Safe climb despite weight difference: With the ohm of Edelrid

It is not exclusive, but above all a problem of couples: he hard, they easy. The result of this weight difference is dangerous situations for the climber and the belayer. With the ohm of Edelrid, this problem is a thing of the past.

The first hook is hooked and Thomas reaches for the next handle of the route. Just then he slips off the downhill ride and falls into the rope. Due to the falling force it pulls his girlfriend in the air and he rushes almost unrestrained on the hall floor. This scenario is not uncommon.

There is often a large difference in weight, especially in the constellation of a climbing couple. If the lighter person secures the much heavier climber, the low body weight does not bring enough "resistance" into the system. The consequences are falls with ground contact or long falls for the climber and dangerous situations for the belayer.

The Ohm is an ingenious innovation for rope teams with a large weight difference. I often have climbing partners who are heavier than me. And that's why the Ohm is a real asset for me when climbing! "

Angy Eiter, professional athlete

This problem has taken the German manufacturer of climbing equipment Edelrid. The result is a device that eliminates the problem of weight difference out of the way.


The Ohm is hooked into the first hook of the safety chain and thus acts as an upstream resistor. In case of a fall, the rope is pulled through the device and the fall is gradually slowed down more. The device does not stop the rope abruptly, but smoothly, so that the fall can be intercepted dynamically.

The advantages of the Edelrid Ohm at a glance

  • The belayer requires less manual effort to hold the fall
  • Dumping a heavy climber is much easier to control
  • When falling into the first hook, the ohm reduces the risk of a possible fall
  • The ohm can be used independently of the backup device used

This must be taken into account when using the Edelrid Ohm

  • Recommended difference in weight: 10 - 40 kilograms
  • Minimum weight of the belayer: 40 kg
  • Suitable for single ropes in the range 8.9 to 11 millimeters

The Ohm from Edelrid - available at Bächli Bergsport

You might be interested in an interview with Edelrid Ambassador Tommy Caldwell

Product of the Month

Every month LACRUX, in cooperation with Bächli Bergsport, presents a product that convinces us. There is the product at the numerous to buy locations in Switzerland as well as in the Online shop of Bächli Bergsport.

+ + +
Credits: Artwork Edelrid

News

Many more foreign people have fatal accidents

Mountain emergency statistics 2023: In the Swiss Alps last year, 3501 people were in distress and 114 people had fatal accidents.

Seb Berthe repeats Trad masterpiece Bon Voyage (9a)

Seb Berthe secures the third ascent of Bon Voyage in Annot, probably the most difficult trad route in the world.

Elias Iagnemma climbs Burden of Dreams (9A)

Elias Iagnemma repeats Burden of Dreams in Lappnor and secures the fourth ascent of the world's first 9A boulder.

16 peaks, 110 km, 11850 m altitude: Benjamin Védrine's K2 preparation is in full swing

Benjamin Védrines completes the circumnavigation of the Serre-Chevalier valley in the heart of the French Alps within two days.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter now and stay up to date.

Many more foreign people have fatal accidents

Mountain emergency statistics 2023: In the Swiss Alps last year, 3501 people were in distress and 114 people had fatal accidents.

Seb Berthe repeats Trad masterpiece Bon Voyage (9a)

Seb Berthe secures the third ascent of Bon Voyage in Annot, probably the most difficult trad route in the world.

Elias Iagnemma climbs Burden of Dreams (9A)

Elias Iagnemma repeats Burden of Dreams in Lappnor and secures the fourth ascent of the world's first 9A boulder.