®
m o
Stationary / Moving Rope Device
USER INSTRUCTIONS
Made in the USA using foreign
and domestic materials
Register your Akimbo at: www.rockexotica.com/register
MADE IN USA
Rock Exotica LLC
PO Box 160470
Freeport Center, E-16
Cleareld UT 84016 USA
801-728-0630
Toll Free: 844-651-2422
www. rockexotica.com
i
Read all instructions carefully before use.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PATENT PENDING
RG80500 12/2018 A
2 Akimbo User Instructions
Upper Lock
Arm
Lower Lock Arm
Upper Control
Arm (left)
Upper Friction
Adjustment
Upper Bollard
Upper Cam
Lower Friction
Adjustment
Lower Control
Arm (left)
Lower Control
Arm (right)
Lower
Cam
Main
Attatchment
Point
SRS Chest
Attachment
Point (Not for
life support)
LEFT SIDE
RIGHT SIDE
E
E
A
B
C
D
L
J
O
N
Q
Upper Control
Arm (right)
P
M
H
Lower Bollard
I
Rope Size
G
F
Manufacture Date:
Year, Day of Year,
Code, Serial Number
1x
Working
Load Limit
K
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals
including nickel acetate, which is known to the State
of California to cause cancer. For information go to
WWW.P65Warnings.ca.gov
Only for one
person
WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS FOR USE
WARNING SYMBOLS
Important safety or
usage warning
Situation involving
risk of injury or death
Akimbo User Instructions 3
WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS FOR USE
WARNING SYMBOLS
Important safety or
usage warning
Situation involving
risk of injury or death
INTRODUCTION
The AKIMBO is a versatile mid-line attachable friction
device that allows climbers to ascend and descend
a stationary or moving rope system without changing
equipment. Adjustable settings allow for optimal
performance with a range of rope diameters and climber
weights.
GENERAL WARNINGS
-These activities are inherently dangerous and carry a
signicant risk of injury or death that cannot be eliminated.
-The Akimbo is intended for use by medically t, specically
trained and experienced users.
-These instructions DO NOT tell you everything you need
to know.
-Do not use unless you can and will understand and
assume all risks and responsibilities for all damage/injury/
death that may result from use of this equipment or the
activities undertaken with it.
-Everyone using this equipment must be given and
thoroughly understand the instructions and refer to them
before each use.
-Any device is subject to failure from fatigue, overloading,
misuse, etc. Carefully check all parts and components of
this equipment before and after each use.
-You must have a rescue plan and the means to implement
it. Inert suspension in a harness can quickly result in
death!
-You must have specialized training and exercise extreme
caution when using this device near moving machinery or
electrical hazards.
-Do not use near sharp edges or abrasive surfaces without
appropriate edge protection.
-We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, or
accidental consequences or damage resulting from the
use of our products.
-Stay up to date! Regularly go to our website and read the
latest user instructions: www.rockexotica.com.
A. Any leverage against the
Akimbo can be dangerous.
Ensure that the Akimbo does not
bend across other objects while
climbing.
AKIMBO SPECIFIC WARNINGS
These user instructions assume you have a solid
understanding and working knowledge of rope-based
tree climbing techniques and the ability to judge safety
risks at all times. If you do not have these skills, seek out
professional training before using the Akimbo.
-Inspection and operation must be done by individuals
who have successfully completed appropriate
professional training and accept responsibility for judging
their own competence in performing the above tasks.
-The Akimbo is not a fall arrest device, and should not be
shock loaded.
-The Akimbo is not intended to be a training device, or for
use by novice climbers.
-Use the Akimbo only for the purpose and function it was
designed.
-Do not use the Akimbo on icy ropes.
-Consider carrying a back up descent control device in
case of an emergency.
-Start low and slow when learning how to use the Akimbo.
Stay close to the ground until you are very experienced
with its operation.
-Guard against ngers, hair or other items being pulled
into the Akimbo by the rope.
-When using an adjustable bridge, keep the Akimbo within
reach.
4 Akimbo User Instructions
WARNINGS (CONTINUED) APPROVED ROPES
Ok!
B. Be sure that your connector does not become
cross-loaded during use. Use of a carabiner with
a wire eye or lanyard pin is recommended.
C. Unintentional contact
with the Upper Control
Arm can cause sudden
descent or free fall.
Guard against this at all
times.
Ok!
D. Slack must never be allowed to enter your
climbing system. Stay below your anchor with
tension on your climbing line at all times.
WLL: 100kg (220lb)
Do Not Exceed this weight on the
ropes listed below!
MANUFACTURER MODEL DIA. (mm)
Samson Voyager Cool 11.8
Teufelberger XStatic 11.7
Yale
Poison Ivy / Blue Moon
11.7
WLL: 130kg (286lb)
Do Not Exceed this weight on the
ropes listed below!
MANUFACTURER MODEL DIA. (mm)
Cousin Atrax 11.6
Sterling Scion 12.5
Sterling WorkPro 12.5
Sterling HTP 12.5
Teufelberger Fly 11.1
Teufelberger Drenaline 11.8
Yale Scandere 11.7
The following ropes are approved for use with the
Akimbo at the Working Load Limit (WLL) shown below.
Only approved ropes should be used with the Akimbo.
Working Load is equal to the total weight of the climber
including gear.
Total Working Load of the climber must not exceed the
Working Load Limit (WLL) for the rope listed below or
slippage may occur!
Suitability of approved ropes can be
affected by environmental factors,
condition of rope, and condition of Akimbo.
Follow steps on pages 8-11 to test rope
and verify friction settings before climbing.
Check www.rockexotica.com/akimbo for updates to the
list of approved ropes.
Akimbo User Instructions 5
FIELD OF APPLICATION
B. Moving Rope System (MRS)A. Stationary Rope System (SRS)
The primary application for
the Akimbo is on a Stationary
Rope System (SRS),
connected to the climber’s
main harness, and supplemental, non-PPE chest
harness or suitable lanyard
(for ascent only).
The Akimbo can be used on a
Moving Rope System (MRS)
when the rope is attached to
the climber’s harness with a
suitable means of connection.
Suitable SRS connection methods: Suitable MRS connection methods:
Connect to the SRS Chest
Attachment Point using a
small tether or suitable
hardware. Rock Exotica
recommends using a rockX
carabiner.
Using an appropriate oval
carabiner, connect the
Akimbo Main Attachment
Point to the ring, swivel
attachment, or bridge of
the harness. Rock Exotica
recommends using a
rockO WireEye carabiner.
Rock Exotica recommends
separating the Akimbo and
termination end of the rope.
The Rock Exotica Hydra is
one example of a suitable
connection. Connect the
Akimbo using an appropriate oval carabiner. Rock
Exotica recommends a
RockO WireEye carabiner
6 Akimbo User Instructions
Stationary Rope System (SRS)
Ascending Stopped Descending
Climber
Movement
FUNCTION PRINCIPLE
STOP
Akimbo User Instructions 7
Ascending Stopped Descending
Moving Rope System (MRS)
Climber
Movement
FUNCTION PRINCIPLE
STOP
8 Akimbo User Instructions
UPPER FRICTION
SETTING: G
LOWER FRICTION
SETTING: 7
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
+
+
-
-
PREPARING TO CLIMB
Adjust to Maximum Friction
C. Open the Upper and Lower Lock Arms as shown in
figure C. Adjust Upper and Lower Bollard to maximum
friction setting as shown: G and 7. Arrows point toward
an increase in friction.
D. Close both Locking Arms to commit friction settings.
E. If friction setting prevents rope installation (see next
page, fig. G), reduce friction settings in one step
increments until rope fits snugly inside device.
C. D.
Minimum
Friction
Maximum
Friction
A,1
G,7
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
SETTINGS
UPPER
FRICTION
SETTING
LOWER
FRICTION
SETTING
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
PREPARING TO CLIMB
Open the Akimbo
A. Extend the Akimbo fully with the right side facing toward you.
B. Simultaneously push the top and bottom arms of the right face
clockwise.
A. B.
Akimbo User Instructions 9
UPPER FRICTION
SETTING: G
LOWER FRICTION
SETTING: 7
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
+
+
-
-
PREPARING TO CLIMB
Adjust to Maximum Friction
C. Open the Upper and Lower Lock Arms as shown in
figure C. Adjust Upper and Lower Bollard to maximum
friction setting as shown: G and 7. Arrows point toward
an increase in friction.
D. Close both Locking Arms to commit friction settings.
E. If friction setting prevents rope installation (see next
page, fig. G), reduce friction settings in one step
increments until rope fits snugly inside device.
C. D.
Minimum
Friction
Maximum
Friction
A,1
G,7
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
SETTINGS
UPPER
FRICTION
SETTING
LOWER
FRICTION
SETTING
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
10 Akimbo User Instructions
PREPARING TO CLIMB
Install Rope
F. With the RIGHT side of the Akimbo facing you, insert
the rope coming from the anchor past the Upper
Bollard, followed by the Lower Bollard, as shown by
the rope path below. The rope must fit snugly
between both the Upper and Lower Cam and Bollard.
G. If rope diameter prevents installation at the highest
friction setting on either the Upper or Lower Bollard,
follow the steps on the previous page to reduce the
friction setting. Continue reducing the friction settings
independently until the rope fits snugly between the
Upper and Lower Cam and Bollard.
H. Once the rope is installed, close the Akimbo as shown
in fig. H.
F. G. H.
Ok!
Do not climb on the Akimbo until the steps on
the following pages are completed! Further
adjustments of the friction settings are likely
necessary.
Akimbo User Instructions 11
I.
J.
Ok!
PREPARING TO CLIMB
Loading & Function Test
I. Place the Akimbo with the rope passing vertically
through the device, with the arms positioned to hold
its location on the rope. Connect to the Akimbo using
a suitable triple action oval connector.
Always tie a stopper knot on the climbing end of the
line to prevent the Akimbo from inadvertently coming
off the rope.
J. From a safe height, place increasing amounts of body
weight onto the Akimbo, including a “bounce” on the
device. If the Akimbo slips along the rope, refer to
page 9 for instructions on increasing the friction
settings before proceeding.
STOP
– Friction settings other than described may
result in the Akimbo not catching in the event
of a fall.
– Perform all friction tests with the Akimbo
from a safe height, in a no-risk environment
before working at height.
12 Akimbo User Instructions
PREPARING TO CLIMB
Loading & Function Test
K. Once the Akimbo sustains your full weight, including a
small bounce, gradually depress the Upper Control
Arms to descend on the rope from a safe height.
K1: If Akimbo descends only when Upper Control
Arms come near, or in contact with Lower Control
Arms as depicted in fig. K1, return to page 8 to
decrease friction settings, beginning with the Lower
Bollard, then repeat step K.
K2: If Akimbo descends as depicted in K2, perform a
final bounce on the line. If any slipping occurs, repeat
previous steps to increase friction. If the Akimbo
sustains your full weight, then proceed to climb.
K.
Ok!
Always test the Akimbo
before each use!
Friction will need to be adjusted often, and in some
cases while using the device. Changing the friction
settings while at height must be performed while
being safely attached to a secondary anchor, such as
a work positioning lanyard.
Stop use and evaluate the friction settings on
the Akimbo if:
– You detect the device slipping on the
rope.
– You switch climbing methods, such as
from using Moving Rope System (MRS)
to Stationary Rope System (SRS).
– Environmental conditions change
(temperature, weather, rain, snow,
humidity, etc.).
– Climbing on new or different rope.
K1 K2
A.
B.
USES
Ascending & Descending
A. Ascend using a foot and/or knee ascender. A hand
ascender may be used in combination as well,
however, the climber must be aware that anything
above the Akimbo may interfere with the Upper
Control Arm, potentially causing an uncontrolled
descent. This would include setting a prusik or rope
grab above the Akimbo for the purpose of creating a
3:1 mechanical advantage.
B. Descend on the line by gradually applying downward
pressure on the Upper Control Arm. When descend-
ing, it is recommended to place free hand on rope
trailing from the Akimbo as an additional safety
measure.
Ok!
– The Akimbo does not have a panic feature.
Continuous downward pressure on the Upper
Control Arm will result in rapid descent
leading to potential injury or death.
– Be aware of high temperatures during long
descents. Wear gloves when appropriate to
avoid burns. Monitor the condition of your
rope and inspect for damage if you suspect
high temperatures.
– Always descend in a controlled manner.
Never use a hand ascender with foot
loops!
Akimbo User Instructions 13
A.
B.
USES
Ascending & Descending
A. Ascend using a foot and/or knee ascender. A hand
ascender may be used in combination as well,
however, the climber must be aware that anything
above the Akimbo may interfere with the Upper
Control Arm, potentially causing an uncontrolled
descent. This would include setting a prusik or rope
grab above the Akimbo for the purpose of creating a
3:1 mechanical advantage.
B. Descend on the line by gradually applying downward
pressure on the Upper Control Arm. When descending, it is recommended to place free hand on rope
trailing from the Akimbo as an additional safety
measure.
Ok!
– The Akimbo does not have a panic feature.
Continuous downward pressure on the Upper
Control Arm will result in rapid descent
leading to potential injury or death.
– Be aware of high temperatures during long
descents. Wear gloves when appropriate to
avoid burns. Monitor the condition of your
rope and inspect for damage if you suspect
high temperatures.
– Always descend in a controlled manner.
Never use a hand ascender with foot
loops!
14 Akimbo User Instructions
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
USES
Positioning in the tree
C. Move away from the trunk of the tree by depressing
the Upper Control Arm of the Akimbo and allowing
rope to pass upwards through the device.
D. To limb walk toward the trunk pull the rope down and
outward through the bottom of the device while
advancing toward the trunk.
E. Never allow slack to enter your system! Always
maintain tension on your system to prevent
dangerous shock-loading!
C. D. E.
Akimbo User Instructions 15
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Inspect Before & After Use
-Check all parts for cracks, deformation, corrosion,
wear, sharp edges or burrs, etc.
-Verify wire gate on the SRS Chest Attachment
Point is installed.
-Verify upper cam spring is installed and provides
sufcient force against the rope to hold the
Akimbo stationary.
-Verify that the Upper and Lower Cam pivot
smoothly.
-Verify that the Lower Bollard rotates smoothly.
-Verify the security of each pair of the upper and
lower friction setting pins.
-Ensure that the Upper and Lower Control Arms
rotate freely in relation to their connection to the
spine.
-Ensure that the Akimbo opens and closes without
binding.
Inspection During Use
Regularly inspect and monitor your system,
conrming proper connections, equipment
position, fully locked connectors, etc.
Detailed Inspection
In addition to inspection before, during and after
each use, a detailed inspection by a competent
inspector must be done at least every 12 months
or more frequently depending on amount and
type of use (see following page for inspection
guidelines).
Retire from Service & Destroy if it:
1. Is signicantly loaded.
2. Does not pass inspection or there is any doubt
about its safety.
3. Is misused, altered, damaged, exposed to
harmful chemicals, etc.
4. If you don’t know the full history of its use, or
there is any doubt about its condition.
Environmental Factors
Moisture, ice, salt, sand, snow, chemicals and
other factors can prevent proper operation or can
greatly accelerate wear.
Compatibility
Verify compatibility with other components of your
system. Incompatible connections can cause
detachment, breakage, etc. When using multiple
pieces of equipment as a system, instructions for
each piece of equipment must be followed. Verify
that each component used with the Akimbo meets
the applicable standards and or laws in your
country.
Lifetime
Unlimited, but will often be much less depending
on conditions and use; it could even be a single
use in some cases.
The upper and lower cams will eventually wear
down and the Akimbo will begin to slip, even when
using previously tested settings. As the cams
begin to wear, you will need to increase the friction
settings or increase the rope diameter. Retire
from service if the Akimbo fails the function test
described in this manual.
The lifespan of the Akimbo can be prolonged by
avoiding use with dirty ropes and avoiding long or
fast descents.
Maintenance & Storage
Clean if necessary with fresh water, then allow
to dry completely. Store in a dry place away from
extremes of heat and cold and avoid chemical
exposure.
Principal Material
Aluminum alloy, anodized.
Repairs or Modications to Equipment
Are only allowed by the manufacturer or those
authorized in writing by the manufacturer.
Rock Exotica 3-year guarantee
If your Rock Exotica product has a defect due to
workmanship or materials please contact us for
warranty service. This warranty does not cover
damages caused by improper care, improper
use, alterations and modications, accidental
damage or the natural breakdown of material over
extended use and time.
INSPECTION RECORD
DOCUMENTATION
Model
Complete Batch #
Year of Manufacture
Purchase Date
Date of 1st Use
User
DATE CONDITION INSPECTOR
Inspections should be performed by a
competent person whose training meets
the applicable standards and/or laws for
the inspection of life safety equipment.
An inspection log including the
date, inspectors name, and result of
the inspection should be kept as a
permanent record.
It is best to issue new equipment to each
user so they know its entire history. Use
one copy as the permanent inspection
record and keep the other with the
equipment.
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