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Can This Belay Device be used for Self Descending?

PostPosted: Fri Jan 30, 2015 6:30 am
by MikeH30
Was looking at options for self descending, without paying for the $250 Petzl D200L0 type of ones. So can something cheaper like this: http://www.backcountry.com/mammut-smart-alpine-belay-deviece-8.9mm-10.5mm?CMP_SKU=MAM0491&MER=0406&skid=MAM0491-BLA-ONESIZ&CMP_ID=PLA_GOc001&mv_pc=r101&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=PLA&mr:trackingCode=9C42F9AC-0F6C-E011-9898-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA&mr:device=c&mr:adType=plaonline&mr:ad=56125866277&mr:keyword=&mr:match=&mr:filter=100043054197&mkwid=sR3IY1GqP_dc|pcrid|56125866277

........ be used self descending, or is it only for a person belaying someone from down on the ground? Thats what I wasnt sure of, because it says it can catch falls, so if it has braking capability, could it be used for self descending?

If not, what about the Petzl Grigri 2, which is about 90 bucks?

Thanks

Re: Can This Belay Device be used for Self Descending?

PostPosted: Fri Jan 30, 2015 6:59 am
by beean
Do you mean rappelling or abseiling? If so, yes.

Re: Can This Belay Device be used for Self Descending?

PostPosted: Fri Jan 30, 2015 7:59 am
by MikeH30
beean wrote:Do you mean rappelling or abseiling? If so, yes.



Yes thats what I meant, rapell. So even the first one, the cheaper $50 one would work safely enough to do so?

Re: Can This Belay Device be used for Self Descending?

PostPosted: Fri Jan 30, 2015 4:05 pm
by beean
Yup, it's designed for belaying and rappelling. Provided you know how to use it safely it will be fine. Note that it should not be treated like an autolocking device because it is not one, unlike the Petzl ID.

If you're looking rappel on the cheap you can purchase a tube style device for much cheaper. Make sure you back it up with a third hand. If you're unsure of what you're doing you should probably seek instruction though.

Re: Can This Belay Device be used for Self Descending?

PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2015 3:04 am
by MikeH30
beean wrote:Yup, it's designed for belaying and rappelling. Provided you know how to use it safely it will be fine. Note that it should not be treated like an autolocking device because it is not one, unlike the Petzl ID.

If you're looking rappel on the cheap you can purchase a tube style device for much cheaper. Make sure you back it up with a third hand. If you're unsure of what you're doing you should probably seek instruction though.


Okay, perfect. So it doesnt auto lock, as in I would have to keep my hands on it continuously Im guessing.
Yeah I was going to buy it and test it out an an indoor place to make sure I get used to it and how it works first.