Could you go into your backup system and rappel setup? My backup is a Garda footloop, and I have to install a figure-8 to descend. Which works, but it's a bit of fiddling if I'm in the midst of an emergency.
Because I’m using the Madrock Safeguard, I am attached to it the whole time. Yes, there is always the problem with it clanking so I just slow down and pay attention. By using the Safeguard, or something similar like the Grigri +, in order to rappel I just have to drop the rappel rope which I carry in a CGM Dropout bag, grab the rope and the lever and go. No switching over of any kind. I started out using a figure-8 and agree with what many say, it is a much smoother rappel. But to keep from switching over I’ll take the bit rougher rappel of the safeguard. Besides, we’re not exactly going for long rappels anyway.
I know a lot of guys like to backup the safeguard with a prussik or other friction hitch either above or below but technically Madrock does not suggest that.
One thing you might consider if you don’t want the expense of the Safeguard or Grigri + is to use a Munter hitch instead of the figure-8. Using whatever friction hitch you want for being attached to the tether, go ahead and use your rappel rope as the tether. When your’e ready to rappel down, adding a Munter hitch below the friction hitch is very easy and just requires a single carabiner. Also, the Munter is a great rappel method for the shot distances we do.