Descenders

[Graham_Wright]

Watching the placing of the topnot on the Shard, The abseilers (couldn't do that for £1m!) used some sort of descender which looked a bit like a Shunt. As the programme was recorded, I watched in freeze-frame but couldn't be sure. It seemed to have a handle like the Grigri but worked on a taut line which the Grigri can't.

Anybody add to this?

Just what we need for single handed MastaClimba use.

 

[jimi]

Sounds like a petzl stop.

 

[Trident 24]

Colour?

Was it blue with a red handle? About 2" wide by about 8" tall?

If so, that's a Petzl 'stop'.

As opposed to the original handleless, grey petzl descender commonly known as the 'go'.

 

[oldbilbo]

Watching the placing of the topnot on the Shard, The abseilers (couldn't do that for £1m!) used some sort of descender which looked a bit like a Shunt. As the programme was recorded, I watched in freeze-frame but couldn't be sure. It seemed to have a handle like the Grigri but worked on a taut line which the Grigri can't.

Anybody add to this?

Just what we need for single handed MastaClimba use.

Interesting, but I'm not yet convinced this is the answer to this maiden's prayer.

Consider the comments here.

So what is a better idea?

 

[CaptainBob]

Didn't see the prog you mention but a standard rope "ascender" works fine on a tight rope. Eg:

http://www.petzl.com/en/outdoor/ascenders

 

[CaptainBob]

PS. "French prussic" knot also very useful for mast climbing single-handed on a taught(ish) rope from above.

 

[Trident 24]

Interesting, but I'm not yet convinced this is the answer to this maiden's prayer.

Consider the comments here.

So what is a better idea?

I've read those comments & they don't match with my experience.

I got my Stop in the late 80's having tried Italian hitches...emergency only, Fig 8s..lethal, a rack..cumbersome & difficult to control on long drops, even a whaletail..heavy & pointless.

All the comments bar one seem to stem from people using the handle to control descents..a bad idea. If you regard the handle as a 'handbrake' and use the tension on the free end of the rope for control (as you would with any other descender) then the stop has to be the most controllable & versatile bit of srt gear you can buy.

The comment about it slipping on new ropes is true...but the slippage is very slow & easily stopped by taking a loop over the top of it, which is good practice anyway. Ropes don't stay 'new' underground for very long anyway.

Your profile doesn't reveal your location...but if you're ever in Lancashire...let me know & I'll lay on a trial for you.

 

[stownsend]

Maybe an id? what colour was it and have you a pic from the program, also was it in america?

cheers

stu

 

[stownsend]

Possibly was an alp? as well as the handle did it have a butterfly screw head at the top?

cheers

stu

 

[Graham_Wright]

Fascinating responses!

I don't know what an ID is and Google's suggestion is unhelpful.
Likewise the ALP.

We are talking about descending not ascending. I have yet to find any device that matches our MastaClimba in terms of everything (except maybe cost!). (For boats, not for rock climbing (it is too heavy although I am told it would be great for caving (coming up not down.))).

It worked on a taut line which I think a Descender will not.

When last I checked, the Shard was still in England. I know the Americans like to buy bits of England but they normally wait a century or two.

Unfortunately the clip was too short and confused to ascertain any more detail than I have given. The best match was a Grigri but that needs the line over the top which this did not have. The handle looked like the Grigri though.

I will try to find out from the programme but have little expectation.