From previous discussions on this group, it is evident that figure 8’s have great support as decenders. However, although all figure 8’s work on the principle of friction, there are a variety of designs available. And all manufacturers claim their model/design to function best. Is this realy the case? Are there preferred models/designs? Anybody use the Petzl Huit – specific comment on this model?
Teuns Kok
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— In canyons@y…, “Teuns Kok” wrote:
From previous discussions on this group, it is evident that figure 8’s have great support as decenders. However, although all figure 8’s work on the principle of friction, there are a variety of designs available. And all manufacturers claim their model/design to function best. Is this realy the case? Are there preferred models/designs? Anybody use the Petzl Huit – specific comment on this model? >
Teuns,
In America, I think the preferred model/design isn’t an 8 at all, but any ATC-like device… practically have to pry them out of a canyoneer’s cold, dead hands…
Having said that, i use an 8 – it was the device I learned to rappel on (way back when with one of those rounded deals). A coupla years ago I picked up a Huit, and it’s what I use to this day. Some things I like about it:
– Can be rigged a number of different ways depending on your friction needs, without having to add extra biners or tieing munter hitches in awkward places.
– Can be used to ascend (the square design of the huit makes this much easier than the rounded ones), belay, etc etc.
– The square design seems to limit the chances of girth hitching (larks footing)
– It’s pretty light.
The only downside I’ve seen is the heat generated on long raps, but I figure that’s a problem with many devices. Wear a glove, I guess. Some people like having the ears on it – again, to avoid girthing – but I’ve never found it necessary.
Mike dallin@on-line.com