Cassin Twin belay device

[Colin]

Has anyone out there used or heard about the Cassin "Twin" belay device. It is supposed to be a lightweight, autolocking device for double or twin ropes. There's a picture of it at:

http://www.cassin.it/215e.htm

[This message has been edited by Colin (edited 12-07-2000).]

[Ade]

Nope. Why is this any better than a Black Diamond ATC (or similar)?

[Colin]

I think that it might be a good choice for double or twin rope systems, simply because it is autolocking. The Kong GiGi does this for followers, but this device is supposedly autolocking for both leaders and followers with double or twin ropes. Therefore, one could eat, take pictures, or organize the rack while belaying (as long as they do a good enough job of paying out or taking in slack).

[Guest]

I haven't used the Cassin Twin but if you need a device for double rope work then you might want to look at use the Gi-Gi or if you can find a New Alp (not sold in the US) that might work. The Gi-Gi and New Alp work in a similar fasion - really the same principal as a carabiner brake, but they are slicker. The Gi-Gi and New Alp can be difficult to use for lead climbing since they lock up so easily, but they are nice for belaying two "seconds" at a time. They both lock up nice in case you need to manage the belay or take a picture.

You might want to look at the new Omega Pacific belay device. It doesn't autolock, but it can handle single, double and twin systems and it super smooth to use. Real easy to feed rope for a leader and quick locking.

A friend of mine just got a Metolius BRD and he likes it. Real easy to brake.

[Laner]

The Cassin Twin works, but it's awkward to use and can easily be rigged incorrectly if you're not familiar with it. You don't thread it like you think you're supposed to. Be sure to read the poor instructions and practice with it prior to actual use! Other downsides: it's heavy and somewhat awkward to rack; it only works with thin ropes (only up to about nines). Still, with experience and familiarity, it can be a decent tool.

[J_Fisher]

I recently picked up a Gi-gi, which as an earlier poster mentioned is pretty similar. It's a huge improvement over an ATC or munter hitch for belaying one or two seconds on double ropes. Agree that it would suck for belaying a leader. But for climbing in threes on two ropes or if one person is doing most of the leading, it's a godsend

[Colin]

Thanks Laner. I geuss I'll just stick with my ATC (although I do have a gi-gi for specific, but not most, situations).