Moderator: Tim White
Chads93GT wrote:With all this talk about autostops and racks letting you fall out of control if you let go of the rope...........do none of you use a Prusik or autoblock backup when rapelling, no matter what device you use???
Tim White wrote::thanks: WOW! Well said and well presented ek!
Therrin wrote:While at a wind turbine technician trade show I stopped by Petzl's booth and saw their new RIG descender. I'd been looking at the I'D for a while, but due to the price I never picked one up either. The RIG I was pretty instantly impressed with. Relatively light, included features I was wanted, not amazingly affordable, but getting to actually see/feel/test one made me want to try it out. So I bought one on sale for $120 USD.
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I *really* like it. I've used it on about a dozen 150 to 200ft descents, a 300ft descent, and dozens of shorter ones.
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Not really sure how much you cavers would like it, or if it would fit with your needs.
Tim White wrote:The Rig is NOT designed to replace the STOP for cavers, but for “difficult-access professions” i.e. industrial rope access technicians.
The big difference between the Rig and the I’d is that Petzl has removed what they refer to as the “anti- error catch”. This catch along with the anti-error design of the cam on the I’d is an idiot-proof design. If you rig the I’d backwards the anti- error catch lock into the rope and keeps you from falling.
Problem with this catch/cam combo is it is difficult to take up slack when doing a changeover and difficult to use the I’d in the ascending mode (R.A.D.) Petzl listened to rope access professional and produced a device in the Rig that meets their needs.
Neither the I’d nor the Rig are good in a cave environment! I suspect that exposure to dirt, dust, etc. might not allow the eternal workings of these devices to work as designed. For an example...at the 2009 International Technical Rescue Symposium (ITRS) we were shown an I’d that had failed due to a very small of paint that got between the cam that housing.
I would caution anyone using these two devices in a cave setting. Although the I’d has gone through the strenuous testing to be NFPA and CE EN certified, IMHO it is not cave proof. Unlike most cavers, the users of the Rig and I’d are required to have an equipment inspection and replace plan.
My suggestion, as a caver, stick with the devices that were designed by cavers for cavers.
FYI I have a Rig that I use for rope access and have used the I’d a lot in rope access and technical rescue settings (BUT not in a cave!)
Unlike most cavers, the users of the Rig and I’d are required to have an equipment inspection and replace plan.
Neither the I’d nor the Rig are good in a cave environment! I suspect that exposure to dirt, dust, etc. might not allow the eternal workings of these devices to work as designed.
gdstorrick wrote:Therrin wrote:Petzl even has a computer program for logging all of your gear data, and for logging inspection records so you know when items should be replaced.
Great idea for the corporate world and its lawyers. I prefer to look at my gear myself.
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