Competitive Analysis

1. Competitive Analysis

3. The Competition • No threat to the Cynch-LokTM • Hard to adjust • Difficult to climb in • Easily cheated by incorrect connection Buckingham BuckSqueeze Miller StopFall Jelco Pole Choker Bashlin Lariat

5. Differences Between the updated Cynch-LokTM&the SuperSqueeze

6. Connecting to the Adjuster Updated Cynch-LokTM SuperSqueeze • The connection point is easy to see because it lies horizontally • Making the connection is fast and audibly solid • The connection does not require the adjuster to be loosened and it does not require any additional slack in the system • Does not require readjusting after the connection is made • The slot is difficult to see and the carabineer has to be straight in line in order to connect it • This device needs a lot of extra room to make this connection • Requires readjusting after each connection

7. Disconnecting from the Adjuster Updated Cynch-LokTM SuperSqueeze • The carabiner can not be removed without first loosening both the rope and adjuster to create the necessary space • Manipulating the carabiner requires the user to place his fingers in a dangerous position between the cleats and the pole • Removing it one handed is nearly impossible • The carabiner can be removed quickly and easily without taking the system out of adjustment • Disconnecting requires very few movements • Can be removed with one hand

8. Disconnecting from the Adjuster Updated Cynch-LokTM SuperSqueeze • The nose of this carabiner is designed without a notch so it will not snag when disconnecting • The nose of the carabiner is notched and it gets hung up in the narrow slot when disconnecting

9. Tightening the Adjuster Updated Cynch-LokTM SuperSqueeze • The adjuster can be tightened on the fly without stopping and the climber never has to move his hand from the handle • The adjuster does not flop around on the strap making it easier to adjust without over tightening • The climber has to stop climbing to adjust it • Several steps are required for adjusting • The adjuster is very loose and easy to over tighten.

10. Loosening the Adjuster Updated Cynch-LokTM SuperSqueeze • The adjuster can be loosened out on the fly without stopping and the climber never has to let go of the handle • The adjuster moves out effortlessly without having to release anything • Does not pinch the hand or gloves • The climber has to stop climbing and change hand position to loosen the adjuster • The climber has to lean forward each time to create additional slack before releasing the cam with his thumb • Design causes severe pinching of the hand

11. Climbing Differences Updated Cynch-LokTM SuperSqueeze • The strap is held in a traditional way • Both hands are in the correct position, wrists facing in • Traditional natural flipping action allows the climber to move effortlessly without having to spread the strap open • Cleats do not drag and engage the pole until the device restricts • Awkward uneven hand position with one hand holding the carabiner gate, wrist facing up • Limits the climber’s range of motion • Climber has to spread the strap apart to move the device

12. Transferring under Load With the secondary loosely over the obstruction, this method is the fastest way to transfer Updated Cynch-LokTM SuperSqueeze • The strap can be pulled towards the climber and held while the carabiner is disconnected • Once the obstruction is crossed, the strap can be held in position while the climber easily reconnects to the adjuster • This does not require the adjuster to be loosened or retightened • Pulling the strap out does not provide enough clearance to disconnect the carabiner • The adjuster and the rope must be loosened • The nose of the carabiner gets hung up when disconnecting • Reconnecting in the narrow slot is difficult • The device has to be readjusted each time

13. Holding on During a Fall Updated Cynch-LokTM SuperSqueeze • Holding on to the strap during a fall: • Does not affect the restricting function of the Cynch-LokTM • Does not pull the cleats away from the pole • Help keeps the victim from inverting and allows him to regain control • Holding on the carabiner during a fall: • Causes the cleats on the carabiner to roll away from the wood, causing the device to slide down the pole and fail • Could trap the climber’s knuckles against the sliding pole

14. Cleat Performance Updated Cynch-LokTM SuperSqueeze • Cleats do not hang up when climbing • Six non-removable cleats are positioned on the outside edges of the strap for optimal performance • Lower cleats make contact when the web rolls during a fall • Cleat hangs up when climbing • Cleat wears out quickly • Cleat is removable • Cleat does not make contact when the web rolls during a fall

15. Stressing the Web Strap Updated Cynch-LokTM SuperSqueeze • Adjuster is designed not to over bend the webbing • Adjuster does not bite on the face of the strap • Pressure is distributed across the non- aggressive teeth of the back plate • Adjuster bends the strap at a hard 90 degree angle • Adjuster bites on the same side of the webbing that sees the wear from the pole • The cam design applies all of the pressure across a narrow section of the webbing

16. Rope Adjuster Updated Cynch-LokTM SuperSqueeze • Industrial grade construction • Permanently press fit together with no removable parts • Internal torsion spring eliminates the problems of the external cable spring • Rounded edges eliminate snagging • Removable parts need continuous inspection • External cable spring gets hung up on equipment • Protruding bolt, nut and keeper ring snags gloves and clothing

17. Interior Rope Lanyard Updated Cynch-LokTM SuperSqueeze • Very easy to accidently cut through • Melts quickly when exposed to arcs • Indicator core reduces the breaking strength of the rope • 18,000lb breaking strength • Cut resistant • Fire resistant • Passes CSA abrasion testing requirements

18. Interior Web Strap Updated Cynch-LokTM SuperSqueeze • Thin metal end connector folded over the webbing and riveted • The carabiner goes through a punched hole • Stitched web termination for superior strength • Steel end connector

19. D-Ring Updated Cynch-LokTM SuperSqueeze • Interchangeable for either webbing or rope • Utilizes separate slots for the web strap and the rope • The flat surface provides a smoother friction point for the web and it prevents excess abrasion • Utilizes the same slot for the web or the rope • Curved surface area, prematurely wears out the outside edges of the webbing

20. Comparison Summary