Michoacán

I found the zig zag to be either insta-grip or free fall...maybe that's just me? Does the wrench add some reliably smooth friction to the feel or is it the same kinda free fall descending but on srt?
 
AshWilliams said:
I found the zig zag to be either insta-grip or free fall...maybe that's just me? Does the wrench add some reliably smooth friction to the feel or is it the same kinda free fall descending but on srt?
Click to expand...
Well, it did seem rather touchy at first, requiring getting used to. I think it would be quite sensitive to rope choice, size, and whether one's rope was wet or dry, etc. It worked fine on my Tachyon Ash. One thing I don't like about the ZZ is that the top part where you would have your fingers to control it, is not very big and with gloves on it is hard to gauge how much pressure to apply. I wonder if some sort of wooden or plastic donut floating above it would help, to give more to get a hold of. Also, the operation of the ZZ depends in large part on a very small internal spring at the top, for it to successfully grab the rope. If that got clogged with sap or dirt, the ZZ might fail to lock onto the rope and will merely slide down. This is not so bad if the wrench is above it but still a serious issue. I am not sure I like the thought of my life and health depending on a tiny fifty cent spring!
 
I put my index finger above the top spring tab and my other fingers between the next three lower links when I grip the zigzag for decent. This gives the zigzag a similar feel and action to a friction hitch and allows smooth control of decent rate. With that grip I can depress the top spring tab and still hold in place until I apply downward pressure with the rest of my hand. The only problem is the zigzag gets hot on longer rapid decents and can burn your hand. Atlas gloves resolve that problem.
 
@delimbinator; Another great post! I think this is the first time I have ever read anywhere this technique for using the ZigZag well. It sounds very similar to the advice given by Kevin Bingham for using his Rope Runner well. (@treebing). Your ability to maintain position while applying pressure to the spring tab sounds like you have the ultimate in control with the device.

Thanks for posting this tip. It is relatively priceless information for folks trying to make the Zig Zag work well, in my humble opinion.

Tim
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

New threads New posts

Back
Top Bottom