Figure 8 devices are primarily used for rappelling however they can be rigged to belay a leader or a top rope climber.
Figure 8 belay device vs atc.
The two products have different functionalities.
A more compact lighter version of our versatile atc guide the atc alpine guide is built for smash and grab ascents in the mountains.
The best device for rappelling.
Best device for rappelling and belaying.
In recent years figure 8 s have largely disappeared in climbing areas due to the popularity of the atc how to rappel with an atc as well as.
While the figure 8 and rescue 8 are iconic and were a great option for a long time they are no longer a great choice.
Figure 8 s dissipate heat from a rappel extremely well too due to a large surface area.
The figure 8 and again bd super 8 in particular are a fantastic belay device if used properly.
This device utilities a large surface area in contact with a climbing rope to provide sufficient friction along with proper technique to be used as a belay device or for rappelling a figure 8 sometimes just referred to as an 8 is used in conjunction with a climbing harness and locking carabiner to keep a climber safe and control their descent or one s own descent when rappelling.
The earliest versions were used in the 60 s though the inventor is unknown.
Black diamond atc or figure 8 below i talk a little bit about why it s useful to buy a device specifically for canyoneering and then i go in to more detail about why i chose the devices that i did.
At just 73 grams this featherweight belay rappel device is optimized for ropes between 8 1 and 8 5 millimeters in diameter yet works with ropes from 6 9 to 9mm.
The atc xp and the atc guide have one major advantage over the grigri and the grigri 2.
Molded teeth increase fricti.
Shaped like the number eight they have one larger and one smaller hole.
It is not best to feed the rope through the small hole that is the only way to use it as a belay device as specifically shown in the instructions.
In fact if you ve looked into getting either device you re probably aware that both only retail for around 20 17 5.
The sterling ats rappel belay device best for first time infrequent users.
Atc vs figure 8 vs rescue 8 and more there are a lot of options going back a long way for devices used to descend a rope.
When rappelling you feed a bight bend of rope through the large hole and loop.
You can t beat the classic atc for reliable belaying and the black diamond atc guide belay device improves on the ideal design.
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