Descenders and Figure Eights

Unicender New version in 2011!

# asc144

The Unicender can replace friction hitches, figure 8s, and ascenders! In the doubled rope technique, the Unicender can be used as a mechanical split tail in place of a friction hitch. Because of the ease with which it advances in this configuration, it makes any rope climbing technique easier and faster. In the single rope technique, the Unicender takes the place of both ascenders and descender. When descending, the Unicender can be used in either the “squeeze to go” configuration like a friction hitch or the “squeeze to stop” configuration like a figure 8.

This incredible new device works by snaking the rope through the device where smooth wear surfaces apply friction to the line. The Unicender advances easily and gives utmost control over the decent. The Unicender can be used with either 7/16” or 1/2” diameter line without changing any parts, can be easily installed midline. Made in the US.A. by Rock Exotica.

Standard Figure Eight

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Aluminum standard eight is lightweight, compact, and dissipates heat well. Anodized aluminum stands up well to use.

Bent Ear Figure Eight

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Aluminum bent-ear figure eight, sometimes called a rescue 8, it dissipates heat well, is lightweight, and has long bent ears to prevent the rope from locking up during descent. Colors may vary.

Steel Bent Ear Figure 8

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This steel figure eight is very popular for its high strength. Uses include personal belay, rescue, and rigging. The steel figure eight has long bent ears to prevent the rope from locking up during descent. Popular for rescue kits or as an inexpensive lowering device. 11,250 lb (50 kN) break strength.

SMC “Descent Control” Stainless Steel Figure Figure 8

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Seattle Manufacturing Company's Descend Control stainless eight is lightweight, tough, with exceptional control of acceleration, rappeling speed, and stopping. Wider shoulders help prevent girth hitching the rope. Made in the U.S.A.

Mini Eight New in 2011

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Rock Exotica Mini-eight features side ears that let you easily vary friction, and is super compact - great for an emergency descender. Biner hole has rubber gasket that fits tightly on a Rock Exotica or Petzl carabiner. Only 3.6” long! Made in the U.S.A.

“Escape 8” Micro Figure Figure 8

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Designed for firefighters in bailout situations, compact aluminum 8 is perfect for your bail-out kit. Works on a wide range of ropes; smaller ropes when doubled up to 7.5mm, and single up to 12.5 mm (1/2”). Weighs 1.7 oz (48g). Made in the U.S.A.

Q-Side Figure 8

# asc211

This new aluminum rescue 8 has two ears on one side to make adding wraps for a more controlled descent quicker than ever. Quick and complete control over how much friction you want to slow your descent. Breaking Strength 5,000 lb. (22 kN). Made in the U.S.A.

Petzl Pirana Descender

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The Petzl Pirana is a unique descender with three different braking positions, two supplementary braking spurs, and a small carabiner hole for a “rigid” carabiner/descender unit which helps to keep the descender positioned correctly. The carabiner hole will only fit Petzl carabiners, and is meant to be a tight fit.

Lockjack Sport

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The Lockjack is the only piece of hardware on the market that can totally replace the friction hitches used on climbing lines. The Lockjack works as both an ascender and as a descender for self-belay in the doubled rope technique (DdRT). The advantage of the Lockjack is that friction is applied to the rope with a smooth aluminum surface which causes less friction while climbing for an effortless advance, and a smoother more easily controlled descent. While climbing, the Lockjack tends slack by itself as the weight of rope below the climber pulls the line through the device. Works with 7/16” - 1/2” rope. Designed for use with Petzl Am’D (M21 and M18).

Spiderjack II

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The newest innovation from ART (Advanced Rope Techniques), the Spiderjack is an improvement of the popular Lockjack. By allowing slack in the line above to fall through the device with even less friction, the Spiderjack makes ascents in the doubled rope technique even easier. In addition, the Spiderjack also allows finer control over friction during descents, making tasks such as limb walking even easier by permitting the user to vary friction more subtly than before. Smooth friction surface. Works with 7/16” - 1/2” rope. Designed for use with Petzl Am’D (M21 and M18).

Petzl Gri Gri 2

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New version in 2011 is 20% lighter and 25% more compact! The Gri Gri is an extremely popular descender which uses a handle to control the rate of descent. When the handle is released, the Gri Gri self-brakes and engages the cam to halt descent. The Gri Gri can be used in conjunction with a handled rope ascender and foot loop for short ascents in the sit/stand climbing method. Works with ropes with a maximum diameter of 7/16” (11mm.)

7/16” (8.9 - 11.5 mm max capacity), compact, easy to use.

If you have a GRIGRI 2 (D14 2O, D14 2G, D14 2B) with the first five digits of the serial number between 10326 and 11136, stop use immediately and contact Petzl America to initiate an exchange. Contact Petzl America in one of two ways:
- By phone: 1 (800) 932-2978 (toll free)
- By email: grigri2recall@petzl.com
Petzl will pay all shipping costs associated with this exchange

Full article on Petzl's site

Petzl Rig Descender

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Designed for professionals, the Rig allows the user to move into position then easily stop where needed. This descender is compact and intuitive to use, making for smooth descents. A simple and effective alternative to more traditional descenders. Automatic return system on the handle. Pivoting cam facilitates taking up the slack in the rope. Can also be used to make a reversible haul system, and for short ascents (in conjunction with a FOOTPRO foot loop and an ASCENSION handled rope clamp). Single ropes between 10.5 and 11.5 mm in diameter (7/16” ). Weighs 380 grams. Instructions included.

Petzl ID Descender

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This self-braking descender and belay device for single rope replaces a figure 8 or friction knot. The handle allows the rope to move, descent is controlled with the free hand. If handle is released the cam is engaged and descent stops. Anti-panic device automatically brakes if the handle is pulled too far. Two sizes available: small: 7/16” (11mm) and large: 1/2” (13mm.)

Petzl Stop Descender

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The Petzl Stop descender is an alternative to a figure 8 designed to work on single ropes with a max diameter of 7/16” (11mm.) The handle works like an on/off switch, stopping descent when released and allowing descent when squeezed. Rate of descent is controlled by the grip on the free end of the rope. Installation instructions are stamped into the faceplate.