HI, what is the best solo belay device for winter and sub-freezing conditions.Someone say me that the soloist is a good choice. What are you thinking?

pierre marchand, france

-- Pierre (pr.marchand@laposte.net), July 12, 2001

Answers

seeing as how they all depend upon metal camming devices and not rubber or other such materials they would all be pretty good. The soloist is the one I know the most about as it is obviously the most poular, but I have heard a few things about the silent partner. peas, and good luck. p.s. solo winter travel goin' vertical? you crazy

-- adam hicks (climbhoser@yahoo.com), July 24, 2001.

warning: the silent partner: bad idea!!!

-- steve smith (ssmith@yahoo.com), July 26, 2001.

Why do you say the silent partner is a bad idea?

-- a (A@hotmail.com), September 10, 2001.

>Why do you say the silent partner is a bad idea?

In cold weather the internal clutch malfunctions and will not cinch the barrel with the clove hitch on it. Also it is not recomended for icy ropes, as per the .pdf manual available at http://www.wrenindustries.com/silentpart_home.htm

-- nathan sweet (n42461@aol.com), September 14, 2001.

I use a Gri-gri for soloing all the time - I don't see how it could malfunction in the winter. I've also used a Solo Aid, which would certainly work too. Whatever you do, though, ALWAYS tie a backup knot, eh?

Cheers, Pete

-- Pass the Pitons Pete (peterzabrok@home.com), September 29, 2001.

I have a question for Pass the Pitons Pete,

I am looking for a good solo device. You said that you use a gri- gri "all the time." How?? Do you use it in lead situations? Why did you choose it over other devices such as the soloist? Also, do you know anyhting about the Hewbolt?

Thanks, Andy

-- Andy Logan (andylogan25@msn.com), July 28, 2003.