Absolutely would love to see your rig it sounds like something else!! Thanks for this!!

I agree I came to the same conclusion and used the Trango Vergo with the small loop of the BD Gridlock! Thanks for your feedback!!

1+2+3 sounds like it is keeping you safe! Recently I tested all connectors with all devices. Found out only the BD gridlock "upside-down" makes it impossible for the Vergo to load "wrong".... If you can test on your side and let me know your results! Cheers!

@@YannCamusBlissClimbing Yann thanks for the reply. I feel much better by knowing your expert opinion. But I thought I could do better setup. I will try over the weekend other connectors including the BD gridlock you suggested, the Beal Orient Express, and the Mammut Smart HMS. I nevertheless wanted to know your opinion of a stainless steel UIAA cert 8mm Maillon with the Salewa Maillon Twist Lock? Both will cost CAD $ 10 and weights 80g? Because of the smaller size, the increased KN, and the positioning and screw check advantages provided by the Salewa gadget, I believe this not only enable this setup for TRS but entirely eliminates the failure on the Trango Vergo. Do you concur?

@@cemlpc An 8mm maillon is absolutely king here! Because it is steel and I don't see a problem: I believe you could skip the "Salewa Maillon Twist Lock". You can try with and without it and see how it goes for you. It should be very very good. Let me know your experience please! It is always different "theory" vs "practice"... It can only be validated in the field!

@@YannCamusBlissClimbing I could not resist and went Trad climbing. Promise I will try and let you know. Merci pour le conseil!

I use the petzl shunt + the black diamond gridlock carabiner, the smaller hole in the carabiner is in the hole in the shunt! I never had any problems. 🤝🏻🇧🇷

I use the petzl shunt + the black diamond gridlock carabiner, the smaller hole in the carabiner is in the hole in the shunt! I never had any problems. 🤝🏻🇧🇷

Lots of possibilities!! Whatever system, use a backup!! The grigri is not designed for rope solo and it has failed many times on people in all rope solo configurations. Thanks for contacting me about your rope solo questions! I know it's hard to find a comprehensive and reliable source of information on this topic. That's why I did my research, bought equipment, experimented and adopted a way to teach rope soloing. I do not answer questions in private. My reasons are the following: -It is dangerous to have partial information about security systems -I need an income to continue my mission to teach and innovate I would love to help you find answers to your questions! I suggest the following solutions: -An in-person course (blissclimbing-com.translate.goog/fr/formations/?_x_tr_sl=fr&_x_tr_tl=en) -An online course (blissclimbing.com/en/online-courses/) -A subscription to my Patreon (I answer on the platform) (www.patreon.com/blissclimbing) I prefer to refer to complete courses. The courses should answer 99% of your questions and show you more things you haven't even thought of AND that are essential to being effective and safe! For any remaining questions, I answer every question asked by my clients and try to post everything on the hidden private Facebook groups reserved for buyers of online courses so that all buyers can benefit. I also very often add content to the courses because there is so much to say and teach on the subject AND I still learn quite often! You can always ask your questions on the “regular” public Facebook rope solo groups, but you won't get all correct answers and probably nothing complete. That's why my suggestion is to take the courses!! Looking forward to seeing you buy a course: you will be happy with your choice!!!

I mainly show what is dangerous on my KZfaq channel. I mainly show what I recommend and what is safe in my online courses: blissclimbing.com/en/online-courses/ Do you see where this is going? The Micro Traxion is a hell of a good TRS device! Pretty hard to make it fail. (but not impossible: use a backup and buy my courses! :-) ) Note that none of the devices I show here have teeth.

@@YannCamusBlissClimbing I do see! Thank you for your reply! I'll look in to those courses

A RollNLock would not have failed that way. I know it's hard to find a comprehensive and reliable source of information on this topic. That's why I did my research, bought equipment, experimented and adopted a way to teach rope soloing. I like to refer to my complete online courses. My reasons are the following: -It is dangerous to have partial information about security systems -I need an income to continue my mission to teach and innovate I would love to help you find answers to your questions! I suggest the following solutions: -An in-person course (blissclimbing-com.translate.goog/fr/formations/?_x_tr_sl=fr&_x_tr_tl=en) -An online course (blissclimbing.com/en/online-courses/) -A subscription to my Patreon (I answer on the platform) (www.patreon.com/blissclimbing) I prefer to refer to complete courses. The courses should answer 99% of your questions and show you more things you haven't even thought of AND that are essential to being effective and safe! For any remaining questions, I answer every question asked by my clients and try to post everything on the hidden private Facebook groups reserved for buyers of online courses so that all buyers can benefit. I also very often add content to the courses because there is so much to say and teach on the subject AND I still learn quite often! You can always ask your questions on the “regular” public Facebook rope solo groups, but you won't get all correct answers and probably nothing complete. That's why my suggestion is to take the courses!! Looking forward to seeing you buy a course: you will be happy with your choice!!!

Be careful out there. Use a backup! (I always recommend a backup as every system can fail)

@@YannCamusBlissClimbing I tie knots, or use a second device. About 98% of it use is belaying.

Something like this? kzfaq.info/get/bejne/js5liK1_29iwh4E.html

Thanks! I tested 65 connectors. Petzl Sm’D Auto Lock is NOT one of them. I only own the screw lock version sorry. You can get access to 1200+ devices/connectors pairings through my online courses or my patreon. blissclimbing.com/en/ Also I published a way to make most connectors safer for the topic we discuss. Also courses or my patreon. BR!

Thanks for contacting me about your rope solo questions! I know it's hard to find a comprehensive and reliable source of information on this topic. That's why I did my research, bought equipment, experimented and adopted a way to teach rope soloing. I do not answer questions in private. My reasons are the following: -It is dangerous to have partial information about security systems -I need an income to continue my mission to teach and innovate I would love to help you find answers to your questions! I suggest the following solutions: -An in-person course (blissclimbing-com.translate.goog/fr/formations/?_x_tr_sl=fr&_x_tr_tl=en) -An online course (blissclimbing.com/en/online-courses/) -A subscription to my Patreon (I answer on the platform) (www.patreon.com/blissclimbing) I prefer to refer to complete courses. The courses should answer 99% of your questions and show you more things you haven't even thought of AND that are essential to being effective and safe! For any remaining questions, I answer every question asked by my clients and try to post everything on the hidden private Facebook groups reserved for buyers of online courses so that all buyers can benefit. I also very often add content to the courses because there is so much to say and teach on the subject AND I still learn quite often! You can always ask your questions on the “regular” public Facebook rope solo groups, but you won't get all correct answers and probably nothing complete. That's why my suggestion is to take the courses!! Looking forward to seeing you buy a course: you will be happy with your choice!!!

Do you always use a Kong ovalone with the Kong Back Up? What is a Michoacan? 172lbs? Cheers!!

@@YannCamusBlissClimbing no, i use a black diamond rocklock or my kong xl D screwlock, i use it to srt or drt up a tree to hunting height between 15-35’, my bodyweight tension is always pulling downward so it will never experience the scenario you showed but thats good to know. And yes 172 lbs. michoacan is a certain friction hitch, doesnt bite as hard as the prussic and much easier to break and move along the mainline.

@@The_Fit_ness_monster Thanks for the light! Happy the Kong Back Up works for you! I recently pull tested many devices and the Kong Back Up was one of the strongest.. The sheath cut at 7.34kN on a 9.8mm rope - with no core strand cut. Device unharmed. Strong results!

@@YannCamusBlissClimbing awesome to hear, i use it with 11.7mm samson hyperclimb rope. Do you have a video of those pull tests? Im always intrigued by breaking strength videos.

@@The_Fit_ness_monster For now, I will be posting all videos in the Top Rope Solo course available here: blissclimbing.com/en/online-courses/ I will edit a selection of the most interesting and post on KZfaq. Also I would post to KZfaq all break tests on gear that people will donate!

Petzl Shunt don't need a bad connector to be unsafe: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/js5liK1_29iwh4E.html . Also your "I never had any problems." I hear this all the time. It is called "survival bias" and a very interesting article is on wiki here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Survivorship_bias . The conclusion is we have to NOT look at what healthy people use but rather look at what injured people use. Please injured people: reach to me so I can share your mistakes (anonymously is an option) and inform rope solo climbers and hopefully save some from injury.

@@YannCamusBlissClimbing Correct, that is called falsification of the device, as you tried in the GOOD video! We never know anything, if it worked correct many times in practice (verification). .

It does… More testing is on the way. There are a total of about 12 systems I recommend, teach and use all in my online course: blissclimbing.com/en/online-courses/

Never touched the zig zag and akimbo in my life… It must be someone else’s video you are thinking about! Thanks for thinking about me!

I am not sure it is 100% safe but an 8mm quick link is the safest I found with the Vergo. Definitely the best pairing!!!

With the Camp Goblin for example, the device has to be free of "floating" upward while you are falling so it catches reliably. If the device is between your squeezed legs, you can "drag" the device along the rope and make it slide "forever". I have never seen a failure that way but with reinforced pants I am willing to live-test it and show it on KZfaq!! Any remaining question?

@@YannCamusBlissClimbing Ah I see - it's a geometry thing - if it holds it's "draging up" position, it doesn't bind at all. Hopefully there will be enough drag in the down direction to escape from legs... Interesting one though! Make the tether short enough so it can't get between legs?

@@largeformatlandscape "Make the tether short enough" Exactly my thinking! Short and compatible. Very very short (Petzl Ring Open + 8mm maillon can be a great option with Camp Goblin)

None of the "toothed" devices will fail that way. The Petzl Micro Traxion will typically fail if the toothed cam is locked in the open position for some reason (user error or weird thing during the climb) AND will fail if an object (a cordelette or bit of fabric) gets caught between the teeth and the rope. It can also be damage in some weird scenarios.

@@YannCamusBlissClimbing good points. yes, i do check manically that the metal thing with the teeth is always on the rope, not hovering over it. Especially since getting the MT off the rope at the anchors sometimes involves having to lift the teeth off the rope.

@@suezix8689 Thanks 😃

This is recommendation to follow right there!! Some King Backups are sold on their own with no connector…

Il y a toujours un doute! Dans tous les systèmes de solo (en tête et sur corde fixe), je recommande un backup. Je connais mieux le Goblin et le LOV et oui: je leur fait confiance à 9.5mm. Toujours avec un backup cependant! Pour le Kong Backup et le DMM Buddy 100, j'aimerais les tester plus...

Do you use the DMM buddy? How does it work for you? Or else: what do you currently use and what do you do with it exactly? Thanks!

@@YannCamusBlissClimbing I have a DMM Buddy, but I have not used it yet. I plan to use it for solo top rope this week. I can let you know how it goes. I have used the Rock Exotica/Wren Soloist to top rope solo. It was very good. I always used a chest harness with it. I sold it. Some regret about selling it.

@@mountaineer5596 Will you have a backup with the DMM Buddy? Yes the Soloist is a good device. But I prefer the LOV3. With the good setup I believe it is better overall than the Soloist. Especially for TRS only, to rappel, not to say if you go to rescue someone...

@@YannCamusBlissClimbing I have the newer Petzl Rescucender for backup. I intend to place the Rescucender above the DMM Buddy so that it will go taught after the Buddy goes taught. I’m careful enough so that I will also put overhand-on-a-bite knots in the rope below me as I climb the top rope. I can tie these with one hand.

@@mountaineer5596 I never recommend 2 smooth devices. At least 1 should have teeth. Because if the top device fails, it can make the bottom one fail easy! Or do you use 2 ropes? Also I do not like the new Rescucender: never found a reliable way of using it...

Yes! I would love to try a Ushba. They look so similar to the uAscend!!

The LOV2 and LOV3 are certified for EN 15151-1 use. Like a grigri. Assisted belay device. So yes it is ok! Now I don't remember trying it to belay a partner for 3 reasons: 1- I rarely climb with a partner 2- The LOV is 370g vs Grigri at 175g so the LOV is not my goto 3- I have a bad memory for this... But not that if I was going on a rescue or any hardcore situation I would reach for my LOV right away! Makes sense?

@@YannCamusBlissClimbing thanks for the detailed and fast answer. I would love to see a test about it, if it is similar to a Grigri I don't really see a big issue with the weight (for sport climbing i mean). I way more curious about how smooth and safe is it when belaying. I am definitely thinking about buying a TAZ and I would find it a great + if it can be a smooth assisted belay on top of being (one of) the best for TRS. When/if I cross the bridge of TRS i will probably take your course in order to have the most knowledge. Thank again work all your work. Take care

@@StephaneDubois-ie3tb Thanks!! I would love to know if people get to belay with the LOV. If people have dropped climbers with a grigri, I would be worried that more people drop climbers with the LOV because the rope path is straight in the LOV. So if you maintain it in open position, I guess the rope will slip through VERY easily!! But as soon as you grab the dead side of the rope, the LOV will rotate and grab I have no doubt! Thanks for your kindness 🙂

I believe it is possible to make it fail with the same “mechanism”. There will be some friction added but the device can fail in the same way.

Good to know I'm a rope access worker and use a kong backup on occasion for rebelays and such might add a little electrical tape to the biner so it can't travel down the spine and cross load so easily... by the way us rope swingers think you're badass

@@TheOKayStonemaster Thanks for the comment! Who are rope swingers? If you look in the CT Easy Speed manual, they tell you about using an "anti-crossing string". I believe Kong Back-Up users should also use an "anti-crossing string" or some tape / rubber band on the harness side of the connector connecting the Kong Back-Up.

Rope swingers are what other industries call rope access guys lol😁

@@TheOKayStonemaster 😀😀😀 I am often a rope swinger when climbing too LOL

Do you mean the micro traxion? The Mini is fine but typically less safe and less enjoyable...

Thanks for your comments! Thanks for contacting me about your rope solo questions! I know it's hard to find a comprehensive and reliable source of information on this topic. That's why I did my research, bought equipment, experimented and adopted a way to teach rope soloing. I do not answer questions in private. My reasons are the following: -It is dangerous to have partial information about security systems -I need an income to continue my mission to teach and innovate I would love to help you find answers to your questions! I suggest the following solutions: -An in-person course forms.gle/wZtGTwwRTLwpdSwW6 -An online course (broken website - should be here tomorrow) -A subscription to my Patreon (I answer on the platform) www.patreon.com/blissclimbing I prefer to refer to complete courses. The courses should answer 99% of your questions and show you more things you haven't even thought of AND that are essential to being effective and safe! For any remaining questions, I answer every question asked by my clients and try to post everything on the hidden private Facebook groups reserved for buyers of online courses so that all buyers can benefit. I also very often add content to the courses because there is so much to say and teach on the subject AND I still learn quite often! You can always ask your questions on the “regular” public Facebook rope solo groups, but you won't get all correct answers and probably nothing complete. That's why my suggestion is to take the courses!! Looking forward to seeing you buy a course: you will be happy with your choice!!!

Look at ascenders. I use two (rope man 2 and microtraction) and have taken a lot of falls with no issues.

You mean TR falls or Lead falls?

@@YannCamusBlissClimbing any falls. I dont even like to use a jumar

You wonder if it can fail or not? It can fail… Can you think a way how? (Always use a backup!! Never trust your life to a single tool)

The red rope is a Petzl 9.8 more than a few years old. Are you a member of the TRS goup on Facebook to share your setup before you commit to it? Cheers!

@YannCamusBlissClimbing Thanks Yann. I am a member of the FB group. I intend to replicate Gavin Cytlau's method from 2021. Set up includes Gri1 on a Maillon (no chest harness). Then a Buddy for backup with a Micro Traxion clipped into the Buddy for the cache loop. I'll cinch the Buddy and MT with 60cm 8mm dyneema close to the front of the waistband of my harness.

@@clintflicker2645 would be nice to have a second opinion on it yes!!! 👏

I broke a Petrzl ASAP in a very very mild fall on a dynamic rope. No screamer. Today it is recommended only on a semi-static rope and only with a ASAP'sorber screamer (if I remember well). I don't recommend it. But please let me know your experience with it!

@@YannCamusBlissClimbing Oh wow! Well I use an ASAP lock for work all the time accompanied by an ID. But i’ve never fallen on my Asap. So far so good for me. but as long as it doesn’t come off the rope i’m happy if it breaks. but at 300 bucks it should be bulletproof

@@Eddiep80 if you test it I would love to know about the outcome!!

Ok!

See here for my take on the Lift: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/htlzeZuc3Ju5gX0.html ... There IS a better device! (at least one 😉 )

Can you put me in context of what you report? What device? What connector? Thanks!

I don’t recommend prusiks for TRS and LRS by the way. Prusiks are good for tree work, makeshift ascenders for self-rescue, third hand in a rappel. People like to buy gear. But really all the pointers you need for TRS and LRS efficiently while managing the risks are in my online courses. Chances are you already own what you need to TRS or LRS in a reasonable way!! blissclimbing.com/en/online-courses/ Do you use prusiks for TRS climbing?

The recommended carabiner is not one with a straight non-gate side. That will change how likely it is to be stable in the twisted configuration. Besides, it is not designed to be used in a way that directly connects it to a climbing-style harness (where cross-loading is more likely). They attempt to make that clear in the manual.

@@DrewNorthup for what device?

@@YannCamusBlissClimbing The only one for which you referenced a recommended carabiner: the Kong one.

So between the 7 devices presented here, my favorite device is hands down the LOV. I use it mainly for rope access, rescues and top rope solo (TRS). Makes sense?

@@YannCamusBlissClimbing I 'll come home , translate what you wrote and answer you 😊😊😊