Randyrn wrote:Hi Kelly!
To be honest, I'm not concerned in the least about my rack failing. I'm VERY anal, however, about improperly loading the biner during the brief moment when weight is being transferred to the rack. During that moment, very little in my world matters except my eyeballs being locked onto that biner!
The ONLY reason I began playing around with the French Wrap was with the idea in mind that something could potentially cause me to lose control of my rappel.
The only thing I can think of based on my experience that would cause you to lose control of your rappel would be a BFR konking you on the head and knocking you unconscious and you lose your grip on the "brake". This this would be an ideal set up/safety for drops with loose debris that hadn't been gardened at the lip or further down. But then that's what helmets are for.
A caving buddy of mine got konked on the back of the head by a very large rock while rappelling down a 315' drop. His helmet (Petzl Roc) saved his life and prevented the blow (which was more of a glancing one actually) from crushing his skull. The 400' coil of rope around his neck and shoulders help prevent the rock from yanking his head back and snapping his neck.
He remained conscious (though stunned for a few moments) enough to maintain a grip on the "brake" and managed to lock off enough to attach his QAS. After which he was assisted in a change over and made his way out.
Point is; that is the only thing I can think of where you'd lose control (loss of conciousness) ... other than letting go of the brake long enough to build up speed/momentum that you couldn't stop without melting your hand.
Have you tried rappelling down at a moderate speed and just simply letting go of the brake hand altogether (simulating unconsciousness) to see if the wrap will catch you on it's own? Trying this (with an experienced Top Belay) might help answer that question.