Petzl Stop

[ocanler]

Are some of you using the Petzl Stop in canyons? I've used it a lot in caves. It only works on single rope 8-11mm. I know Europeans canyoneers use it a lot. The biggest advantage is the auto-block function: If you let go of the break hand, you will stop.
Also if you need your hands free you just let go or the red handle. I will compare with my Piranha on a trip next month to Zion.
46898

[ratagonia]

Are some of you using the Petzl Stop in canyons? I've used it a lot in caves. It only works on single rope 8-11mm. I know Europeans canyoneers use it a lot. The biggest advantage is the auto-block function: If you let go of the break hand, you will stop.
Also if you need your hands free you just let go or the red handle. I will compare with my Piranha on a trip next month to Zion.
46898

I've used it for the last rap out of Heaps, 290'. It's OK. on 8mm, it is a Petzl "slow", you actually have to pull the handle in the reverse direction to get it to stop. It does allow rappelling maybe twice as fast as any other method. But, the handle is sharp and digs into the hand, and gets hot in that 290 feet. I like the Pirana plus Zrig better, most of the time.

:moses:

[DOSS]

I am not fond of the Stop as I swear that thing loves to glaze ropes unnecessarily.. it just gets hot faster than I think it should (probably because it makes you want to go fast)...

[Deathcricket]

46995

[hank moon]

If you let go of the break hand, you will stop...
Also if you need your hands free you just let go or the red handle.

If you simply let go of the rope with the brake hand, you will NOT stop. The brake hand is the one gripping the braking end of the rope. The self-braking function only works if the handle is released. And...if you release the handle, you might stop, depending on many other factors. Like any other rappel device, it is essential to maintain a grip on the brake strand of the rope, and to properly lock off the device to go hands free. The effectiveness of the self-braking function varies greatly with rope diameter, condition, etc.

[ratagonia]

If you simply let go of the rope with the brake hand, you will NOT stop. The brake hand is the one gripping the braking end of the rope. The self-braking function only works if the handle is released. And...if you release the handle, you might stop, depending on many other factors. Like any other rappel device, it is essential to maintain a grip on the brake strand of the rope, and to properly lock off the device to go hands free. The effectiveness of the self-braking function varies greatly with rope diameter, condition, etc.

As Hank said, I find it better to squeeze the handle, and control the speed with the brake hand. Trying to control with the handle tend to go too fast / stop - not a good plan.

Tom