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Yates Rocker device for TR solo

Original Post
Steve Marshall · · Concord NH · Joined Jul 2014 · Points: 45

So I have this handy device called a Yates Rocker (there are other brands that make it) for TR solo. It is a "pinch" style device rather than a toothed one like the microtrax. The main benefit of this device is that you can down-climb without having to do anything at all. The device easily feeds both directions and pinches when weighted. Great for sessions where I just want to get continuous, uninterrupted laps on rock.

However they've discontinued it, I can't find a second one. There's one company in the UK - http://www.sar-products.com/product/rocker/ and I can find a few of their devices on the UK ebay, but it would probably be $120+ to get it to the US.

2 questions -

1. Anyone else use this for TR solo? Do you rig two devices or just one? I have a pretty short crag (30ft) with safer landings that I'm comfortable just using a single device. For some other crags I use a microtrax as backup and this precludes down-climbing. I was considering switching to two rocker-style devices.

2. Where can I get one in the US?

SICgrips · · Charlottesville · Joined Dec 2012 · Points: 161

Might be worthwhile joining the Rope Solo Climbing group on FB. it is dedicated to all types of question related to rope solo (lead, TR, aid) climbing.

Nathan.H · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2013 · Points: 0

The Singing Rock Locker is pretty much the same as the Yates Rocker.  They are on Amazon for $95.

These types of devices only work as the top rope grab.  If you use two of them you should have them on separate ropes.

A Camp Lift is a similar device...but not as strong.

Kong Backup or Camp Goblin are rope access backup devices that would work also.

Pavel Burov · · Russia · Joined May 2013 · Points: 50

There are lot of them on the market. E.g. https://www.treestuff.com/store/catalog.asp?category_id=280&item=1878

If you want a fancy titanium one seek for UralAlp Ushba.

Noel Z · · UK · Joined Oct 2020 · Points: 15

I also use this device for toprope soloing and love it. I live in Europe and the same device is available many manufacturers. I have seen it listed as: Edelrid Rocker, ISC Rocker, Honey Well Rocker, Yates Rocker, SAR Rocker, Skylotec Rocker. The Singing Rock Rocker seems to be slightly for larger rope diameters. They appear to be the very same device.

I'm no expert and you need to form your own judgement. Regarding its use: I too have considered using a second device on a separate line and will eventually do this. I love how I can downclimb with it. The small swivel plate is great for setting extra friction to have it more grabby. This device does not like have any other device on the same line. As a "straight trough" type device it should be grabbed by your hand during a fall and no device should be above it. If the device above it were to fail it would crash down upon the Rocker thereby chaing its angle and the device would most certainly fail to lock. It should also have no device below it because the below device would change the whippy looseness of the rope below the rocker making it more taught, in this case the necessary double bend many not happen causing the device to fail. So, two device on two strands. The strand do not normally need to be weighted unless the crux is right at the bottom. I have used the device on 9.8mm, 10mm and 10.5mm dynamic rope and it has worked. The instructions state static only and at least 10.5mm.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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