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Madrock Lifeguard in stock

Can someone give me a quick explanation of why the safeguard is preferred over the life guard? I know it has to do with the spring, I’m just uniformed as to why. Thanks in advance.
 
fdj2d said:
Can someone give me a quick explanation of why the safeguard is preferred over the life guard? I know it has to do with the spring, I’m just uniformed as to why. Thanks in advance.
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The lifeguard moves somewhat freely in n the rope without tension being applied. The safeguard grabs the rope without requiring tension.
 
fdj2d said:
Can someone give me a quick explanation of why the safeguard is preferred over the life guard? I know it has to do with the spring, I’m just uniformed as to why. Thanks in advance.
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It slides up the rope easily without being tended
 
bowhuntr09 said:
The lifeguard moves somewhat freely in n the rope without tension being applied. The safeguard grabs the rope without requiring tension.
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I think you have it backwards - the safeguard slides easily whereas the lifeguard has the spring and needs to be tended
 
I use a lifeguard and for our purposes the spring will possibly allow it to release the rope for a short distance before catching if slack is introduced. For example if you're on the platform, ring of steps, etc. and take slack off the rope it's possible the lifeguard will release. Once tension is put back on the lifeguard it grabs again. No issues for me but for some it may cause a butt pucker. When at height, I just add a prusik above the device as a back up or just in case.
 
Jtaylor said:
I use a lifeguard and for our purposes the spring will possibly allow it to release the rope for a short distance before catching if slack is introduced. For example if you're on the platform, ring of steps, etc. and take slack off the rope it's possible the lifeguard will release. Once tension is put back on the lifeguard it grabs again. No issues for me but for some it may cause a butt pucker. When at height, I just add a prusik above the device as a back up or just in case.
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Couldnt you just add a stopper knot too?


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Goodtimekiller said:
Couldnt you just add a stopper knot too?


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Probably but I'm unsure how a stopper knot would act against the device and with close to 40' tail of rope in my pouch, it's just easier for me to put in a prusik.
 
Thanks guys, makes sense. I can imagine many want to avoid the clenching pucker
 
If you're not counting ounces or grams the Beal Birdie is a good device for ascending and descending. I've been using it this weekend and could not be happier with it even when using rope a little bigger than recommended by Beal. I'll add that being able to switch from leaning to sitting and everything in-between is so much better with a belay device over my Ropeman 2. Pull the handle and you're sitting. Tether too short? Pull the handle. Wanna tighten it up? Pull the tag end. It's a nice thing to have and if you don't have a Ropeman I'd say give it a shot before buying one of the budget allows.
 
There is no spring in the safeguard, which makes the device brake the rope with the slightest amount of tension. The lifeguard has a spring that allows the device to be used as a lead rope belay. The rope rope belay is preferred, as it will catch the climber faster. The larger the rope diameter, the quicker and easier it catches.

I use a Grigri+ which has a selection knob for top rope mode as well as lead rope mode. The top rope mode does have some spring tension to it, and it works perfectly fine with 8mm oplux. My point in saying that is, if you keep the device tended properly it will serve its purpose, and prevent a fall, whether it has a spring in it or not.


Semper Fi,
Mike
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Does it work the same way as a ropeman when climbing? Allowing for one handed rope adjustment while going up.
 
MAHunter said:
Does it work the same way as a ropeman when climbing? Allowing for one handed rope adjustment while going up.
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Yes it does
Pull the slack line up away from you


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I ordered the safe guard after owning the lifeguard. I have NOT had any issues with the lifeguard. if I re adjust myself and go to put tension back onto my line I hold the tag end as I lean back onto it. I always run my prusik beneath it not above it is if for any Reason the lifeguard, the prusik is next to me and available to adjust. If the prusik is above and there is too much slack between you and it, you can be in a fun situation where you can’t reach your prusik and you are just hanging. It has happened before. I’m new and still learning but that’s what makes me feel comfortable.

I ordered the safeguard Because it eliminates the need to hold it and watch it lock onto the rope, even though the lifeguard does a damn good job at doing it by itself. I’ll always watch it latch I’ll always hold the tag, but it’s just a preference.
 
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