Of course. Had a chat with Nick Bonner too. I appreciate the impact you've had on the industry so much. I obviously don't rep ISC I just like gear. You'll always be the OG
A contract climber walked off with my Zk2 a couple weeks ago. I tried climbing on a chicane with a hitch but even that felt dirty like I was betraying Bingham. I'd sooner widdle a new wrench than buy an ISC Apex
Some things to Note as I'm practicing and trying new combinations with the APEX: First, this will NOT fit on the Notch Fusion Tether. The attachment area is wider than the Original or Flow Rope Wrench so it will not seat on to it flush and can't close properly. Second, this device has a Working Load Limit of 120kg or 265lbs. I don't know if this is in consideration of your shared weight on your hitch, but best practice may be do err on the safe side if you are a heavier climber. Third, there indeed has been a falling out between Kevin Bingham and ISC. I only know very limited details, but not enough to share publicly. It's a shame, but it is what it is... More updates will be added to this pinned comment as I discover new things. It may warrant an update video. Cheers!
Looks like you were too quick to try the apex without the new squirrel tether FLEX truly addressed the only issues that would make me upgrade from my chicane/hitchclimber combo (which I don't use much honestly, just if I'm going to ascend SRT and work mostly Mrs with prussik and hitchclimber, as much as I don't love the akimbo lazyness/ease of use keeps it as my go-to)
Great in-depth review as always. This looks like the love child between the chicane and the rope wrench especially with the swinging cheek plate. Opening looks fast without the risk of losing a slick pin. From your experience with both the apex as well as the notch wrench does the adjustability warrant the upgrade from the regular rope wrench?
I think if these adjustable wrenches never existed I don't think I'd have ever thought I needed one. The OG Rope Wrench will always be the best in terms of simplicity and function.
Definitely sad about whatever the beef is between Kevin and ISC, but the opening and adjustment mechanism seem far superior to the other wrenches. Haven’t got my hands on it yet but I’d love to try it. Same thoughts about the aluminum squirrel tether I never use mine.
This is a fantastic review. If you had to pick one rope wrench and one tether to use for the rest of your life, what combo would you choose? I'm new to using a rope wrench, but I'm looking to buy one once I've saved up. Thanks!
Nice solid review. Of course I just got my ISC RP280 rope wrench in red today in the mail and see this video. 😶 It's my first srt set up so I can't go wrong. 👍 Have you gone back to the RP280 since using the Apex? Thanks
By your review, it looks like I'm better off with the original rope wrench? I don't like the fact the "adjustable friction" part is plastic. And it doesn't appear to be replaceable.
I don't believe it's plastic, but it is a softer metal that is cast. Between the two, I'd say you're fine either way, but the OG Rope Wrench is a work horse that isn't going to be replaced by other devices anytime soon.
@@alotl1kevegas860 for sure. I think I might have even seen a thread asking this question on the TreeCliming subreddit but I didn't have a chance to reply the other day. You'll do well with the OG Rope Wrench and you can always try other things in the future or borrow them from another climber. That's how I have tried new things.
@@CaseySnyder Pretty sure that was me that posted that on reddit. I made that post a couple of days ago. There isn't alot of information or reviews on the Apex. Your video was one of the one ones I seen (that was in english) lol. Thanks again. Climb safe
I would compare it to the 4 (highest setting) or possibly 3. Since the Rope Wrench ZK-2 has a rolling pulley it does run a little differently. There are no moving friction parts on the APEX.
Thanks for the shout out my friend!
Of course. Had a chat with Nick Bonner too. I appreciate the impact you've had on the industry so much. I obviously don't rep ISC I just like gear. You'll always be the OG
A contract climber walked off with my Zk2 a couple weeks ago. I tried climbing on a chicane with a hitch but even that felt dirty like I was betraying Bingham. I'd sooner widdle a new wrench than buy an ISC Apex
Some things to Note as I'm practicing and trying new combinations with the APEX:
First, this will NOT fit on the Notch Fusion Tether. The attachment area is wider than the Original or Flow Rope Wrench so it will not seat on to it flush and can't close properly.
Second, this device has a Working Load Limit of 120kg or 265lbs. I don't know if this is in consideration of your shared weight on your hitch, but best practice may be do err on the safe side if you are a heavier climber.
Third, there indeed has been a falling out between Kevin Bingham and ISC. I only know very limited details, but not enough to share publicly. It's a shame, but it is what it is...
More updates will be added to this pinned comment as I discover new things. It may warrant an update video. Cheers!
Great video, Casey! Thoroughly enjoyed it. You're the right guy to test drive and review this product. I look forward to picking one up.
Thanks for your presentation and demonstration. Your review of this product is so good.
Let me know what you guys think of the APEX if you get it. Thanks for watching and Subscribing!
Looks like you were too quick to try the apex without the new squirrel tether FLEX truly addressed the only issues that would make me upgrade from my chicane/hitchclimber combo (which I don't use much honestly, just if I'm going to ascend SRT and work mostly Mrs with prussik and hitchclimber, as much as I don't love the akimbo lazyness/ease of use keeps it as my go-to)
@@TaylorCutsTrees I haven't seen a single person with one yet. Did you get an early release one? So far no word on the one I preordered.
I ordered one. What length prussic cord did you use? And what type? Do you think it will work with the Notch tether? I’ll find out when I get it.
Great in-depth review as always. This looks like the love child between the chicane and the rope wrench especially with the swinging cheek plate. Opening looks fast without the risk of losing a slick pin. From your experience with both the apex as well as the notch wrench does the adjustability warrant the upgrade from the regular rope wrench?
I think if these adjustable wrenches never existed I don't think I'd have ever thought I needed one. The OG Rope Wrench will always be the best in terms of simplicity and function.
Definitely sad about whatever the beef is between Kevin and ISC, but the opening and adjustment mechanism seem far superior to the other wrenches. Haven’t got my hands on it yet but I’d love to try it. Same thoughts about the aluminum squirrel tether I never use mine.
When you come my way you're welcome to try it out!
@barack Obama is that true? XD
excellent review Casey....happy holidays
stay safe stay healthy
Thanks man! You too!
Nice review man! 👍👊
This is a fantastic review. If you had to pick one rope wrench and one tether to use for the rest of your life, what combo would you choose? I'm new to using a rope wrench, but I'm looking to buy one once I've saved up. Thanks!
Nice solid review. Of course I just got my ISC RP280 rope wrench in red today in the mail and see this video. 😶 It's my first srt set up so I can't go wrong. 👍 Have you gone back to the RP280 since using the Apex? Thanks
Thanks Casey! Definitely gonna order one. What earmuffs are those? They look a lot more streamlined than the ones I have
These are the Kask Green low profile muffs. I think I ordered them from TreeStuff a couple years back.
Thanks and dang is this a nice tree :)
The original works with 11-13 right?
If so the adjustment is redundant
thank you
By your review, it looks like I'm better off with the original rope wrench? I don't like the fact the "adjustable friction" part is plastic. And it doesn't appear to be replaceable.
I don't believe it's plastic, but it is a softer metal that is cast. Between the two, I'd say you're fine either way, but the OG Rope Wrench is a work horse that isn't going to be replaced by other devices anytime soon.
@@CaseySnyder Thanks for the swift reply. This puts my mind at ease. I guess I'll finally open up my Rope Wrench from its packaging. Thank you 😊
@@alotl1kevegas860 for sure. I think I might have even seen a thread asking this question on the TreeCliming subreddit but I didn't have a chance to reply the other day. You'll do well with the OG Rope Wrench and you can always try other things in the future or borrow them from another climber. That's how I have tried new things.
@@CaseySnyder Pretty sure that was me that posted that on reddit. I made that post a couple of days ago. There isn't alot of information or reviews on the Apex. Your video was one of the one ones I seen (that was in english) lol. Thanks again. Climb safe
Anyone do anything about hitting there face with the wrench every once in awhile or is it just a necessary negative to using a hitch cord srs.
Wonder where the original rope wrench fits in on this scale?
I would compare it to the 4 (highest setting) or possibly 3. Since the Rope Wrench ZK-2 has a rolling pulley it does run a little differently. There are no moving friction parts on the APEX.
@@CaseySnyder Cheers for the reply, interesting might check it out one of these days.