Pantin $67

Designed as a foot ascender for the frog system for deep systems, the Pantin can be helpful when ascending free drops, passing knots, crossing rebelays or changing over. Kicks easily on and off rope. May be used in some ropewalkers.

Tibloc $26

The Petzl Tibloc was designed as an emergency ascender. Can be used in ascending systems or in haul systems. Works best with round-cross section HMS carabiner. And the Tibloc can also be used to open beer bottles. At 39g there's not much reason NOT to carry one.

Locked Off

Normal Rappel with use of J-Bar

Normal Rappel without use of J-Bar

BMS Racks In our opinion, the Micro-Rack is the best all-around descender made today. The Micro-Rack offers a wonderful combination of compact size and versatility. The standard 8" frame is great for technical ropework. (Also available in 10" for use with large diameter rescue rope.) The frame and the hollow bars are made of stainless steel. The entire system tests to over 14,000 lbs. and every Micro-Rack is tested to 1000 lbs. before it leaves BMS. The Micro-Rack provides plenty of control, especially when using the "J-Bar," and it locks and unlocks more easily then a standard open frame rack. BMS   8" Micro-Rack $65 BMS 10" Micro-Rack $68 Double Hyper Bar   8" Micro-Rack $73 Double Hyper Bar 10" Micro-Rack $75 BMS 6-Bar Rescue Rack $100 BMS 4-Bar Rescue Rack $83 BMS 4-Bar w/Double Hyper Bar $100 BMS Open-Frame Rack $90     Micro Rack Replacement Bars   Hyper Bar $16 Swing Bar $11 Fixed Bar $10

SMC Racks

These are the old standard. Long racks provide for widely variable friction and are good for long, simply rigged, drops. Stainless steel bars last longer but are heavier and give less friction. Aluminum bars give more friction but wear faster and leave black stuff on the rope.

Kong Figure Eights

Classic Eight $11
Aluminum Figure Eight w/Ears $30
Steel Rescue Eight w/Ears $35

Stainless Rescue Eight w/Ears $45

Kong Indy $110

A double-brake descender that really works! Innovative design puts the brake mechanism at the far end of the gripping surface, providing increased stopping ability. Squeeze the handle to release brake to descend. The Indy stops of you squeeze too hard-as in an emergency. Great for rappelling with heavy loads, rigging trips, training programs, and anywhere you want the added security.

Petzl Descenders These are classic European bobbin-style defenders. The Stop has a lever which must be held to move. When released descent should slow or cease. With the Simple, your brake hand controls all the movement. Both work best on 8-10 mm rope, but can be used on rope up to 12 mm. Petzl Stop $85 Petzl Simple $47