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BlueWater Ropes Rescue 8

rated 5.0 of 5 stars
photo: BlueWater Ropes Rescue 8 belay/rappel device

A must-have item for folks on rope!

Pros

  • "Ears" prevent girth hitches
  • Large enough to use with gloves on

Cons

  • Heavier/bulkier than smaller models

I work with two of these. The first is in my personal climbing bag, for use in my caving activities. The second is in the "Rescue Bag" on the high ropes challenge course I manage in central Illinois.

The primary advantage of a Rescue 8 over a smaller Figure 8 are the protruding "ears" on each side. These ears prevent an unexpected girth hitch from occurring in the middle of a rescue. The large opening also allows for an extra turn of the rope, when you need to support/lower two full grown adults.

In my program, we hook the 8 onto the belay cable, above the victim. The working end is attached to the victim; the running end is dropped to a ground belayer, who uses a belay tube (ATC) for added friction.

I've trained dozens of high ropes facilitators on emergency rescue take downs, and I wouldn't stock a rescue bag without this item in it.


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Source: bought it new
Price Paid: retail

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Specs

Price Historic Range: $32.44-$65.00
Strength 22 kN
Weight 210 g
Length 6.5 in
Width 6 in
Product Details from BlueWater Ropes »

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