Good move mike. Although i do like belaying with Grigris, and have used them for work purposes
extensively, in gyms i think they're a bad move.
The Edelrid Eddy seems very similar to the Petzl I'D. Although the I'D is advertised (and used) mainly as
an industrial descender, it can be used as a belay device. The 'panic feature', where by if you push on
the handle it will 'click' and you can't push any further, and at this point the cam will engage fully.
Provided you've threaded it the right way and using the right diameter ropes the device should lock off.
I have had a very close call with a ground fall while being belayed by someone, usinga Grigri, who i trust
and consider an experienced belayer. This was indoors. The device had been treaded correctly, and
although i did not see there style of belaying at the time i have a fair idea it was not the method Petzl
endorses. And it's not the method i use either.
'Standard' tried and true methods like the sticht plate, ATC and all the ones like it i believe are the easiest
for the gyms to police, to train people in and to prevent some potentially deadly situations.
But when it comes down to it, human error is maybe the biggest factor and can never be totally prevented.
Training can give you the tools to aid in prevention, however there will always be distractions. |