Descender Question

The I'd would work but there are tools that are more functional. Check out the threads that discuss the Edilrid Eddy. It is one of my favorite rope tools, after the Unicender.
 
The I'd and Eddy aren't really appropriate for DdRT(running systems). The Blake's hitch will serve you better than the Taughtline(pictured). Sounds to me like you'd better get some intermediate hands-on training before venturing further. No offense, just hard to learn some things over the internet.

Keep climbing!
 
I agree with getting more training,sorry for calling the taughtline a prusik got alot of knots memorized in the 'ol noggin. The blake's hitch looks like it is less likely to slip like I have had the taughtline do on more than one ocassion. It's not a good filling to be fifty feet up in the air and you free fall about five feet before you can either dig in your spikes or the rope grabs.
 
Hi AF, it is good to see a new guy interested in advancing his skills and knowledge and this is a great place to do so you will get responses from some really good climbers who all use slightly different techniques. The pic you posted is of a tautline hitch improperly tied most commonly refered to as a speed knot.a tautline hitch should have two wraps under and two wraps over with a stopper knot to keep it from rolling out. A Blakes hitch is a little more user friendly and tied with the same cords you are showing. There are several other prusiks or hitches that can be tied with an eye&eye prusik cord these are a little more advanced but work very well. The ID you showed can be used as a replacement for a hitch but it is very expensive and bulky and not very user friendly although very safe. My recomendation to you is learn more about tying knots,hitches,prusiks,etc. because if climbing is what you are doing your LIFE depends on it!!!
 
I agree with what has already been said. I'm still fairly new myself but my advise would be to learn the knots and make sure you know them. Then if you really would like to advance to mechanical descenders go for it. Check ART products, but i stress learning the basics first. Good luck and keep trying, above all be safe.
 
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if your looking to use a descender to get out of a tree just use a figure 8 its cheap and simple!

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It's amazing how many tree guys (and rock climbers too) reject the figure 8 because it twists the rope. I use one whenever I have a long trip to the ground rather than burning my hitch and the cambium.

Eights do twist the rope but not bad, it's never been much of a problem to me. I think a lot of people want a fail-safe of sorts in case they let go with their brake hand... it is nice to be able to stop and lock easily on rappel but I don't want to carry a heavy Grigri in the tree.
 
Unless tree climbers have solid experience and training in rock/mountain or other single line climbing I'm not 100% comfortable about recommending 8's/tubers...etc. Since tree climbers are taught from day one to 'let go/lock off' their muscle memory gets programmed that way.

OK...I know, Blinky and I have talked about this before too :) Tree climbers need to take extra precautions when blending in rope tools from other disciplines.

Arbos are known for bringing the tools but leaving the techniques.
 
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