I’m fairly new to this SRT / Rappelling method. Loving it so far. I’ve picked up 2 belay devices. I’m using 9mm htp rope. Both ascend with ease. The safeguard is more compact which I like. The GriGri for me is MUCH smoother on the rappel down. The safeguard was much more touchy/jerky. I was just wondering what others experiences were with these 2 devices. I’d really like to stick with the safeguard due to its compact size. Thanks
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GriGri + vs MR Safeguard.
- Thread starter jgss2
- Start date
If you hold the tag end of your rope at your hip you can use this hand to regulate your descent along with your other hand on the handle.
I've used both and prefer the M.R. Safeguard. I like the smaller size and all metal construction. For me they were both equally smooth on descent.
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The GriGri is definitely smoother. I prefer the Safeguard though since it has no return spring and is intended to be used as a work positioning device. For the distances we rappel its not that big of a deal. I have found that the Safeguard is smoother if you regulate your descent more with your brake hand than trying to feather the lever. I just pull the lever and control my descent using my brake hand.
For SRT ascents the Safeguard is better suited. Similar function from both but the springless version is nice.
Do you guys stay hooked on this rope/device or do you unhook and tether up to a shorter rope with a Ropeman (or similar)/Prusik? If the former, how is it just hanging out and if the latter do you take all this off and stow while hunting?
Completely optional. I personally put my regular tether on the tree at hunting height, get connected, then disconnect and stow all my SRT equipment. My Safeguard is available for a backup on rappel if needed but my primary device for descending is an ATC with an autoblock below.
If you stay connected to your mechanical belay, just add a friction hitch of some sort. I wouldn’t solely rely on a belay device while hunting.
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Last year I hung off the MR Safeguard a lot when I climbed (I single stick) using my rappel rope. I backed it up using a slip knot right under it per petzel's instruction while hanging. This year I climbed/hunted exclusively on a short tether with a distel. When I got ready to get down I hooked up the rappel rope and swapped to the Safeguard .
Cool, thanks guys. Do you hook the autoblock carabiner to your lineman’s loop when using the ATC?
I would hook up to a shorter tether. I’d be afraid if I needed to move, the longer rope would also move down at ground level spooking the deer.
I stayed hooked to my climbing line from the ground, up to hunting height and back down to the ground with the same equipment hooked to the rope at all times.
I pull up the tail end of my rope and put it in my pack hanging with me at hunting height.
That’s a good solution to that issue. Otherwise you still run your backup tether I’ve seen in your pics in other threads?
Yes. I have it anyway in case I want to move higher in the tree so I use it in case something fails on my main rope.
Absolutely! Do not leave your rope dangling to the ground. One of the biggest benefits of SRT is leaving nothing for the deer to see or smell all the way up the tree.
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I’m in a tree right now. This nearby tree is holding my pack and rope. A bit of a yard sale at the moment, it poured rain for five minutes right when I stepped onto my platform.
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