The handled Ural-Alp ascender operates on the same principle as the basic Ural Alp, but there are some changes in addition to the handle. The anvil block is enlarged, and there is a spring-loaded pin to keep the side plate from opening (on the basic Ural Alp, the carabiner did this). There is also a second knob that has 4 notches forming sharp teeth, and a perpendicular V-notch. The ascender came without instructions, but the instructions for the USHBA handled ascender can be followed. In low angle work - say, fixed lines in mountaineering - the ascender will grip in either direction, so if the line above you is cut and you fall, the ascender will still act to arrest the fall. Considering how sharp the post teeth are, I'm reluctant to try this on good rope. I'ts not clear why the post teeth or V-groove are needed. The USHBA handled ascender instructions are silent on this point. I presume it is because the fulcrum is not centered on the lever, and the designers felt that the teeth were needed to provide more holding power when the ascender is arresting a fall when the rope above the ascender has broken.
The handle has a comfortable rubber grip, and for once, the finger grooves are not obnoxious.
The ascender rotates as it is loaded, and looses 8 to 9 cm on each step. This is a considerable loss, considering the number of steps taken on a long climb. This alone would persuade me to choose another ascender for vertical work.
The Ural-Alp evolved into the USHBA handled ascender.
Serguei Khramtsov (of eBay's Ural Sport store) sent me an email with the following comment:
"In my opinion, your descriptions for Ural-Alp's USHBA's Handled and Basic ascenders and other ascenders based on the same principle are not complete. Because it has no words about using it on ice covered ropes. If you ask mountaineers who ever climb by ice-covered rope they will told you that "eccentric cam" type ascenders became absolutely helpless in this situation. Only some "eccentric cam" type ascenders with aggressive teeth can grip the ice-covered rope. But they are not good for a rope. But I'm sure that mountaineers who have USHBA's ascenders had no problem to climb by icy ropes."
I have not tried to use the USHBA ascenders on icy ropes, so I cannot confirm their performance first-hand; however, I appreciate the comment.
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©2007, Gary D. Storrick