It's alright,  Wednesday, 14 November 2007 This tool is slightly better than a figure 8. There are several ways you can put the rope on the tool, which allow you more or less friction. That part is good.

The downsides are: It twists the rope (like an 8 would) and you HAVE to use a Petzl carabiner (the hole on the left isn't big enough to fit most 'biners).

If you are considering getting this tool, I recommend a rap rack instead. There is practically NO twist in the rope while descending with a rack. Some models also allow you to adjust the friction.

love
nick

 Not too shabby,  Wednesday, 14 November 2007 This was my first helmet. I bought one about 5 years ago. The only thing I never liked about it is that I couldn't seem to get it to sit straight on the top of my head. It always wanted to flop to the left or the right. I think this is because the helmet is rounder than my head is.

Other than that- it is easy to adjust, the ventilation helps keep you cool, the foam pad is resilient, and most importantly, it takes stickers well!

This helmet is not the lightest on the market, so keep that in mind.

love
nick

 My new favorite carabiner,  Thursday, 04 October 2007 I got one of these like a year and a half ago, and never really used it much. For whatever reason, about 4 months ago, just started using it on my climbing line. I immediately fell in love with it. It is compact and out of the way...but it is still an HMS...I can tie a Munter in 1/2" line with no prob. The spine (major axis) is a little thicker than the top and bottom of the carabiner. Interesting design. I've found that on a tight eye splice, or on a cinching knot, the thickness of the spine keeps the rope in place. This serves as a free, easy way to prevent cross loading!

It is worth mentioning that this is referred to as a quad-lock carabiner. Most are double or triple locking. I know some people get hung up on what "double locking" actually means. Regardless, this carabiner does have one MORE step than any other 'biner I've used or seen. It is subtle, but it is enough to prevent accidental opening. Yet, by hand, it opens quite naturally.

My next round of 'biner purchasing will include several of these.

love
nick

 GET a Rocket,  Friday, 21 September 2007 The BEST throwbags in the world! They come from far, far away. This brings their price up a bit. But once you start using this bag, you will quickly forget about the few extra dollars you spent. It is the right firmness to not bounce around the canopy too much. The multicolor design is easier to see than 1 color throwbags. The lead shot is encased in a rubber internal bladder so you never are exposed to lead dust. The internal bladder also minimizes friction between the fill and the outside nylon.

I lost mine a while ago. I dropped it from 80' up in a Sycamore and it landed in the duff, never to be seen again. I'm buying a new one right now!

Get the original.

love
nick

 Very Expensive, but sooooo smooth,  Monday, 17 September 2007 Super expensive friction saver/false crotch. It is VERY smooth, though. I love mine. It is my preferred method of anchoring my rope. If you don't mind the cost, get one. You won't be disappointed with it in use.

love
nick