Rock Exotica are well known for their beautifully milled aluminium climbing products. When the Omni-Block swivel pulleys were first introduced back in 2005 there were more than a few rumors suggesting these pulleys would change the world!
This early prediction certainly did not eventuate in New Zealand tree climbing (Treetools cannot vouch for the rest of the world) but the new Omni-Block 1.1 might change all that (the numeric 1.1 refers to the diameter of the Omni-Block sheave - 1.1 inches or 28mm)
The first Rock Exotica Omni-Block 1.1 we laid our eyes on belonged to Knut Foppe (better know for his now famous friction hitch the 'Knut"). Knut visited Treetools recently and he had one of these new swivel pulleys concealed in has hand when he entered the door.
Compact, but highly functional
The first thing you notice about the Omni-Block 1.1 is it's size (small enough to be almost lost in Knut's hand). This new Omni-Block from Rock Exotica is only 112mm high, including the swivel, and weighs in at the ultra-ultra-bantamweight of 140gm, making this a very compact, swivelling swing side pulley indeed - download more data here.
The swing-plate side cheek, separate to the carabiner connection, means the Omni-Block 1.1 is incredibly quick and easy to attach mid-line. The swinging side plate is activated and secured by Rock Exotica's patented 'button' mechanism (as you would find on the bigger size Rock Exotica Omni-Blocks 1.5 and 2.0). The swinging side plate can be permanently screwed shut if you prefer.
The milled aluminium attachment eye on the swivel is big enough to accommodate most carabiners (and snaps) found in today's climbing and rigging configurations. The integrated swivel on the Omni-Block saves valuable vertical space between the rope and connector and virtually eliminates twisting in the line.
The 13mm Rock Exotica Omni Block 1.1 pulley sheave runs on sealed ball bearings via a spindle milled directly out of a solid block of aluminium to produce the back plate.
And… with a rating of 23kN you know this small pulley is strong enough (based on Rock Exotica's 4:1 Safety Factor this produces a WLL of 5kN on each leg). The Omni-Block 1.1 is not yet CE Rated but that makes little difference in the NZ market.
The new Rock Exotica Omni-Block 1.1 is expected in-store at Treetools by the end of the week.
