configure it in lots of different ways. Thanks!
I'm there with you when it comes to grabbing new gadgets to try! I feel it makes us better climbers knowing firsthand but can be hard for others to do so. Us sharing these experiences makes it all the better for the rest reading and watching! I'm glad to hear you calling out its versatility as I was blown away when testing the Oka. I also now ordered another Kong device thanks to another comment on this video. All the best with your testing and climbing!
Nice work!! I've been experimenting with different devices myself. I'm always trying to find a way of using fewer devices or methods to achieve the same goal. I do like the munter's on a carabiner and I always have that as a back up. But I've been testing out the "Kong hydrobot". I have found with the right rope. It can be used as Garda hitch and a rappel device all in one. It is also very smooth and accepts one or two ropes for SRT or DSRT, which is a big plus. I don't know if you have tested the hydrobot , but if you haven't give it a try. You might be pleasantly surprised (as I was - but I'm still in the testing phase). Thanks for sharing 🎯
I really appreciate you sharing that! That is music to my ears with how you found a way to achieve a device that could be used with the Garda as well. I'll definitely be checking that one out!
I was trying to look at a way to use the Oka in a similar fashion or at least attached while operating the Garda but haven't figured out a way quite yet. If I could keep it attached always, that would be an extra win there! Always ready to climb or descend then.
Yeah, same here. I was also looking for a way to leave the device permanently attached. That's what led me to the hydrobot. I still like the Garda hitch. But I also like testing different devices and methods. (Note: In my experience using it. It seems to work best in ascend mode with thicker rope and sheath that's not so slippery. I have 9.5 RNA Ghille rope, Monster 10.5, and Samson predator 11.5. It seems to work best in ascend mode with the monster and Samson. It slips a little with the Ghille. The Ghille rope also has a smoother or slippery sheath compared to the predator and monster that do not. Hope this helps!!
Glad to see another fellow tinkerer like myself! All with safety first as the goal that is. Just looked up the product and looking to purchase. I'll be sure to share some thoughts once I've had some testing under my belt!
Why two prusiks instead of just one on both lines?
As you get closer to the crotch a single hitch would suffer in performance with the 2 strands trying to pull it apart. Independent hitches on each strands gives a better bite on the rope at all points in the climb and creates a more reliable hold. The weight is then distributed across both equally.
Also, I know you used "prusik" as your reference but these are longhorn agile hitches, not prusiks. I wouldn't ever try to use a simple prusik as my hitch for climbing as they can become unreliable. I would only ever consider that for a hitch to hold gear of that but not for holding me.
I like it this descender, but the one thing I don’t like it, cause the rubber easy to broke..i mean rubber on the hole to connect to carabiner..😢😢 i used it not even 1 years yet..
I can see how it could get mangled. They do provide a spare boot with the product which means they know of this case IMO. At the very least, we can ensure it's always attached to us so we don't drop it. In a hunting scenario, the boot or something that could equally silence the rattle is key. I've been thinking about an alternative way to silence in such cases so I'll be sure to share if I come up with anything.