A “Skyhook climbing” is an aid for techno climbing, big wall climbing and bolting. Sometimes the term “Cliff climbing” or simply “hook” is also used.
It usually consists of a curved metal hook with various slots or eyelets for slings. And sometimes the corresponding sling is already installed.
How does Skyhook climbing work?
As a rule, a hook can only withstand body weight. In other words, it is not a safety device, but a means of transportation. This is because its contact surface at the tip is usually extremely small. It is placed directly on crimps and actually only holds there.
Secondly, the Skyhook is placed on small, undercut scales. Also in holes or recesses.
In both cases, the hook is then slowly loaded with the body weight. This presses the tip against the rock and the static friction provides the necessary hold. This is because there is a lot of weight on the small surface area, so the friction is very high.
A simple principle in theory. In practice, however, it takes a lot of getting used to. There is no doubt that climbing with hooks is not for everyone. It requires both the right head for it and a lot of experience.
Skyhooks Climbing – Petzl
The Petzl Cliff is one of the classic hooks on the market. There are two models. Firstly, the “Reglette” with a small radius for the smallest crimps. And secondly, the “Goutte d’eau” for sheds and holes.
What distinguishes the two products is the geometry on the one hand. And on the other, the permanently sewn-in Dyneema webbing slings.
These two models belong in every bolting rack or big wall gear. Because they cover very specific rock features or hole sizes and crimp sizes.
The “Reglette” can also be used perfectly for artificial holes. Such as very small 10mm holes when bolting. Many people are familiar with this hack when opening up new routes in steep terrain. They use this hook and an “adjustable daisy” to fix themselves better, i.e. closer to the wall.
Cassin Captain Hook
The Italian manufacturer is one of the few producers of the “Skyhook climbing”. Cassin has three sizes of “Cliff climbing” in its range. Small, medium and large.
The Cassin Hooks are characterized by their shape and their two round holes. This means that they all have a relatively small tip. They can all be hooked into small drilling holes. The Medium and Large sizes are good for small scales and holes. The Small size is for small crimps.
Slings or cordalettes are not pre-assembled here. Unfortunately, you have to do this yourself. We recommend our 6mm cordalette made of polyamide. This is because, on the one hand, it is sufficiently strong and, on the other, it is easy to grip. You can also get a good grip on the part with climbing gloves.
Singing Rock products
Anyone who says “Skyhook climbing” cannot avoid this company. The Czech manufacturer Singing Rock has two really cool Skyhooks in its range. Of course, you can also buy them from us.
Firstly, there is the“Singing Rock Captain“. A Cliff for larger crimps, scales and holes.
And secondly, the“Singing Rock Sentinel“. This is a Cliff for small crimps.
What distinguishes both products is firstly the hard chrome-molybdenum steel. Secondly, the permanently sewn-in webbing sling. And thirdly, the high quality workmanship with high functionality.
In short. Once again, the Czechs know exactly what to do to make an inexpensive, very good product.
Black Diamond Skyhooks
As a hardware specialist, this brand is of course a must for us. Consequently, we also have the Cliffs from the mountain sports specialist in our range.
Firstly, the Black Diamond Grappling Hook for large scales. Secondly, the Black Diamond Cliffhanger for small scales. And thirdly, the Talon for dificile, small placements and for bolting.
All in all, BD covers a very wide range of applications. Unsurprisingly, the Americans’ hooks are a standard for many big wall rats and techno freaks.
Skyhook Climbing + adjustable daisy chain
Without an “adjustable Daisy”, it is not possible to make good use of a “Cliff climb”. This is because the daisy can be extended or retracted very quickly. This regulates the distance between the hip (= center of gravity) and Cliff.
This is extremely important in order to load the Skyhook correctly straight away. I.e. straight down. This is the only way to keep it stable on the crimp or in the hole.
Climbers have very different preferences here. On the one hand, some prefer systems such as the Petzl Dual Connect Vario. In other words, a system based on a rope. And on the other hand, there are Daisys made from webbing sling material with buckles. Such as the Metolius Esys Daisy.
