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When an experienced climber – for example, a well-trained industrial climber, a tree worker or a height rescuer – leads a new colleague to abseil as a trainer, Petzl’s I’ds are usually more in demand than Petzl’s RIGs. The reason for this is the built-in self-braking anti-panic function of this abseiling system.
Beginners and newcomers who do not yet have sufficient experience in fast abseiling often make mistakes. They panic when working at high altitudes, for example, and therefore want to approach the ground again as quickly as possible. The I’d is also very useful when climbing in an area that is difficult to access, as it is more likely to slip when climbing up or down. Many moderately experienced climbers believe they have mastered the Petzl RIG after a short familiarization.
However, most people do not manage to react to an emergency situation in the event of a sudden fall contrary to the natural reaction of the human being – namely calm and correct. Newcomers often do not thread the rope properly into the abseiling system. In this case, a built-in safety lock would prevent the rope from getting caught or unthreading from the descender device when the rope is pushed on.
One Wrong Move – And It’s Done
An inconsiderate release of the hands from the rope or an accidental release of the safety device – and it’s done. Pulled down by his own weight, the careless newcomer falls uncontrollably into the depths. If he does not react quickly enough in such a crisis, this can lead to serious injuries or death. Without an automatic braking device or a built-in safety lock, the rope will rush through all other safety devices without being braked.
If the descent is too fast, however, the built-in braking device automatically comes into effect with the I’d Abseiling System from Petzl. The climber can release the locked block by means of the automatically triggered anti-panic function. Then he can calmly and controlled abseil further down. Petzl’s IDs mean additional safety for experienced climbers. They protect inexperienced climbers who want to train correct and safe abseiling from different heights and situations from the occurrence of dramatic situations.
What are the strengths of Petzl’s I’ds?
A Petzl I’d is a self-braking descender with a built-in anti-panic function. This abseiling system has been designed for tree work, dangerous height work by industrial climbers or technical rescue operations at higher altitudes. With this descender, the descent can be controlled by an ergonomic lever. For example, the user can lower slowly or more quickly to half height. He can stay there for further work by snapping in the abseiling aid without further securing. The built-in anti-panic function and the automatic safety lock minimize the risk of serious injuries in the event of an operating error.
If you would like to take a closer look at the I’d, click here*.
The Auto-Lock system allows the user of a Petzl I’d to remain in a self-selected position on a cooling tower – without using the lever or tying the device. The rope can then be pulled in again without further lever actuation. A safety clip makes it possible for the abseiling device to remain attached to the harness when a rope with a diameter of 4.9 – 5.1 inches is inserted. With the Petzl I’d descender, heavy loads weighing up to 620 pounds can be descended if necessary. This means that the ID has an advantage over the RIG when abseiling a full 180 pounds more payload.
What are the Strengths of a Petzl RIG?
The new abseiling system Petzl Rig, introduced in 2018, can be classified in the functions between a GriGri* and the I’d just described. However, the Petzl RIG abseiling system does not require the anti-panic function described above. It has a protective grid. This allows the user to thread the rope without having to loosen the karabiner. The Petzl RIG also has a slightly larger handle. It is suitable for thicker ropes than a GriGri.
If you would like to take a closer look at this amazing device, available on Amazon, you can do so here*.
From this point of view, RIGs are particularly suitable for experienced industrial climbers or well-trained high-altitude rescuers. Thanks to their experience and sufficient training, they have the ability to react correctly in emergencies. In a crisis situation, these climbers would need to be alert enough to let go of the RIG grip to stop the rapid fall. In the event of a fall, however, such action would be against all inner instincts.
With a RIG, height rescuers can therefore abseil very quickly in an emergency, without a built-in anti-panic function being activated. An abseiling device does not distinguish between deliberately executed fast abseiling, an accidentally too fast abseiling or a panic behavior that ultimately led to a fall. Due to the absence of the anti-panic brake on the RIG, a lot of training can be used to achieve a fast abseiling, which is not braked out automatically.
How do Experienced Users see the Petzl I’d?
Experienced and level-headed mountain rescuers, trained tree climbers and well-trained industrial workers can do nothing wrong with the Petzl RIG. For anxious and inexperienced climbers, however, the Petzl RIG is an unsuitable abseiling device. This is where the Petzl I’d abseiling system with its anti-panic function comes in.
This standard abseiling device, which was designed for the new climber or the inexperienced height rescuer, includes a multifunction handle. There is a button on this, which enables controlled abseiling in various types of terrain. The built-in anti-panic function is automatically triggered if the multifunction lever is pulled too hard.
If the rope is threaded incorrectly, the Petzl I’d also locks automatically via a safety clip. This minimizes the risk of accidents caused by jammed ropes. During the ascent, the rope slides through the device without any problems thanks to the swiveling clamping cam. The abseiling device cannot slip or fall from the climber because the opening with the safety clip on the movable side plate prevents it from doing so. This also simplifies the installation of the device on the rope or sliding down on other intermediate safety devices.
Threading of the rope is facilitated by the swiveling side part. If the Petzl I’d is to be used within a more comprehensive rescue set, the swivel side plate can be secured with a locking screw. For example, the RIG can be used as a backstop in height rescue operations or when rappelling heavy loads within a pulley block system with a loose pulley.
The Petzl I’dD is suitable for carrying a climber with a maximum body weight of 310 pounds to his high-altitude workplace. Attention: the tools and equipment taken along have already been included in this weight. When abseiling, however, a maximum weight of 550 pounds can be used. With this abseiling device, however, this is only possible for experienced climbers who have been trained in height rescue and the use of these devices. Thanks to these features, experienced climbers regard the Petzl I’d as a very good abseiling aid for inexperienced, safety-conscious or unsafe climbers.
The further development of the Petzl STOP abseiling system has proven itself. The Petzl I’d saves time because the multifunction handle makes it easy to hold the rope in position. The built-in anti-panic function prevents the climber from accidentally touching the handle and rushing into the depth without braking. The anti-error function is also useful if the rope has not been properly inserted.
Experienced climbers see only the dimensions of the abseiling device as a disadvantage. As it weighs more and is a third larger than Petzl’s RIG, experienced users may find these features – as well as the automatic anti-panic device – annoying.
How do Experienced Users rate Petzl’s RIG?
Experienced and well-trained climbers, technicians or height rescuers can hardly do anything wrong with a Petzl RIG for rope-supported work at great heights. The abseiling device is suitable for single ropes with a diameter of 4.1 to 4.5 inches.
There is also a multifunction handle on this descender which can activate an automatic retrieval system. The automatic reset of the multifunction handle prevents the user from accidentally sinking to another height. The user can control the rope manually. If the abseiling device is carried on the harness, the so-called “park position” – a special grip position – reduces the risk of the multifunction grip getting caught somewhere.
The RIG also prevents the abseiling aid from falling down through an opening in the movable side plate. As with the I’d, the rope can be picked up easily by means of a swiveling clamping cam. The Petzl RIG can also be used for shorter ascents. It is also suitable for use within a pulley block with a loose roller. Well-trained personnel can use a RIG to rope down heavy loads weighing up to 200 kilograms.
Experienced climbers also see Petzl RIG as a great improvement over the previously used Petzl STOP system. The automatic reset function on the device handle is regarded as a perfect complement to the RIG. This prevents the handle from being accidentally touched and the rope brake from being released. The device is compact and practical. At least with the first generation of the Petzl RIG, users noticed that the processed metal is somewhat softer than with the I’d. It can wear out more quickly as a result. This can be a lot of expensive fun if you are in continuous professional use and have to rope up and down many times. Nevertheless, this abseiling aid is recommended for experienced technicians and mountain rescuers.
However, it is important that the technology of the device is understood and that a prudent reaction is ensured in the event of unforeseen incidents. The risks associated with an abseiling incident are higher with this descender than with the Petzl I’d. They must therefore never be underestimated. Therefore almost all experienced climbers recommend using the Petzl I’d rather than the RIG in case of doubt – unless the user already has years of climbing experience and is prudent enough to react correctly in case of a fall.
Bottom Line
Both rappelling aids were designed by the manufacturer for specific uses. Accordingly, they are not suitable as equivalent alternatives. Rather, the Petzl I’d* is a must for the less experienced high-altitude rescuers and industrial climbers, while the RIG* is reserved for the well-trained and experienced rescuers and industrial climbers.
For good reasons, the manufacturer also offers practical exercises and training, which must be deepened by permanent training after the introductory training. Careless handling of the I’d or the RIG can easily lead to an accident despite all existing security features. Manufacturer Petzl gives some Hints for this on their website.
You can find videos on YouTube that demonstrate the correct use of both systems. Nevertheless, no inexperienced climber should easily use a Petzl I’d or RIG.
Attention: You have to take care of your safety when climbing! The information on climbtheearth.com only helps you to learn. Before you climb, you should make sure that you have been properly instructed by an expert and that you follow all safety precautions.
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