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Originally Posted by newguy18  So why doesn't any one use a gibbs ascender or the like in stead of a friction hitch?I'm sure that it would save money and rope in the long run? |
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Originally Posted by newguy18 I wasn't planning on testing it personally I was just wondering if any one uses or tried it.My friend Jerry used to do it. |
Trouble with learning "old school" is picking up bad habits, perhaps from things that sort of worked but nothing else was around or available.
A Gibbs ascender cannot be abseiled upon safely. It relies purely on locking off the rope with downward pressure and has no gentle semi open positioning for smooth descent like a Gri Gri.
I also know people who reckon they climb on a shunt, same problem. If you open the jaw or relieve pressure on the jaw you go down at a rate of knots.
You may use a Gibbs on your lanyard, same problem. If you are leaning back and release the jaw you fall backwards ... hence having to either hold the rope or the tree/branch etc.
Both recreational rock climbing tutors or qualified arborists/rescue personel are trained with knowledge and the short comings of these devices, I urge you broaden your spectrum of what is out there and who delivers the knowledge.