For you guys that rappell down your tree....

[alukban]

Ive read some of the messages in here...maybe not all...but why dont you guys just get a petzl gri gri? Just wondering why a lot of you are looking at the rapel devices instead of the gri gri? What am I missing? The gri gri doesnt have a lock per se....like the petzle rig (I have the rig and the gri gri) but prefer the gri gri. I just tie off the working end of the rope to ensure the gri gri doesnt slip...simple and quick to do. But honestly with a 10.2mm rope..it has never once not braked even after slack is put in the line.

I climb with the gri gri...so i put it on at ground level and stays on the whole hunt till im back down on the ground.

What is the advantage of using the repel devices like a figure 8 or black Diamond ATC over a gri gri?

Here ya go...

http://www.saddlehunter.com/community/index.php?threads/grigri-2-or-others.1195/#post-13892

 

[halltrail]

For me, it's because the Gri Gri is $100 vs $30 for the Edelrid, more complicated to insert rope, and twice the weight. I'm sure the Gri Gri is a great device, just doesn't meet my selection criteria.

Sent using Tapatalk

Ok Bomo..thanks for the response. , I can see the cost and weight factor for sure. Why do you think the inserting of the rope is complicated? I was thinking the atc was more complicated lol. The gri gri...you just open up and insert rope and clip on carabiner.

In my head, I was thinking that it would be better to have the gri gri attached the whole time (which is what I do)..so when hunt is over...just undo my brake knot and descend. I just let go of the handle on gri gri to stop and retrieve my platform...but with the repel device...im guessing you guys that are using them...have to transfer your tether over to the ATC at the end of the hunt right and then use an auto brake of some sort to stop and get your platform/gear? So do you need to carry and extra carabiner and rope for a friction knot?

I guess Im really comparing cause I was going to pick up an ATC (as you pointed out they are pretty inexpensive) and try it to see if I like it better than the Gri Gri. But I like not having to do anything to my tether at the end of the hunt. But I do like light weight. Although, even at 6oz the gri gri is pretty light.

Hey by the way check this out Gri gri 2 for $65 bucks. That is a great price. I paid almost a $100 for mine a few years ago.

https://www.webtogs.com/en-US/Petzl...UAlgELS_iujNAJJh5Bym9z8XDkmtHkIXrORoCSpHw_wcB

 

[BOMO]

Ok Bomo..thanks for the response. , I can see the cost and weight factor for sure. Why do you think the inserting of the rope is complicated? I was thinking the atc was more complicated lol. The gri gri...you just open up and insert rope and clip on carabiner.

In my head, I was thinking that it would be better to have the gri gri attached the whole time (which is what I do)..so when hunt is over...just undo my brake knot and descend. I just let go of the handle on gri gri to stop and retrieve my platform...but with the repel device...im guessing you guys that are using them...have to transfer your tether over to the ATC at the end of the hunt right and then use an auto brake of some sort to stop and get your platform/gear? So do you need to carry and extra carabiner and rope for a friction knot?

I guess Im really comparing cause I was going to pick up an ATC (as you pointed out they are pretty inexpensive) and try it to see if I like it better than the Gri Gri. But I like not having to do anything to my tether at the end of the hunt. But I do like light weight. Although, even at 6oz the gri gri is pretty light.

Hey by the way check this out Gri gri 2 for $65 bucks. That is a great price. I paid almost a $100 for mine a few years ago.

https://www.webtogs.com/en-US/Petzl...UAlgELS_iujNAJJh5Bym9z8XDkmtHkIXrORoCSpHw_wcB

In my mind, opening the Gri Gri in order to insert the rope vs just shoving a bite into the opening makes it more complicated. You do have a point about leaving it on the rope. YMMV.

Sent using Tapatalk

 

[halltrail]

In my mind, opening the Gri Gri in order to insert the rope vs just shoving a bite into the opening makes it more complicated. You do have a point about leaving it on the rope. YMMV.

Sent using Tapatalk

Haha, ok...honestly, I didnt realize all you did with a repel device is insert a bite. Probably just as easy if not easier than a gri gri.

Alukban, thanks for the link. Oddly, while what red is saying is true about the gri gri...it is meant to always have a hand on the working end of the rope or lock it off...but I have not had that issue with my gri gri rope combo. Im using a 10.2mm new england glider camo rope. Been using the combo now for about 3 years. But i do tie off a knot below the gri gri once im at hunting height. But never once have I needed it. I bought the rig also for the locking part..but like Red...I thought it was just a little too bulky...so I went back to the gri gri.

 

[DIYSaddler]

Ok Bomo..thanks for the response. , I can see the cost and weight factor for sure. Why do you think the inserting of the rope is complicated? I was thinking the atc was more complicated lol. The gri gri...you just open up and insert rope and clip on carabiner.

I most cases most of the people here will be loading the device at night without aid of a light. Did you know the number one reason of failure of a gri-gri/2 in the rock climbing world today is that someone loads the device backwards. Granted you wouldn't get more than 2 feet off the ground before you discovered your error. But less moving parts means less chance of mechanical failure.
You can load the mega jul and these other tube devices backwards with the same results as the gri-gri but due to the shape of the device it's makes it easier to determine the oriention by feel.
Why wouldn't you be able to leave the atc guide or one of these other autoblocking devices on while you hunt? The friction plate of a gri-gri is just a round aluminum/stainless piece of barstock same as a round biner? You would just need to tie a stopper knot below the device same as you should with your gri-gri as it is NOT a hands free device like some would lead you to believe. Did you know that you can cam a gri-gri in such a way without touching the release handle as to send you on a ride to the ground? Could happen by getting a bite of rope or a backpack strap raped around the device.
Go over to mountainproject.com or one of the other RC forums. They're full of info on possible failure modes of the gri-gri and other such devices.

 

[alukban]

That's why I currently use the Petzl I'D; it just locks when loaded backwards

In fact, I friggin' did load it backwards the first time I climbed a tree with it.

The size and weight of the I'D is only annoying when walking in. Up in the tree, the tree tether carries it and its weight keeps tension on the tether to keep it from slipping off the trunk. When walking, I don't clip it to my saddle where it can swing. I clip it to my chest pack strap.

That new Black Diamond Pilot looks really great in that: it is less than 2 oz, it has no moving parts, it has the ability to modulate friction with one hand, it is TINY, and has a design which "semi-auto locks" when loaded. It is so small and light that I would likely just leave it on the rope when I get up to height and use a Ropeman above it - thus giving 2 holding devices at height.

 

[DIYSaddler]

That's why I currently use the Petzl I'D; it just locks when loaded backwards

In fact, I friggin' did load it backwards the first time I climbed a tree with it.

The size and weight of the I'D is only annoying when walking in. Up in the tree, the tree tether carries it and its weight keeps tension on the tether to keep it from slipping off the trunk. When walking, I don't clip it to my saddle where it can swing. I clip it to my chest pack strap.

That new Black Diamond Pilot looks really great in that: it is less than 2 oz, it has no moving parts, it has the ability to modulate friction with one hand, it is TINY, and has a design which "semi-auto locks" when loaded. It is so small and light that I would likely just leave it on the rope when I get up to height and use a Ropeman above it - thus giving 2 holding devices at height.

That's kind of how I feel about my saddle being 6lbs it only matters when I'm hiking in and if I use my flipline as suspenders I don't feel it at all.
I would be interested in comparing the jul2 to the pilot being that the jul2 has a bigger lever to see which is easier to lower on. Sometimes lowering with all your weight on a device like that can be a beatch. When I'm setting up toprope on scetchy ground I'll aproach the edge in autoblock mode on my atc guide and then lower down to the bolts to setup the toprope. Depending on the rope you might have to have a lot of leverage on the front of the device to get it to release. When it does you better have a hand on the brake side of the line.

 

[halltrail]

I most cases most of the people here will be loading the device at night without aid of a light. Ok, yeah, I always climb with the Gg2 or if I climb with spurs...I install the tether and Gg2 at climbing height but I use the red light on my headlamp if its early am.

Did you know the number one reason of failure of a gri-gri/2 in the rock climbing world today is that someone loads the device backwards. Granted you wouldn't get more than 2 feet off the ground before you discovered your error. But less moving parts means less chance of mechanical failure.
Didn't know that...but I guess ive used the Gg2 so much...there is no way Ill load it backwards...id know right away...
You can load the mega jul and these other tube devices backwards with the same results as the gri-gri but due to the shape of the device it's makes it easier to determine the oriention by feel.
Why wouldn't you be able to leave the atc guide or one of these other autoblocking devices on while you hunt? The friction plate of a gri-gri is just a round aluminum/stainless piece of barstock same as a round biner? You would just need to tie a stopper knot below the device same as you should with your gri-gri as it is NOT a hands free device like some would lead you to believe. Gotcha..didnt know you can just autoblock the ATC and just hang. Yeah, I know the GG2 isnt a hands free device. Like I mentioned I either have my hand on the working end of the rope or tie off. At hunting height, I have blakes hitch on my tether to keep the delta ring and rope from slipping down the tree....I also slip the blakes hitch onto the carabiner with the GG2 as a back up..not needed if I tie off..but its there...so might as well use it.

Did you know that you can cam a gri-gri in such a way without touching the release handle as to send you on a ride to the ground? Could happen by getting a bite of rope or a backpack strap raped around the device. Yeah, i know what you are talking about there...i think that is a feature if your belaying right? You can grab the gg2 to keep the line moving....

Go over to mountainproject.com or one of the other RC forums. They're full of info on possible failure modes of the gri-gri and other such devices. Ill check it out.

In other news, I was out in the aero hunter and used the spurs and gg2 setup...had two doe come in but wasnt looking for doe today.

 

[bowbender73]

GG2 full time here as well, with a backup knot/prussic and my 225# it has never come close to being an issue.
As far as rigging it upside down, I'm testing anything I hang from before bailing off anyway. I picked one up a few seasons ago for $65-70 range if memory serves me correctly.

 

[justsomedude]

I have a nice red headlamp. I never rig without light!
You can AutoBlock an ATC and hang but it isn't recommended.
You could tie it off though. But adjusting an ATC up is a little fussy. I would just use a Prusik while hunting and switch over to descend.

 

[DwadeCham]

My head is swimming. But I want to start rappelling and use an all etrier climbing method. My wife will be so happy about my life choices.

 

[justsomedude]

It is actually ridiculously simple once you get the information.

 

[DwadeCham]

It is actually ridiculously simple once you get the information.

I can see that. I am going to start gathering gear and practicing. Thanks for all your help.

 

[g2outdoors]

@DwadeCham I had NO CLUE about any of this before I bit the bullet and gave it a try. It's crazy simple once you have it in your hand and understand how it works.

Rope, Screw Link, Descender (figure 8, GG2, Petzl Rig, etc.), carabiner. That's it. Place rope around tree, attach your descender/carabiner to your harness, rappel down. Piece of cake.

 

[g2outdoors]

Oh yeah, you need another piece of cord (I use 1.75mm Zing-it throw line) to retrieve your screw link and rope. That's easy too.

 

[hickstick]

I have a nice red headlamp. I never rig without light!
You can AutoBlock an ATC and hang but it isn't recommended.
You could tie it off though. But adjusting an ATC up is a little fussy. I would just use a Prusik while hunting and switch over to descend.

thats was I was going to do over the weekend. (use prusik while hunting and switch over to my aviator to repel)...I even brought the aviator up into the tree with me....then I realized <DOH> I'd have to climb back up and remove my steps...lol I was hoping I'd shoot something so I could repel down -check arrow and mark shot/trail- then climb back up and hunt some more....but alas...didn't loose and arrow. lol

 

[okie_edward]

@DwadeCham I had NO CLUE about any of this before I bit the bullet and gave it a try. It's crazy simple once you have it in your hand and understand how it works.

Rope, Screw Link, Descender (figure 8, GG2, Petzl Rig, etc.), carabiner. That's it. Place rope around tree, attach your descender/carabiner to your harness, rappel down. Piece of cake.

Are you still using the autoblock with the sitdrag setup? I'm using a french prussik. Loop is about 14" before wrapping it on. Tried a couple different ways to hook into the evo and still had to hand tend a few times. It rode up on the loose leg straps and the hip loop wasn't much better. Maybe someone might have a better option to try.

 

[g2outdoors]

Yes. Autoblock attaches to the right SD loop below my bridge.

 

[okie_edward]

Yes. Autoblock attaches to the right SD loop below my bridge.

I'll give another shot on the test tree. Thanx

 

[DwadeCham]

@DwadeCham I had NO CLUE about any of this before I bit the bullet and gave it a try. It's crazy simple once you have it in your hand and understand how it works.

Rope, Screw Link, Descender (figure 8, GG2, Petzl Rig, etc.), carabiner. That's it. Place rope around tree, attach your descender/carabiner to your harness, rappel down. Piece of cake.

Awesome. What rope are you using? And there are options for eye splice, sewn eye, two of each that I really don't understand but I'm assuming I need to thread over the screw link one eye splice? I would lean towards the Yale Bandit for my top unless there is something better that you guys can suggest. Probably won't go for @Erniepower type setup due to my lack of experience although I like it a lot. But feel more comfortable with a larger diameter rope.

And I think I saw you saying you use a figure 8. What are you currently using?