The classic device for belaying seconds with an auto-lock, it can also be used for other applications such as an emergency ascender, crevase rescue, and lowering heavy loads. Images |
Reviews
| hmronnow | Untitled Review | | 
Voted 5/5 | This is one of my standard equipment pieces. I use it to:
- Belay second and third 'en fleche'. I climb with middle of a double rope, once at a belay point, I clip in the gigi and two persons can follow me simultaneously and independently.
If they have trouble getting over a crux, I can even move away from the belay point (holding my end of the rope going back through the gigi to the second) over an edge to give advice for a crux and still belay them securely.
Once second arrives, we just leave the Gigi as his tie-in point, I get his gigi and continue next leg of the climb - for fast switcing.
- Rapelling: I use the gigi as friction and a french prusik as stopper. This system allows me to hang with hands free to sort out rope, take photos or just enjoy the feel of hanging safely exposed. Considering how easy it is to rapell safely, I do not understand why people - in particular beginners rappes on a figure of eight or similar, where letting go of the rope means falling down.
- Self belaying:
With a top-rope in place, the gigi can act as an auto-locking self-belay device. (true, I have to pull the rope through myself, but that just simulates needing a hand free to place protection if I was lead climbing). Having failed the overhaning roof the 7th time, I just add my prusik, turn the gigi around and rapell down.
- Gerenal rope manouvering. The ability to switch from auto-locking to friction provider makes it usefull for all kinds of ropework. Some examples are shown at:
http://www.kong.it/doc412.htm
In summary, I am very happy with my gigis - they are simple, light weight and cheap. | | Posted Aug 13, 2003 11:46 am |
| tommi | Untitled Review | | 
Voted 5/5 | I also use it for rappelling or when i use double or twin ropes, its an older piece but I wont miss it | | Posted Jan 21, 2007 5:49 pm |
| sergio | I won't climb without it | | 
Hasn't voted | I have tried many belay/rappel devices, but the Gigi is definetely the best at belaying seconds. The rope feeds smoothly without kinks. Wet or frozen, it makes no difference, it still the best at feeding the rope. I don't use the Gigi to rappel just because I find it faster to use an ATC, especially with skinny single ropes. And BTW, did I mention it is the cheapest belay device on the market? | | Posted May 3, 2007 11:24 pm |
| Jeroen Vels | Good, but... | | 
Voted 3/5 | It works great for belay one or two seconds up and for rapelling. But you still need an extra belay device to belay a leader. For this reason I prefer the use of for instance a Reverso. | | Posted Jan 3, 2008 2:21 pm |
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