Petzl Rig

[Al Baker]

these days i use as much as i can from dmm as there standards of manufacturing are so much higher so i buy everything from them.they have released some new swivels recently in there new ranges of gear coming out ill attach a link for you. http://dmmprofessional.com/uploads/documents/Swivels.pdf

 

Thats where id put my dollars.

 

They look really good Jarnii, made in UK too....thanks

[DrewB]

they are VERY slick swivels those DMM beautys

[D Mc]

The only major concern with the Rig is... the absence of a panic brake ... This is the primary reason the Rig is designated for "expert users" only.

 

The fault should not be placed on the Rig but in the users lack of training. It is so easy to teach proper operation of the Rig, that I personally feel this point is a non issue for tree work and certainly does not require "expert users" status.

Virtually all the friction controlling setups used in tree work share in their lacking a panic brake and will not work in a panic grab scenario.

I have seen far greater proficiency achieved with the Rig, faster and with far less drama, than with the teaching of tie-dress-set, rope combos used in the standard doubled rope techniques used in tree work.

Scary is watching a beginner trying to remember how to tie a life support knot.

 

Dave

[Old Mill Tree Care]

The only major concern with the Rig is the same as in any rope discipline, that is the absence of a panic brake such as the I'D features. It is imperative that the climber condition themselves to release the handle in a fall. Depending on the rope used when the Rig's handle is pulled completely the climber is in a free fall, there is almost no friction and this fast acting drop can cause a climber to panic. Human nature is to tense up in this sort of situation which causes one to grab the handle harder,

 

Climb safe.

 

It's not just the Rig that functions this way. Look at the Lockjack and Spiderjack. I've been climbing on an LJ for years and the free fall moment can happen at any time. Last week I had my back to the tree on a limb walk so was operating the LJ behind me and pulled on the toggle too hard, resulting in a momentary bottom clencher.

Training, experience and mental conditioning are essential but human nature can intervene.

The answer? Stay at home?

[Paul D]

I perhaps over stated my concern by using the word "major". I have found this to be the only safety concern with the Rig (literally the only one whether small or great) and would agree with Dave that with training it is easily overcome. The panic grab with the Rig is different than a hitch based system because friction heat is not contacting the users hand like it would with a panicked grip on a hitch. This burning should cause the user to release the hitch but previous accidents have proven this does not always happen.

 

The designation by Petzl for "expert users only" stems from the lack of a panic release and unlike the I'D the rig does not lock up if the rope is threaded incorrectly. These are both non issues in my mind with proper training but the I'D offers some protection from themselves for inexperienced climbers.

 

The answer is training, staying at home is never an option. Oldmilltrees I could see how your "momentary bottom clincher" could occur but its sounds to me like you were able to recover without pulling on the LJ until you hit the ground. A proper mindset and an understanding of the limitations of any gear will go a long way towards safe and efficient climbing.

 

I prefer the small Petzl Swivel and will note its the only type of swivel I have used.

[Paul Smith]

 

the RW is better there I think, especially when the new smaller , sleeker, ZK-2.0 hits the market this year hopefully?

 

Kevin, when is the ZK-2.0 out and will it be mountable mid line?

[Old Mill Tree Care]

I perhaps over stated my concern by using the word "major". I have found this to be the only safety concern with the Rig (literally the only one whether small or great) and would agree with Dave that with training it is easily overcome. The panic grab with the Rig is different than a hitch based system because friction heat is not contacting the users hand like it would with a panicked grip on a hitch. This burning should cause the user to release the hitch but previous accidents have proven this does not always happen.

 

The designation by Petzl for "expert users only" stems from the lack of a panic release and unlike the I'D the rig does not lock up if the rope is threaded incorrectly. These are both non issues in my mind with proper training but the I'D offers some protection from themselves for inexperienced climbers.

 

The answer is training, staying at home is never an option. Oldmilltrees I could see how your "momentary bottom clincher" could occur but its sounds to me like you were able to recover without pulling on the LJ until you hit the ground. A proper mindset and an understanding of the limitations of any gear will go a long way towards safe and efficient climbing.

 

I prefer the small Petzl Swivel and will note its the only type of swivel I have used.

 

 

You're right, on this occasion I eased about three inches more rope than I intended to but it serves as a reminder.

I agree with you entirely on the training and product knowledge aspect. Specialist gear is available to anybody off the street and this in itself can lead to misadventure.

 

I'm also intrigued as to the ZK2. Any news any one?

[Cary Gibson]

Kevin, when is the ZK-2.0 out and will it be mountable mid line?

 

yeah my broski'....when is it arriving?

[kevin bingham]

Youll be the first to know

[Cary Gibson]

ha ha ha ha...epic man do you feel the revolution Kevin, the hum? the buzz? it is getting crazy man