Petzl Pantin Rope Clamp

The Petzl Pantin is a foot-mounted rope clamp that enhances efficiency of rope ascents when paired with the CROLL, ASCENSION, or ASCENTREE rope clamps. Versions for both the right and left foot are available.

Features

• Designed to enhance rope ascents by making them faster and less exhausting:
  
  
  • Works effectively when paired with CROLL, ASCENSION, or ASCENTREE rope clamps.
  • The design promotes smooth rope glide, especially in the initial few metres.
  • A toothed cam with a self-cleaning slot ensures optimal performance, even in challenging conditions such as frozen or dirty ropes.
  • The mechanism is fully integrated into the body of the rope clamp, reducing the risk of snagging.
  • The rope releases easily with a simple backward movement of the foot.
  • Adjustment is quick and straightforward, thanks to the DOUBLEBACK buckle.
  • An optional catch is available to secure the rope in place during ascents.

• Durable construction:
  
  
  • The stainless steel cam provides exceptional resistance to corrosion.
  • The high-modulus polyethylene strap is designed to withstand abrasion.
• Available in right- and left-foot versions.

Note: The PANTIN is not classified as personal protective equipment (PPE).

Specifications

Technology

Technical Notice

• Download the PDF : technical-notice-PANTIN_4 - 1.78 MB

Tips for maintaining your equipment

• Download the PDF - 3.28 MB

Technical Content

Installing the Zigzag in SRT Mode for Accessing and Working in the Tree

Access and work on single rope (SRT) is a quick and lightweight technique that is adaptable to various work situations. The sequence presented here is one example of many possible variations.

Note: In this document the name ZIGZAG means either the ZIGZAG or ZIGZAG PLUS models.

1. Throwing the line

The arborist should aim for a crotch that is suitable for the planned work, generally as high as possible in the tree to optimise movement options.

The placement of the line will determine the placement of the work rope for the rest of the day, so it must be done with care: the target crotch should be closest to the axis of the tree, ideally with a second branch just below it in case the first crotch breaks.

Note: The goal of this document is not to teach how to select an anchor in a tree; you must be properly trained before using these techniques.

2. Installing the work rope and the ZIGZAG

• Use the cord to install the work rope where desired. Use a rope long enough for the planned work.
• Anchor the rope to the base of the tree or to a suitable anchor.
• Install the ZIGZAG on the free end of the rope and tie a stopper knot in the end.
  

Remember: On single rope, the ZIGZAG must only be used with the CHICANE.

Solution for installing the rope to facilitate rescue

Anchoring the rope to a releasable anchor allows the person on the ground to respond quickly to rescue the arborist, with no need to climb the tree.

3. Access with ZIGZAG, CHICANE, KNEE ASCENT and PANTIN

Verify the rope setup and the absence of any slack in the system before starting to climb.

4. Movement and work with ZIGZAG and CHICANE

• The arborist can move on a single rope with the ZIGZAG + CHICANE system. He can also position himself by adding a second belay system.
• During cutting operations, the arborist must use two independent systems.
  
  

Solution to facilitate returning to the trunk

One of the disadvantages of SRT is the lack of mechanical advantage when returning to the trunk, because unlike the DdRT system the arborist must haul himself on a fixed point. Having taken care to leave a rope clamp as a redirect near the trunk, the arborist can create a self-hauling system which facilitates returning to the trunk. The solution presented here is the simplest; the rope clamp is not recoverable so the arborist must return to the redirect point to recover the equipment. There are more complex, recoverable methods that will be covered elsewhere.

Using a Single Rope Clamp?

A single rope clamp is not trustworthy; it is recommended to use two rope clamps together and/or to use a backup belay system.

1. A single rope clamp is not trustworthy

• Trusting the belay to a single rope clamp in motion on the rope is risky.
• There is a risk of the rope clamp coming off the rope:

- Accidental opening of the safety catch is possible while ascending.

• There is a risk of the rope clamp slipping on the rope:

- Excessive mud or ice on the rope, holding the cam open due to poor hand positioning, foreign objects interfering with the cam (branches, pack straps or clothing), worn teeth...

• There is risk of disconnecting the rope clamp's lanyard, if the carabiner opens (rubbing).
  
  

Note:

Breaking strength is not an issue when a single rope clamp is used by one person.

All of the certification tests, and Petzl's internal tests, are done on a single rope clamp.

Note:

When a rope clamp is on the rope and loaded, it is nearly impossible to cause it to disengage or slip. It's when the rope clamp is unloaded and/or moving on the rope that there is a risk of slippage or detachment from the rope.

2. Differences between a ventral rope clamp and a rope clamp on a lanyard

Ventral rope clamp 

• The ventral rope clamp is connected directly to the harness without extension. Its stable position allows for good rope glide.
• With a minimum of precautions, the user can ensure that a loop of slack is not created while progressing, thus maintaining a very low potential fall distance.
  
  

Rope clamp on a lanyard (or hand rope clamp)

A lanyard offers more freedom of movement to the user, who can mistakenly find themself above the rope clamp, or with a slack lanyard. This creates the potential for a free fall. As with the ventral rope clamp, one must also monitor the tension in the rope between the rope clamp and the anchor. Any loop of slack is dangerous.

Note:

• The risk of falling on a slack lanyard is partly covered by the rope clamp standards.
  
• The EN 12841 type B standard (rope clamps for work): fall test on a dynamic lanyard, rope clamp on a semi-static rope at 1 m from the anchor. Test using the mass marked on the rope clamp (140 kg for ASCENSION, BASIC, CROLL on compatible rope diameters greater than 10 mm).
  
• EN 567 standard (rope clamps for sport): no fall test.
  
• Petzl's internal tests complement the requirements of the standards by being based on realistic usage scenarios.
  
• These tests help ensure that the rope clamps do not tear the rope under the most unfavourable conditions (fall distance equal to the lanyard length, 1 m from the anchor, 80 kg dummy, ropes of compatible diameters).

3. Different modes of rope clamp use

Rope ascent

• The user is hanging on a progression rope.
• The recommended rope ascent system includes a ventral rope clamp (CROLL) and a rope clamp on a lanyard (BASIC, ASCENSION).
• The main risks occur at particular moments, when attaching / removing the rope clamps: start of the ascent, passing a knot, passing an intermediate anchor, arriving at the anchor station.
• As a single rope clamp is not trustworthy, it is recommended to use two rope clamps, both attached to the harness.
  
  

Progression along a fixed rope

• The user has their weight on the feet, using one or more rope clamps for self-belay and as an aid to progression.
• The user has their hands free to slide the rope clamps along the safety rope, in order to always keep slack out of it.
• If there is a low probability of a fall, using a single rope clamp is possible; the user must always keep slack out of the rope between the rope clamp and the anchor.