Competitive
Analysis
The Competition
No threat to the Cynch-LokTM
• Hard to adjust
• Difficult to climb in
• Easily cheated by incorrect connection
Jelco Pole Choker
Miller StopFall
Buckingham
BuckSqueeze
Bashlin Lariat
Differences Between the updated Cynch-LokTM
& the SuperSqueeze
Connecting to the Adjuster
Updated Cynch-LokTM
• The connection point is easy to see because it lies horizontally
• Making the connection is fast and audibly solid
• The connection does not require the adjuster to be loosened
and it does not require any additional slack in the system
• Does not require readjusting after the connection is made
SuperSqueeze
• The slot is difficult to see and the carabineer has to be
straight in line in order to connect it
• This device needs a lot of extra room to make this
connection
• Requires readjusting after each connection
Disconnecting from the
Adjuster
Updated Cynch-LokTM
• The carabiner can be removed quickly and easily without
taking the system out of adjustment
• Disconnecting requires very few movements
• Can be removed with one hand
SuperSqueeze
• The carabiner can not be removed without first loosening both
the rope and adjuster to create the necessary space
• Manipulating the carabiner requires the user to place his fingers
in a dangerous position between the cleats and the pole
• Removing it one handed is nearly impossible
Disconnecting from the Adjuster
Updated Cynch-LokTM
• The nose of this carabiner is designed without a notch so it
will not snag when disconnecting
SuperSqueeze
• The nose of the carabiner is notched and it gets hung up in
the narrow slot when disconnecting
Tightening the Adjuster
Updated Cynch-LokTM
• The adjuster can be tightened on the fly without stopping
and the climber never has to move his hand from the
handle
• The adjuster does not flop around on the strap making it
easier to adjust without over tightening
SuperSqueeze
• The climber has to stop climbing to adjust it
• Several steps are required for adjusting
• The adjuster is very loose and easy to over tighten.
Loosening the Adjuster
Updated Cynch-LokTM
• The adjuster can be loosened out on the fly without
stopping and the climber never has to let go of the handle
• The adjuster moves out effortlessly without having to
release anything
• Does not pinch the hand or gloves
SuperSqueeze
• The climber has to stop climbing and change hand position to
loosen the adjuster
• The climber has to lean forward each time to create
additional slack before releasing the cam with his thumb
• Design causes severe pinching of the hand
Climbing Differences
Updated Cynch-LokTM
• The strap is held in a traditional way
• Both hands are in the correct position, wrists facing in
• Traditional natural flipping action allows the climber to
move effortlessly without having to spread the strap open
• Cleats do not drag and engage the pole until the device
restricts
SuperSqueeze
• Awkward uneven hand position with one hand holding the
carabiner gate, wrist facing up
• Limits the climber’s range of motion
• Climber has to spread the strap apart to move the device
Transferring under Load
With the secondary loosely over the obstruction, this method is the
fastest way to transfer
Updated Cynch-LokTM
• The strap can be pulled towards the climber and held while
the carabiner is disconnected
• Once the obstruction is crossed, the strap can be held in
position while the climber easily reconnects to the adjuster
• This does not require the adjuster to be loosened or
retightened
SuperSqueeze
• Pulling the strap out does not provide enough clearance to
disconnect the carabiner
• The adjuster and the rope must be loosened
• The nose of the carabiner gets hung up when disconnecting
• Reconnecting in the narrow slot is difficult
• The device has to be readjusted each time
Holding on During a Fall
SuperSqueeze
Updated Cynch-LokTM
Holding on to the strap during a fall:
Holding on the carabiner during a fall:
• Does not affect the restricting function of the Cynch-Lok
• Does not pull the cleats away from the pole
• Help keeps the victim from inverting and allows him to
regain control
TM
• Causes the cleats on the carabiner to roll away from the
wood, causing the device to slide down the pole and fail
• Could trap the climber’s knuckles against the sliding pole
Cleat Performance
Updated Cynch-LokTM
• Cleats do not hang up when climbing
• Six non-removable cleats are positioned on the outside
edges of the strap for optimal performance
• Lower cleats make contact when the web rolls during a fall
SuperSqueeze
•
•
•
•
Cleat hangs up when climbing
Cleat wears out quickly
Cleat is removable
Cleat does not make contact when the web rolls during a fall
Stressing the Web Strap
Updated Cynch-LokTM
• Adjuster is designed not to over bend the webbing
• Adjuster does not bite on the face of the strap
• Pressure is distributed across the non- aggressive teeth of
the back plate
SuperSqueeze
• Adjuster bends the strap at a hard 90 degree angle
• Adjuster bites on the same side of the webbing that sees
the wear from the pole
• The cam design applies all of the pressure across a narrow
section of the webbing
Rope Adjuster
Updated Cynch-LokTM
• Industrial grade construction
• Permanently press fit together with no removable parts
• Internal torsion spring eliminates the problems of the
external cable spring
• Rounded edges eliminate snagging
SuperSqueeze
• Removable parts need continuous inspection
• External cable spring gets hung up on equipment
• Protruding bolt, nut and keeper ring snags gloves and
clothing
Interior Rope Lanyard
Updated Cynch-LokTM
•
•
•
•
18,000lb breaking strength
Cut resistant
Fire resistant
Passes CSA abrasion testing requirements
SuperSqueeze
• Very easy to accidently cut through
• Melts quickly when exposed to arcs
• Indicator core reduces the breaking strength of the rope
Interior Web Strap
Updated Cynch-LokTM
• Stitched web termination for superior strength
• Steel end connector
SuperSqueeze
• Thin metal end connector folded over the webbing and
riveted
• The carabiner goes through a punched hole
D-Ring
Updated Cynch-LokTM
• Interchangeable for either webbing or rope
• Utilizes separate slots for the web strap and the rope
• The flat surface provides a smoother friction point for the
web and it prevents excess abrasion
SuperSqueeze
• Utilizes the same slot for the web or the rope
• Curved surface area, prematurely wears out the outside
edges of the webbing
Comparison Summary
Category
Updated Cynch-LokTM SuperSqueeze
Performance
a
Ease of Use
a
Durability
a
Speed
a
Reliability
a
Others