Has anyone used these?

[FSCJedi]

Just wondering if anyone has actually tried to use the "ninja climbing claws" at some point after curiosity had gotten the better of them? They look like they could actually work, and can normally be gotten for pretty cheap (like $8 for the pair or something).

The pictures shows them with the wrist straps up inside where you put your hands, but normally they have straps that come down the backside of the "claws" and then wrap around your wrists. Thanks for any comments.

 

[KennyC]

i doubt anyone could support their own body weight on their wrists for long...

 

[mwerner]

I've always wanted one of those grappling hooks...

Hard to imagine the climbing claws being much use in a modern, urban environment, you might do better with those suction-cup thingies.

 

[fracmeister]

Hmmmmm

 

[Thunderchyld]

Ah yes, these fun items. A few friends of mine were curious about whether or not these items actually would work, they ordered up a set of the climbing claws and the grappling hook. Of course, these guys were armchair commandos, so they located the resident fraternity "ninja" (what they called me since I was studying with the local ninjitsu group at the time).

They don't really work that well, if at all.

The little foot claws that you're supposed to tie around your feet, gimme a break, they slide right off unless you're wearing hard shoes or tie them on so tightly that you have no circulation.

The hand claws could possibly work, but they need a redesign for that. The wrist strap is connected to the metal ring by a length of cordura, hence the metal ring twists on your hand, and causes more hinderance than help. If the wrist grip were connected to a metal piece, that kept the grip ring straight, kinda like a slingshot brace, then they might work a little bit, but they'd still be cumbersome.

And the grappling hook, well, if you're heavier than the average 4th grader, not a good idea. I snapped a tine off under my body weight(275ish), just having the hook looped over my forklift, and it started bending before I'd even lifted myself off the ground.

Oh yeah, those caltrops on the same page, while sharp, the metal is so weak it bends back on itself and flattens out when I stepped on it wearing boots.

TC

 

[Don Rac]

Those hook things might not be good for climbing, but they'd probably be a good face-rake tool in a fight.

 

[AlphalphaPB]

LOL. Sorry, I just had to laugh.

A friend of mine who used to be a mall ninja told me that the tree-climbing claws don't work. I wasn't very surprised. He climbs (with non-mall ninja equipment), so I doubt it's a strength problem.

 

[Bandit]

Don't bother with the climbing claws, instead pick up a pair of telephone pole foot claws and a leather belt attachment for your waist. I've been using them for years to get up phone polls.

 

[mwerner]

We went through the Special Forces mountain training school back in 65 (yes, I really am that old) because our unit was going to be involed in a big NATO excercise in Norway.

It was a lot of fun, running up and down the alps in Bad Tolz, rapelling, sliding down ropes, etc. They picked several guys to take the more advanced course where they were taught piton use, rock-climbing technique, etc. I noticed that the instructor and all the guys he took for this bit were physically small and wiry.
My buddy, who took the advanced course, was typical; 130 pounds soaking wet, athletic, with a background in tumbling and gymnastics.

Likewise with the competitive "rock climbing" thing you see at the X-games. Lots of very strong, flexible, wiry folks with a very high horsepower to weight ratio.

You don't see a lot of NFL types involved in climbing activities.

 

[The Tourist]

I think these items are an incredible source of safety equipment, and it would undoubtedly save your life.

If you confronted me in the mall wearing this stuff I'd probably guffaw so hard it would be difficult placing the front sight on center mass.

 

[Elvislives]

I'm just laughing ilke a mental patient over the fact that there is a catalog page titled "Ninja Equipment"

Bwaaaaaaaahahahahahahahahahahaahhahahahahaha

 

[fracmeister]

Originally posted by Elvislives
I'm just laughing ilke a mental patient over the fact that there is a catalog page titled "Ninja Equipment"

Bwaaaaaaaahahahahahahahahahahaahhahahahahaha

What, are you suggesting that Ninja's don't order their gear online these days? I am sure the mall ninjas do.