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Grigri vs Madrock Safeguard

Always have a method to make a foot loop on your main line. Being able to unload your weight is key to freeing your self from a rappel problem. Otherwise you are just hanging there or about to get intimate with the tree and not in a good way.

Always89y has a thread about an amsteel climbing method. Basically a sliced loop on one end and a Whoopi sling on the other. I’m using that for a light and packable rescue option invade I need a foot loop. Before I used my swaider and either a ropeman or prusik.


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There's many ways to skin that cat if the need be. I've been watching a bit of rock climbing and recreational tree climbers, lots of neat little tricks to practice and learn
 
I have tried ways to rappel with a Munter hitch. I found if I brought the tail end of the rope down under my butt and up the other side to the support rope, I could control my descent. By doing this I am actually supporting part of my weight on the loop of rope which I am sitting on.
 
All you need is your rope to rappel. I’ve used this method to rappel off buildings, it’s not the most comfortable but from ~15’, you’ll be alright.



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Woa that’s kind of scary. Good thing it was closed though. Would be a heck of a rope burn on the hands I would think. Yeah would definitely keep it as a backup.


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It was only the release handle that came off so I was never in any danger. I always carry an ATC and loop of accessory cord I can make a prussic out of to act as a autoblock if I need them. Since I don't hang off the Safeguard anymore it would be easy to drop it when I get it out to install it. In addition there's always other options such as reversing the climb method (I one sticked down when the handle came off the Safeguard) or tying a Munter thru a carabiner for descent. None are as easy as rappelling on the Safeguard but are all capable of getting you to the ground safely.

FWIW, I also carry a single squirrel step in my "emergency kit" in case I drop my rappel rope putting it on the tree and I can't retrieve it with my grapple. I can work my way down the tree alternating between the step and tether. I hunt remote by myself a lot and I don't want to get stuck in a tree. Absolute last resort would be calling for help . . . I'd never live it down, my buddies are ruthless and relentless. :tearsofjoy:
 
It was only the release handle that came off so I was never in any danger. I always carry an ATC and loop of accessory cord I can make a prussic out of to act as a autoblock if I need them. Since I don't hang off the Safeguard anymore it would be easy to drop it when I get it out to install it. In addition there's always other options such as reversing the climb method (I one sticked down when the handle came off the Safeguard) or tying a Munter thru a carabiner for descent. None are as easy as rappelling on the Safeguard but are all capable of getting you to the ground safely.

FWIW, I also carry a single squirrel step in my "emergency kit" in case I drop my rappel rope putting it on the tree and I can't retrieve it with my grapple. I can work my way down the tree alternating between the step and tether. I hunt remote by myself a lot and I don't want to get stuck in a tree. Absolute last resort would be calling for help . . . I'd never live it down, my buddies are ruthless and relentless. :tearsofjoy:

Glad to hear you weren’t in any danger. That’s a good idea to carry and extra prusik to attach if you need to. I think I’ll do that too. I’m still very new to rappelling and all this rope stuff. I appreciate all info from you experienced guys.


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The GriGri+ has a top rope mode which varies the spring pressure which should make it lock up quicker. It also has a panic handle so if you yank the handle completely open it will stop and not make you plummet to the ground. I don't have one, this is just what I read. If you forget just once while descending, the panic handle might be a good feature to have.

I have a gri gri + and a safeguard. Both work well. But for cost and weight I would use a safeguard. I should sell my gri gri +. I never use it.


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Just thought I would say that I got my safeguard today. Tried it out inside on a pull up bar I have in here (high winds and strong storms this afternoon kept me from trying it in the yard). Totally glad I got this thing! Definitely worth the investment IMO. I can see it’ll take a little practice to get confident in the smooth rappelling action but I can see it’s gonna be awesome for rappelling out of the tree. I am also keeping the ATC device with me at all times though too. Just in case.


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Can someone explain what an ATC may be...pics may help? Also a pic slid the Safegaurd.

I’m exploring rappelling options for Oplux rope
 
Can someone explain what an ATC may be...pics may help? Also a pic slid the Safegaurd.

I’m exploring rappelling options for Oplux rope
 
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Madrock SafeGaurd, Diamond XP ATC, and Grivel 2x8 figure 8

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I've read that the grigri isn't recommended for height work? Petzl recommends the ID s. The ID is more expensive. Anyone have experience with the ID?
 
The Grigri and saferock need to backed up as slack in the line can allow the devices slip down the rope.

That's why it's recommended to either tether off or use a prussik above the devices to prevent that
 
The Grigri and saferock need to backed up as slack in the line can allow the devices slip down the rope.

That's why it's recommended to either tether off or use a prussik above the devices to prevent that
It's a Safeguard, and it does not slip on slack line as long as the tag end of the rope is lower than the device. It does not need to backed up.
 
Always have a method to make a foot loop on your main line. Being able to unload your weight is key to freeing your self from a rappel problem. Otherwise you are just hanging there or about to get intimate with the tree and not in a good way.

As I understand it, it's pretty common for mountain climbers to carry varying loops of accessory cord for just this purpose - they call them "cordelettes". A couple dozen feet of accessory cord, divided into 6', 4', 3' or so loops won't take up too much room in a MOLLE pouch, and can be used for emergency Prussics or tree chokers or whatever. IIRC, tubular webbing slings make acceptable Prussics on static line as well, and I suppose the kool kids use Amsteel endless loops. Nobody wants to carry unnecessary weight into the woods, but a few oz. for an "oh, (poop)!" kit seems worthwhile.
 
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