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I acquired my Simond Cubik, Version A from Climb Max in 1999.
The Simond Cubik, Version A is a notched square tuber. It is a forged aluminum tube with an aluminum cross shaft and a cable keeper. Mine is 50 mm. long, 60 mm. wide, 117 mm. high, and weighs 72 g. The tube has four V-notches (or teeth) on the sides of one opening, and is slightly rounded on the other. Four lightening holes are drilled into each side of the tube.
The tube is unfinished except for markings on each side which include the Simond Logo in the center, a plus sign inside a circle on the toothed end, and a minus sign in a circle on the other end.
Except for the teeth, the Simond Cubik is similar to the Advanced Base Camp Decelerator and the Trango Pyramid. The teeth are a significant improvement that help increase friction in the same manner that the teeth on the Trango Jaws do. If you don't need them, turn the device over and they are out of the way. On the other hand, if you want more friction, then the teeth provide it.
The Cubik has a cable keeper. This is a compromise between a cord that stows easily but tends to get tangled in use, and a rigid rod that stands up to the rope running over it (by accident, of course), but makes the device harder to pack.
The instructions do not describe the Cubik as a rappel device, but it can be used as one in the same sense that other belay tubes can be used. In other words, I wouldn't recommend it as a serious rappel device for long drops or stiff ropes, but in some climbing situations it is suitable. The teeth will provide extra friction (and heat) that most other belay tubes (except, of course, the Trango Jaws) can't match.
The instructions that came with the Cubik have a translation error that I feel obligated to point out. The term "baudrier" is translated as "shoulder belt" instead of "seat harness." Although no qualified user would be confused, I can only imagine what unsafe situation a novice might envision.
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Double Rope, Low Friction |
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Double Rope, High Friction |
[ Top | Version A | Return to Belay Tubes ]
I acquired Version B from Barrabés.com in 2007.
I acquired my Simond Cubik, Version B from Barrabés.com in 2007.
The Simond Cubik, Version B is a notched square tuber. It is forged from aluminum alloy and then painted. Mine is 50 mm. long, 60 mm. wide, 108 mm. high, and weighs 73 g.
There are screened markings on each side which include the Simond Logo in the center, a plus sign inside a circle on the toothed end, and a minus sign in a circle on the other end.
Version B is similar to Version A except that it is painted. I do not like painted devices where the paint can rub off on my ropes.
The instructions that came with Version B did not have the translation error that the Version A instructions had.
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©2008, Gary D. Storrick
