SplashClimber Posted August 28, 2009 Posted August 28, 2009 Just wondering how many people use the Kong Gigi. I just ordered one, as I thought it might function in autolock mode better than other devices. Quote
genepires Posted August 28, 2009 Posted August 28, 2009 My own feeling but I think if feeds in easier for belaying your partner up. It doesn't work at all for belaying a leader (in stitch plate mode), so I bring a ATC for that and rappeling. That total weight is not bad and the backup rappel device (the gi gi) has come in handy many times. Â I don't think too many people around here may have used a gi gi especially since petzl and BD makes something of the same thing. You ordered one and I doubt you can you even buy one locally. Maybe in squamish. Quote
Buckaroo Posted August 29, 2009 Posted August 29, 2009 the ATC guide and new Petzl Reverso 3 do the same thing and more with less pieces. Â the Reverso 3 is the lightest of the bunch. Quote
SplashClimber Posted August 29, 2009 Author Posted August 29, 2009 (edited) We shall see how the Gigi goes. I have the BD ATC-Guide and still working on its use in autolock mode (ironing out the kinks, but still trying). I do not like how slow the BD ATC-Guide is for me when I am rappelling (even in low-friction mode), but that is tolerable. So I thought maybe I would try the gigi for rappelling, and see how it goes for the autoblock mode. Â I also have the Petzl Reverso3, but have not been able to try it out yet. Edited August 30, 2009 by SplashClimber Quote
kurthicks Posted August 30, 2009 Posted August 30, 2009 The Gigi is far superior IMO for use belaying up a follower (or two at once) due to it's slightly wider slots which translates into less friction, thus fatigue on the elbows, when pulling in rope. Sure, it doesn't belay a leader very well, but it rappels more smoothly than the Reverso 3 or ATC-Guide. If you find yourself belaying followers more than belaying a leader (e.g. you're the ropegun most of the time) then the GiGi is for you. Â Take the ATC-Guide for crag routes or when you want to get elbow tendonitis. Quote
G-spotter Posted August 30, 2009 Posted August 30, 2009 the GiGi is outdated technology.  1) you need more biners to use it than you do for a Reverso or ATC guide  2) you can't belay the leader with it safely  3) it wears out quickly since it is soft aluminum  4) due to 2 you have to bring another belay device anyway  it is nice and smooth though, but it's excess weight Quote
catbirdseat Posted August 30, 2009 Posted August 30, 2009 It may have a place on a guide's rack if he belays two seconds frequently. The ATC Guide works okay for that, but just okay. Quote
LostCamKenny Posted September 3, 2009 Posted September 3, 2009 the GiGi is outdated technology.  1) you need more biners to use it than you do for a Reverso or ATC guide  2) you can't belay the leader with it safely  3) it wears out quickly since it is soft aluminum  4) due to 2 you have to bring another belay device anyway  it is nice and smooth though, but it's excess weight  This seems like a pretty powerful index of reasons not to use one, especially when a guide or a reverso can handle the job(s)! Quote
layton Posted September 5, 2009 Posted September 5, 2009 you save a lot of time with it since you dont' have to take the 2nd off belay (they never have to anchor in) to switch the device to lead belay mode - just bring em up, put them on belay, and your off Quote
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