Page 160 - Rappelling
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The Sterling ATS is another sophisticated rappelling device designed for canyoneering, offering
various rigging profiles.
most popular canyoneering rappel device, the Petzl that when you retrieve your rope, this carabiner will
Pirana, works well on a single line, and additional get banged up on the way down.
friction can be added as the rappeller nears the In rock climbing situations, blocking the rap-
bottom. Obviously, the carabiner or knot used as a pel rope can allow the rappeller to descend using
block must be larger than the aperture of the rappel an assisted braking device (e.g., the Petzl Grigri
rings, chain links, or quick links. The key to safely or Trango Cinch). In situations where weight is a
using a block, however, is to always rig a backup to critical factor, a standard diameter rope (10mm or
the block, simply by tying a figure eight loop and thicker) can be used in conjunction with a light
clipping it into the rappel strand with a locking line (7mm), with the rappel made on the single,
carabiner. One of the drawbacks of using a block is thicker line.
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