Rappelling

[weekender21]

There really isn’t anything to “get wrong” with a figure 8, they’re stupid simple. If you want to stop hands free you’ll need a rescue-8. They’re generally bigger and heavier than a standard figure eight which is why I prefer an ATC and autoblock. I also wouldn’t recommend rappelling without a glove (at least on your brake hand) if you use a figure eight.


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[bj139]

The article posted on the figure 8 showed many different variations on using it. Get one of these wrong and I don't know. In standard configuration, I agree. It shouldn't be possible to fall. But, Murphy has a way of showing up at the worst possible time.

 

[iamcorey]

There really isn’t anything to “get wrong” with a figure 8, they’re stupid simple. If you want to stop hands free you’ll need a rescue-8. They’re generally bigger and heavier than a standard figure eight which is why I prefer an ATC and autoblock. I also wouldn’t recommend rappelling without a glove (at least on your brake hand) if you use a figure eight.


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I’ll have an autoblock to back up the figure 8. Assume it will be the same stop and start I currently use with my ATC but with a figure 8 and different braking technique.


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[weekender21]

The article posted on the figure 8 showed many different variations on using it. Get one of these wrong and I don't know. In standard configuration, I agree. It shouldn't be possible to fall. But, Murphy has a way of showing up at the worst possible time.

We’re saddle hunting, this isn’t golf. A certain amount of risk is assumed in every climbing and descending method. There’s a reason the military teaches rappelling with figure eights. Anytime you try to get fancy and use a piece of equipment outside it’s standard configuration you’re increasing risk.

All of this is why I lean towards the ATC and autoblock for beginners or anyone wanting to Keep it simple stupid (KISS). Nothing to break and if you “mess up” you’re just descending faster or slower but not uncontrollable.


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[Tr33_n1nj@]

I got the Grivel 8 but use 9mm HTP. I used it without an autoblock the first time and realized as I watched my stick go by that I should add an autoblock if I wanted to stop and grab that next time. Now with the autoblock, I think I like it better than the Master Mono.

 

[JoyRyd]

and realized as I watched my stick go by that I should add an autoblock if I wanted to stop

That is hilarious! “I realized it as I watched my stick go by”. ROFLMAO!!! That really tickled my funny bone!!

 

[bj139]

We’re saddle hunting, this isn’t golf. A certain amount of risk is assumed in every climbing and descending method. There’s a reason the military teaches rappelling with figure eights. Anytime you try to get fancy and use a piece of equipment outside it’s standard configuration you’re increasing risk.

All of this is why I lean towards the ATC and autoblock for beginners or anyone wanting to Keep it simple stupid (KISS). Nothing to break and if you “mess up” you’re just descending faster or slower but not uncontrollable.


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Everyone is free to choose their own method. Use a figure 8 if you want.
Warnings at the end.

 

[weekender21]

Everyone is free to choose their own method. Use a figure 8 if you want.
Warnings at the end.

That guy has WAY too much going on in that video. If you really want to complicate your method then the sky’s the limit I guess.

I usually recommend an ATC to those who inquire BUT, I could literally teach a monkey how to rappel with a figure eight. Anyone reading this is better off learning all of these options from an instructor face-to-face.

Again, there are risks in every climbing and descending method, use at your own risk. In MY opinion rappelling (regardless of method) is MUCH safer than sticks and a lineman’s rope.


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[Aaronpaul14]

I don’t think anyone was asking about a figure 8 to ascend for SRT etc. Doing what he did was way too complicated. If someone is wanting to ascend get a safeguard but if only rappelling using the figure 8 as intended its as simple as can be.

 

[bj139]

The original reference on this topic showed many ways to use a figure eight. I said there were too many and it could get confusing. That is all. Now you say there is only one way and it is simple. Which is it?

 

[Aaronpaul14]

The original reference on this topic showed many ways to use a figure eight. I said there were too many and it could get confusing. That is all. Now you say there is only one way and it is simple. Which is it?

Gotcha, my bad. I am just going by what grivel shows in the instructions. I’m not much for going too crazy beyond spec/intended uses. In the video he shows how to feed a bite through the big ring and over the little. Then you clip into the little ring. I think that’s all the instructions/methods state. I couldn’t find the instructions but if I’m remember right the Grivel 2x8 only recommends it as a descender. Maybe the other bigger figure 8s are to spec for more versatility.


I follow it up with a klemheist using hollow block as my backup. To stop when needed and help control descent.

 

[weekender21]

Gotcha, my bad. I am just going by what grivel shows in the instructions. I’m not much for going too crazy beyond spec/intended uses. In the video he shows how to feed a bite through the big ring and over the little. Then you clip into the little ring. I think that’s all the instructions/methods state. I couldn’t find the instructions but if I’m remember right the Grivel 2x8 only recommends it as a descender. Maybe the other bigger figure 8s are to spec for more versatility.


I follow it up with a klemheist using hollow block as my backup. To stop when needed and help control descent.

I finally ordered 45' of OpLux for my SRT set up. I've been using 9mm HTP for about two years. It's in good shape but I see no reason to push the life of the line. I also ordered the Grivel 2x8, looking forward to trying it out next week. I've passed a few pigs recently due to a full freezer, time to bring one home.