Anyone have a lot of experience with the Mad Rock Lifeguard?
I just messed around a little with mine...
I tried repelling down my 30ft HSS tether, and it was pretty tough to get sliding down slowly... I had to pull pretty hard on the lever to get started then it would go too fast... maybe I'm doing something wrong, or the rope is too thick...
None of the devices (grigri,grigri2, grigri+, mad rock lifeguard etc. Sport climbing belay devices) are designed OR recommended to be used as a stationary work or hunting placement. What you read on here are guys/gals trying to use them for unintended purposes. They are backing them up with an auto block . It is up to each individual to weigh the risk involved by doing so. If you do choose a device I would highly advise you purchase a dedicated work at height device and the appropriate size rope it's rated for. (Almost always 11mm +).
As far as the lifeguard goes, When I used mine I ran the rope out over the back of the device and through the 'biner. When ready to desend, pull a little slack to get the lever to come up then break as usuall, it gives more friction and a smoother rappel.
Don't take this as a disrespectful post as that was not my intention. I just worry someone may "just read" and go buy, and not practice using their equipment and have a horrific accident because of not being careful.
IMO, I belive for me, is using a ropeman on my tether, backing that up by bringing the tail with a stopper knot and fig 8 on bight below and clipping back to 'biner.
If I rappell I do the changeover with rappell rope to my bridge and only unclipped after the rap rope is loaded and tested for slippage.