 The figure 8
The figure 8 has been around a long time, can be used for all three rope techniques and if it has ears, you have soft-lock options.
The figure 8, configured in the traditional way, twists the rope below you. Normally this is just an annoyance, but there are safety issues. I would never, ever recommend regular use of a figure 8. Not if there are better options.
I do think it's important for all tree climbers to use one just to understand friction control through an 8, but for performance climbing an 8 just does not cut it. There are better options already out there, and we will explore a number of them, but our goal is to determine, "What IS the best, all-around work positioning device for tree climbers?" if it does not exist, we will create it. If we accidentally learn a lot about devices that have already been conceived, well, all right then. If we learn a lot about friction itself, and the precision control of friction, I think we're better for it. |