CMI Standard 8

This is the standard CMI Figure 8 descender. It is forged of aircraft grade aluminum alloys, gunmetal in color with a weight of 117 g, strength of 35kN. 

 

Excellent for drops of up to ~120′ or so.  The Figure 8 descender is fairly easy to use, requiring the user to support about 40% of their body weight with their control hand.  This Figure 8 has no “ears” which help prevent a girth hitch, which can happen when using a Figure 8 device without ears. 

 

The smaller hole in the bottom can be used as a belay/ stitch plate for belaying climbers. 

 

*NOTE: Figure 8 descenders tend to violently twist and kink the rope during rappels, exacerbating the wear on the rope, especially between the core and the sheath of the rope.  This twisting and kinking suggests early retirement of the rope.  Likewise, these descenders are very small and do not dissipate heat very well.  High speed rappels are discouraged with Figure 8 descenders