Awesome CANYONEERING descender. It is essentially a modified figure 8. Used in Zion NP with a 8mm Static rope. Loading your rope doesn't require removal of the pirana from your harness. Multiple friction settings are critical when working with small ropes like 8-9mm.
This is not a swiss army knife Its purpose built for canyoneering. If you are not going canyoneering there are many other options available that are superior.
Descender takes practice to use safely. I can't stress this enough.
Not designed or intended for abseiling from a helicopter.
Easy use and multiple levels of friction. This makes for easy repels on many size ropes. If you read the review on excessive twisting of rope, then you have never used to many devices. If you can find me a device on the market that won't twist a rope, I'll be amazed. This is a great device especially when using 9mm ropes.
Silent equipment for clandestine ops. Possible to choose different levels of friction.
Highly dangerous ! Asymmetry of device leads to excessive twisting of rope. If rope is not very carefully un-twisted after each descent, twist will accumulate and may at best block the device, at worst cause the occupant to lose grip of rope. Serious accident resulting in almost-lethal injury occured autumn 2008, during abseiling from helicopter (NATO country.) Manufacturer at time unaware of feature, no mention of risk in written documentation. Manufacturer was immediately notified and recommended to have product WITHDRAWN.
Any symmetrical figure-og-eight, self-locking descenders
(Comment written by member of investigation board after cited accident.)
