The Wait Is Over! Rock Exotica Akimbo²

Rock Exotica shook up the tree care industry with the Akimbo tree climbing device. It provides the user with a compact design, simple adjustable friction settings, and a quick midline-attachable feature. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, it did! Now, the Akimbo² arrives with a host of refinements, aiming to deliver even better performance, ease of use, and longevity.

New Features - Akimbo²

Since the initial announcement of the Akimbo² many were curious what could make a great tool even better. Once the test model leaked, it seems the majority of the internet voiced the same question; it looks identical to the original, what’s so new about it? I’ll be candid with you, there are only a few differences, but it makes quite the impact! 

• Additional SRS tending point and enlarged attachment hole. Will Rock Exotica remove the quick detach feature for SRS device tending? This is a frequently asked question, and the answer is no. This is a safety concern; if a significant load were to be experienced while the climber is still attached to the tending point, located at the spine of the Akimbo², it could cause the device to go into an unplanned descent. This is the reason for the quick detach tending point. The enlarged attachment point can now house an XSRE carabiner for device tending while connected to the device and because the user sits into the lower point rather than the spine, it does not pull excessively hard and removes the possibility of an unplanned descent. Personally, I prefer the quick detach, it’s one less thing I have to do when I get to my work.

• Replaceable components. Confirmed, the upper and lower cam will now be replaceable. This can effectively boost the device’s service life!

• Upper spring placement. The O.G. Akimbo houses a spring at the upper cam, and the spring would allow the device to slide down the climbing rope when under slight tension. This was an issue when the user would attempt to reconnect ascenders after having taken a quick break during longer ascents. To alleviate this situation, the Akimbo² now houses an enclosed spring within the upper lever arm. This new spring location keeps the Akimbo² from traveling down the rope when attempting to reconnect ascenders, AND it is said to help with the pitch issue. 

• No more approved rope list. Say goodbye to approved rope lists that must be met, and say hello to APPROVED ROPE DIAMETER RANGE. It is an understatement when we say this is a big deal, not being restricted to specific lists! The approved rope diameter range is 11.5mm to 12.7mm and has a working load limit of 286 lbs. This is my favorite new feature. 

• Thicker side plates. Both upper and lower lever arms are noticeably thicker on the logo side of the climbing device and now has recessed slots for the pins and rivets to slip into. This makes the Akimbo² very aesthetically pleasing and easier on the hands. 

• Slightly larger. Oh, but they made it larger and bulkier … come on, it’s not really that much larger. The unit still fits very easily in the palm of the hand and weighs in at 10.6 oz, whereas the O.G. weighed in at 9.2 oz; it’s not a significant difference. In the words of the creator, “the increase in size was a necessary compromise in order to remove the approved rope list. Lengthening the lever arms and spine allowed for better grip, leverage, and as a result, it provided the necessary and consistent results.”

My Review

I have had my device for about two months now, and I have been putting it to the test; work, rec climbing, competition training, pretty much anytime the opportunity to climb presents itself. But, due to a bad experience with pitch on the O.G. Akimbo, I have not used the Akimbo² when climbing conifers. I personally don’t want to risk it, even though it’s part of the trial period. Opening and closing the device remains unchanged, but with the upper spring housed inside the lever arm, the device requires slight pressure to keep it open when installing onto your preferred tree climbing rope.

With the approved rope list now changed to approved rope diameter, I have been exploring different ropes with this unit. I have successfully run my Akimbo² with Marlow Maverick (11.5mm), Yale Blue Moon (11.7mm), Yale Blue 32 (11.7mm), Cousin Black Widow (12.2mm), and Teufelberger Drenaline (11.8mm – just out of curiosity). Maverick has been my go-to for all-around SRS and MRS climbing. It's soft enough to allow the Akimbo² to flow fluidly, yet with the right amount of rigidity, which enables me to come to a controlled stop, provided it's properly dialed. Rope construction is huge with how it will function, soft and supple is my recommendation, but user weight will also factor into it. I prefer to climb with Courant Kalimba, but it was a bit too tight, even with the friction settings set wide open. This is something I took immediate notice of as I tried swinging and descending on the device; the spring placement definitely shifted how the device functions.

Aside from that, the Akimbo² still knocks it out of the park, easily adjustable within seconds, and buttery smooth when limb walking! Let us know your initial thoughts when you receive your Akimbo²!