This page contains all the details and length specifications for the JRB Ascender Hitch, a novel Friction hitch, created by JRB. The evolution of the JRB Ascender hitch is captured on the YouTube playlist of the same name. The preferred variation is the 523 JRB Ascender Hitch in soft bridge mode, which can be tied with one or two load loops and can be in an ultimately compact form. The hitch performs great and has a sleek profile. Handles are optional and can be removed. The optimal cord diameter is approximately 75% of the rope; See Cord page for reference. The primary drawback is to the JRBAH that it is more complex to tie than the Longhorn Agile Hitch. See these dedicated pages for these items:
Remember, when tying knots, it’s always best to error on the side of using more cord rather than less and having longer tails rather than short. We can always trim the ends when we are happy with the result.
JRB Ascender Hitch, 523, Soft Bridge Mode
Length Spec’s for the JRB Ascender
The information below specifies the length specifications for the JRB Ascender in Soft Bridge Mode and how the measurements are taken in the reference examples. Note: if the auto-tending feature is desired, it must have 2 loops exposed. Working End #1 is the length of the working end used to form the friction hitch from where the cord is first laid over the rope, and supplies enough cord to tie the main portion of the hitch. From the reference information in the tables below, we can calculate the cord necessary to make longer or shorter loops. Examples:
- Single loop 2″ longer: 2 x 2 = 4″ more cord
- Single loop 3cm shorter: 2 x 3 = 6 cm less cord
- Double loops 3″ shorter: 4 x 3 = 12″ less cord
- Double loops 5cm longer: 5 x 4 = 20 cm more cord
| Rope & Cord Diameters | Total Cord Length | Standing End | Working End | Single Loop Size | Double Loop Size |
| 8 mm 6 mm | 60″ 152 | 26″ 66 | 34″ 86 | 10″ 25 | 5″ 13 |
| 8 mm 7 mm | 72″ 183 | 34″ 86 | 38″ 97 | 12″ 30 | 6″ 15 |
| 9.5 mm 7 mm | 72″ 183 | 32″ 81 | 40″ 102 | 12″ 30 | 6″ 15 |
| 11 mm 8 mm | 84″ 213 | 38″ 97 | 46″ 117 | 14″ 36 | 7″ 18 |
Note: When joining the two ends together after tying the friction hitch, if using a Longhorn Hitch instead of a Hunters Bend, approximately (12 in / 30 cm) is needed on each side. More accurately, take the Reference cord length and then add 2x the Single Loop Size. For 6mm on 8mm, use: 60+10+10 = 80 in. Also, it’s important to get the JRBAH loaded and tuned first using a Hunter’s Bend, then remove the Hunter’s Bend and replaced with the Longhorn Hitch.
JRB Ascender Hitch, Compact, v3
Version 3 is the latest and preferred way to tie a JRB Ascender as compact as possible. This variant is great for a footloop, or auto-tending, progress capture MRS/DRT systems, or a tether or any other compact variation.
Length Specifications for Compact JRBAH, v3:
| Rope & Cord | Total Cord Length | Standing End | Working End |
| 8 mm 6 mm | 60″ 152 cm | 15″ 38 cm | 45″ 114 cm |
| 9.5 mm 7 mm | 72″ 183 cm | 20″ 51 cm | 52″ 132 cm |
Original Compact JRB Ascender Hitch
The original version works fine too:
Note: if the auto-tending feature is desired, it must have 2 loops exposed. Working End #1 is the length of the working end used to form the friction hitch from where the cord is first laid over the rope, and supplies enough cord to tie the main portion of the hitch and enough on the end to tie the flat overhand bend AND a stopper knot. The stated sizes of the loops produced are approximate and will vary a bit based on your cord, rope and the details of the tie. The (C) indicates a Compact hitch, with loops just long enough for a carabiner.
Length Specifications for Original Compact JRBAH:
| Rope & Cord Diameters | Total Cord Length | Standing End | Working End | Single Loop Size | Double Loop Size |
| 8 mm 6 mm | 72″ 183 | 36″ 91 | 36″ 91 | 9″ 23 | 4″ 10 |
| 8 mm 6 mm | 60″ 152 | 23″ 58 | 37″ 94 | N/A | 0.5″(C) 1 |
| 8mm / 7mm | 84″ 213 | 45″ 114 | 39″ 99 | 12″ 30 | 6″ 15 |
| 8 mm 7 mm | 64″ 163 | 25″ 64 | 39″ 99 | N/A | 0.75″(C) 2 |
| 9.5 mm 7 mm | 84″ 213 | 42″ 107 | 42″ 107 | 11″ 28 | 5″ 13 |
| 9.5 mm 7 mm | 72″ 183 | 26″ 66 | 46″ 117 | N/A | 0.5″(C) 1 |
| 11 mm 8 mm | 96″ 244 | 50″ 127 | 46″ 117 | 14″ 36 | 6.5″ 17 |
| 11 mm 8 mm | 72″ 183 | 26″ 66 | 46″ 117 | N/A | 0.5″(C) 1 |