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Cam from Version B |
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Modified Cam from Version B (modified) |
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[ Top | Version B | Version B (modified) | Version C | Version D | Return to L.C. Ascenders ] #128
I acquired my Gibbs Springwire, Version A at the NSS Auction in 1998. This Gibbs is 103 mm. tall, 64 mm. wide, 36 mm. thick, and weighs 148 g.
Gibbs ascenders are still the premier ascender for long free-hanging ascents. This is one of the first 50 made. The shell is bent from 1/8 in aluminum to form a U-shaped groove. This design has lasted for three decades, almost without change. The cam is cast aluminum. It has 11 teeth, and is tapered near the tip, something some copies have failed to do. The cam rides on a steel pin axle that is drilled at the end to accept a retainer. The retainers on this Gibbs are 0.1 inch nylon line. The same material is used as a pin keeper.
[ Top | Version A | Version B (modified) | Version C | Version D | Return to L.C. Ascenders ] #61
I acquired my first Gibbs Springwire, Version B sometime in the 1980s, and got a second one from Bill Boehle at the 2008 Old Timers Reunion. Version B is 103 mm. tall, 64 mm. wide, 36 mm. thick, and weighs 152 g.
This ascender uses the same cam, shell and pin as version A, but the nylon retainer and pin keeper have been replaced with a spring wire (much like a thicker guitar string).
[ Top | Version A | Version B | Version C | Version D | Return to L.C. Ascenders ] #61
I acquired this modified Gibbs from Bill Boehle at the 2008 Old Timers Reunion. It is 103 mm. tall, 64 mm. wide, 37 mm. thick, and weighs 144 g.
The original owner cut the tip off the cam. This saves weight, but means that the ascender cannot be used on very thin ropes. Of course, I wouldn't recommend doing that.
[ Top | Version A | Version B | Version B (modified) | Version D | Return to L.C. Ascenders ] #62
I acquired my Gibbs Springwire, Version C from John E. Weinel, Inc. in 1989. Version C is 104 mm. tall, 59 mm. wide, 37 mm. thick, and weighs 155 g.
Version C features a new the cam design. The number of teeth is reduced to 9. The upper part of the cam is reshaped to give a distinct rib. This is for aesthetic reasons, and serves no utilitarian function. The new cam was dubbed the "racing cam"
[ Top | Version A | Version B | Version B (modified) | Version C | Return to L.C. Ascenders ] #63
I acquired my Gibbs Springwire, Version D from Gibbs Products Inc. in 1973. Version D is 104 mm. tall, 59 mm. wide, 36 mm. thick and weighs about 182 g.
Version D introduced yet another cam design, also with 9 teeth. The rib was eliminated. A hole was drilled in the top and side of the cam, and a keeper cord was glued in place. The shell is anodized.
I have two minor variations of this version, one with the cam keeper cord attached to the left side of the shell and one to the right.
[ Top | Version A | Version B | Version B (modified) | Version C | Version D ]
