Posted on by — Leave a comment

Sequenced Connector Solutions for Commercial Climbing Gyms

Are you running a commercial climbing gym and looking to boost the safety of your auto belay systems? You’re in the right place! Let’s dive into how sequenced connector systems can be a game-changer for your facility. These systems are designed to make using TRUBLUE auto belay devices even safer by significantly reducing the risk of climbers attaching the auto belay’s safety line to the wrong part of their harness.  

Looking for the best connector for safety? Want to guarantee the perfect clip every time? TRU-CLIP is engineered to provide exactly that. With TRU-CLIP, users of all ages and experience levels can climb safely and independently! It eliminates connection errors with a design that can’t be clipped incorrectly or incompletely. But the benefits don’t stop there. It also features a remote swivel to prevent webbing line twisting, no recertification required, ease of use to help reduce staffing costs, ultra-durable stainless steel connection points, and the distinction of being the lightest sequenced connector on the market. Plus, it arrives ready to use, pre-attached to TRUBLUE webbing, meaning no complex installation. When maximizing safety is your top priority, there’s one clear choice: the connector that guarantees the perfect clip every time. That choice is TRU-CLIP. Let’s explore how this technology is enhancing safety in commercial climbing environments.

Why Connection Safety Matters in Climbing Gyms

Think about it: climbing gyms that use auto belays have a big responsibility. They’ve got to make absolutely sure that each climber’s harness is securely connected to the auto belay connector. Why? Because if there’s a mistake in this connection, it could lead to a climber accidentally disconnecting while they’re high up, or the webbing connector releasing unexpectedly. And let’s face it, those kinds of accidents can cause some serious problems – falls, injuries, damaged equipment, and even downtime for your gym, not to mention the potential need for rescues. Nobody wants that, right?  

The Lowdown on Auto Belays and Carabiners

Commercial climbing gyms (CCGs) typically use auto belay systems with auto-locking carabiners. These carabiners, which need EN certification, are generally safe. But here’s the catch: they need to be used correctly. That means your gym needs to provide thorough orientations, just like the TRUBLUE manuals recommend. Proper training is key to making sure everyone uses the auto belays safely. Even so, there are ways to make the system even more foolproof.  

Sequenced Connectors: A Safer Solution

That’s where sequenced connectors come in. You might be wondering, “How do these things work?” Well, family entertainment centers (FECs) and fun climb gyms have been using them for a while to prevent connection errors on their auto belay attractions. These systems have two parts: a main connector on the auto belay webbing and special links attached to harnesses and wall anchors.  

The beauty of sequenced connectors is that they make sure the auto belay stays connected to either the harness or the wall. This means you can’t accidentally disconnect without a secure transfer. FECs have been able to use these systems by putting proprietary links on all their harnesses. The result? They need fewer staff members to manage connections, they have less downtime from safety lines retracting unexpectedly, and most importantly, they’ve increased safety by preventing climbers from disconnecting at height. It’s a win-win!  

Can Sequenced Connectors Work in Commercial Climbing Gyms?

Now, you might be thinking, “That’s great for FECs, but what about my commercial climbing gym?” Well, sequenced connectors can definitely offer benefits to CCGs too. Even though climbers in CCGs tend to be more experienced, they often use a wider variety of harnesses. This can actually increase the risk of connection errors, especially when climbers are on their own.  

However, there’s a bit of a twist. Implementing sequenced connectors in CCGs is a bit more complicated than in FECs. This is mainly because of the variety of harnesses and the limitations on how those proprietary links can be installed and removed. It’s not as simple as just equipping a fleet of harnesses and calling it a day.  

TRU-CLIP Implementation Strategies for CCGs

Most proprietary links used in sequenced connectors aren’t really designed for frequent installation and removal. Take the TRU-CLIP Connector Key Links, for example. The set screw is only meant to be used once, so each time you remove and reinstall a Key Link, you need a new set screw. That could get pretty tedious, right?  

So, what are the best strategies for incorporating a TRU-CLIP Connector system in your facility without constantly installing, removing, and replacing links? Let’s break it down.  

One strategy, which is often considered the most preferred, involves using Key Links on your gym’s fleet harnesses.  

  • Pros:
    • The connector is very short, so it doesn’t get in the climber’s way.
    • You can regularly check the condition of the harnesses.
    • There’s no variation in how the Key Link is attached between users.
    • There’s a decreased chance of losing the Key Links.  
  • Cons:
    • It can be costly.
    • Because the connector is so short, there might be less room for climbers to manipulate the Key Link and TRU-CLIP Connector together in some cases.
    • Climbers don’t get to use their own personally owned harnesses.  

If you go with this strategy, it’s super important to teach users the basics of tying in for traditional top-rope climbing. This includes how to handle the Key Link and the importance of keeping it below the knot.  

Another preferred strategy involves using climber-owned harnesses with a pin-locking carabiner and a Key Link.  

  • Pros:
    • The connector is short, so it doesn’t interfere with the climber’s head.
    • The pin-locking carabiner is installed by your facility staff, which ensures it’s connected to the right place on the customer’s harness.
    • It’s easy for staff to install and remove.
    • It’s difficult for climbers to remove.
    • There’s extra length for manipulating the Key Link.
    • Climbers get to use their own familiar harnesses.  
  • Cons:
    • It requires your staff to inspect and install equipment on a variety of harnesses.
    • Key Links could be more easily lost.
    • The Key Link to Carabiner connection might be slightly less flexible.  

An effective strategy involves using climber-owned harnesses with a pin-locking carabiner, a sling, and a Key Link.  

  • Pros:
    • The pin-locking carabiner is installed by your facility staff, ensuring it’s connected to the appropriate place on the customer’s harness.
    • It’s easy for staff to install and remove.
    • It’s difficult for climbers to remove.
    • There’s good length for manipulating the Key Link.  
  • Cons:
    • It requires your staff to inspect and install equipment on a variety of harnesses.
    • Key Links could be more easily lost.
    • The sling’s condition needs to be inspected regularly.  
Key Link attached to a climbing harness, demonstrating the 'Key Links on Fleet Harnesses' setup for TRUBLUE auto belay systems in commercial climbing gyms.

Important Considerations for Fleet Equipment

No matter which strategy you choose, there are some important things to keep in mind.

  • Inspection: Your facility staff needs to thoroughly inspect all gear before each use. It’s also a good idea to inspect the climber’s harness to make sure their equipment is in good condition.  
  • Instruction and Orientation: The TRUBLUE and TRU-CLIP Connector and Key Link Manuals emphasize that users need to be instructed on the safe use of the auto belay equipment. It’s recommended that your facility staff provide this instruction and orientation when setting up a climber’s harness with a Key Link. You can find the TRUBLUE and TRU-CLIP Connector and Key Link Manuals.  
  • Repeated Key Link Installation and Removal: Keep in mind that Key Links aren’t designed for repeated installation and removal. The TRU-CLIP Connector and Key Link Manual states that repeated removal and installation is not a supported method for allowing climbers to use their own harnesses with the TRU-CLIP Connector system, and it may create additional risks. In fact, Key Link Pin Set Screws should be replaced after every removal.  

If you’re looking to implement a sequenced connector system, here are some recommended products:

  • Edelrid Dyneema Express Sling:
    • Key element: CE EN 566 certified, short 11cm length.
    • Manufacturer: Edelrid
    • Edelrid Oval Power 2500 PermaLock Carabiner:
    • Key element: CE EN 362 and CE EN 12275 certified, unique pin lock feature.
    • Manufacturer: Edelrid
    • Edelrid Oval Power Captive (positioning bar):
    • Key element: Works with Oval Power 2500 PermaLock Carabiner.
    • Manufacturer: Edelrid

In Conclusion

Sequenced connector systems offer a promising solution for commercial climbing gyms looking to enhance the safety of their auto belay systems. While implementation in CCGs presents unique challenges compared to FECs, there are effective strategies to navigate these complexities. By carefully considering factors such as harness compatibility, installation procedures, and staff training, climbing gyms can successfully integrate these systems to minimize connection errors and create a safer environment for climbers.

FAQs

1. What is a sequenced connector system?

A sequenced connector system is a safety measure used to reduce the risk of incorrect connections between a climber’s harness and an auto belay device. It typically involves a two-part system with a main connector on the auto belay webbing and proprietary links attached to harnesses or wall anchors.  

2. How do sequenced connectors improve safety in climbing gyms?

Sequenced connectors enhance safety by ensuring that the auto belay remains attached to either the harness or the wall, preventing accidental disconnections during climbing. This reduces the risk of falls, injuries, and equipment damage.  

3. What are the challenges of implementing sequenced connectors in commercial climbing gyms?

Implementing sequenced connectors in CCGs is more complex than in FECs due to the wider variety of harnesses used by climbers and the limitations on how proprietary links can be installed and removed.  

4. What are some recommended strategies for implementing sequenced connector systems in CCGs?

Recommended strategies include using Key Links on fleet harnesses, climber-owned harnesses with pin-locking carabiners and Key Links, and climber-owned harnesses with pin-locking carabiners, slings, and Key Links.  

5. Are there any specific products recommended for implementing sequenced connector systems?

Yes, some recommended products include the Edelrid Dyneema Express Sling, the OVAL POWER 2500 PERMALOCK Carabiner, and the Edelrid OVAL POWER CAPTIVE.  

Dive Deeper: Exploring Auto Belay Technology with Expert Insights

Auto belays are transforming the world of indoor climbing, offering convenience and safety for climbers of all levels. But how exactly do they work, and what are the key considerations for using them? To learn more about the intricacies of auto belay technology and gain valuable insights from experts in the field, check out our additional resources below…

Leave a Reply