Moderator: Tim White
gindling wrote:Figure 8s, ATCs, Versos, and all the other rock climbing/belaying gear is not cave worthy for descending in my opinion and will not be allowed on my rope during any expeditions that I run or cave trips that I lead, it is just not safe. Though I do use them when bolt climbing of course. Reasons? Not being able to tie off on rope easily and securely when descending, downright difficulty or impossibility of doing changeovers and rebelays, and twisting of rope (which with rebelays is unacceptable). That's enough reasons for me.
snowaydude wrote:... and I instinctively went to place my hand on the wall. Possibly to stop my face from hitting or who knows, but it was my hand from the belay device that reached out, therefore sending me rapidly downward.
snowaydude wrote:does the STOP work well with icy/dirty rope?
snowaydude wrote:does the STOP work well with icy/dirty rope?
gindling wrote:Like I said, give me an example of when you would belay an experienced vertical caver in a non-rescue situation that isn't bolt climbing and why? I just can't think of one, though I'm willing to learn. I guess it all depends on the pit and passage type that would dictate whether or not pulling someone out of plumb would cause problems. But you're right. In a large, round pit it wouldn't really matter.
caver.adam wrote:FYI, the Petzl Stop suffers from the fact that when you squeeze for dear life it won't lock. It also does not work well on ropes that are too small, and you may not know the rope is too small until you are fully loaded on the rope. That being said, I often use a Stop and focus on making sure the rope is large enough and making sure that I remember to let go of the red handle in an emergency.
Alternatively there is another petzl device used in industrial applications called the "Petzl ID" which is both self braking and protects the user who accidentally grips too hard in an emergency.
I primarily use a Rack however and concentrate on maintaining good rappeling technique.
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