Descenders and Figure 8s for Tree Climbing and Rappelling

Descenders and Figure Eights

Descenders and Figure 8s are great tools for the professional and recreational tree climber. Figure 8s and descenders are used to apply friction to the climbing line and control the rate of descent. In case of an emergency, a figure eight or mechanical descender like the Gri Gri allows the tree climber to make a rapid descent. Prusik cords can also be used to control a climber's descent, or to back up a figure 8. The Tree Climber's Companion and On Rope are two great books that contain information on using figure 8s and descenders to rappel.

Standard Figure Eight

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

Bent Ear Figure Eight

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.

Steel Bent Ear Figure 8

This steel figure eight is very popular for it's 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.

Petzl Pirana Descender

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.

ART Lockjack

Lockjack Sport

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 1/2” rope. Designed for use with Petzl Am'D (M21 and M18).

Spiderjack

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. 1/2" capacity. Designed for use with Petzl Am'D (M21 and M18).

Mechanical Descenders

Petzl Gri Gri Descender

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.)

Petzl ID Descender

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.)

Small - 7/16” Capacity Large - 1/2” Capacity

Petzl Stop Descender

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.