The Giga supports what is basically "ATC" mode, completely eliminating the brake assist functionality. I would never recommend belaying with the mega in "backwards" position. The mega can be used "backwards" but: Rappelling, if you need to go back up, you now have to fully escape the device before ascending which can be an extra step for some systems for belaying, it would be a huge pain in the ass and possibly even dangerous. If you set it up this way you can orient the rope bearing liner in the device with the ropes over the spine and spread the wear out even more.Īs far as I can tell, both devices have the same features: assisted braking, double-rope rappel, belaying a second in "guide mode", and both can be operated "backwards" to remove the assisted braking and function like a normal tuber for belaying and rappelling The BD ATC also raps very smoothly this way and you are less likely to drop the device when taking ropes in and out. It works fine set up as a normal tube or its even smoother if you set it up clipped to your harness/extension through the guide hole (reverse the orientation of the brake and weighted strands). Re: rapping, I rarely or never rap with the Gigajul in assisted braking mode. I think the Gigajul has a place among all those others and I mostly use mine for TR solo working routes where I'm setting up fixed lines and rapping the route over and over, and for easier climbs with long rappels off the top to save wear on the lighter aluminum tubers. Overall I have routinely used BD ATC Guide, Petzl Reverso 4, Grivel Master Pro, Madrock Lifeguard, Petzl Grigri1 and Grigri2, Beal Birdie, and the Gigajul. Save your fancy light weight $30 autolocker for meaningful alpine climbs, not cragging). the Metolius round stock locker or simple BD Rocklock) if you are doing lots of lowering or raps on any tube device. To Noel's point, basic round stock carabiners are pretty cheap and a wear item (i.e. Comparitively, the Petzl Reverso 4 (and newer version) wear out pretty fast and much faster than the standard BD ATC guide. dirty ropes or climb on softer sandstones, etc) it's nice to have the stainless steel wear areas of either device. Also, if you wear through a lot of ATCs (i.e. I wouldn't take it alpine rock climbing (although I have) but its a great tuber for cragging or shorter multipitch. The Giga is certainly heavier but works better in the different modes with a range of ropes.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |