Getting comfortable using a figure 8 belay device
If you're thinking about using a figure 8 belay device, you're probably looking for that classic, smooth feel that modern tube-style devices or assisted braking gadgets sometimes just can't replicate. While most gyms and sport climbers have moved toward things like the Grigri or the ATC, the "Figure 8" remains a staple in certain circles, especially among canyoneers, search and rescue teams, and old-school climbers who swear by its simplicity. It's a chunk of aluminum that looks exactly like the number it's named after, and honestly, there's something satisfying about how straightforward it is. ...