Totally agree that there is no perfect device. Ultimately it will depend upon one’s purposes and priorities. In regards to your point “K” above, I’ve found that there is another alternative to the TAZ Lov. That is the Trango Vergo but only when set-up correctly and paired with the right rope (something around 9.5). I’ve been using it interchangeable with the Lov2 for a couple years and have described it here: https://sicgrips.blogspot.com/2020/08/vergo-for-top-rope-soloing.html
Thanks for the link Craig. That's a fantastic post, and yes the Vergo does stand out amongst many of the assisted breaking devices, and has a lot going for it over other devices (including the Lov). The book goes into very nerdy depths on devices and how to use them, but it's a subject were there seems to be no easy answers, just a lot of compromises.
Some of these are hypothetical since I have both and use them interchangeably and most of the time there really is not that much difference.
1. If I didn’t want to spend 2-3 times as much on a primary device
2. If I don’t want to climb with extra weight of the Taz Lov flopping around
3. If I wanted the slightly faster lock-up of the Vergo
4. If I had a concern re the latest reports that the handle on the Lov caused it to not lock up for 5’ of free fall (I’ve not experienced this).
5. If I’m hiking in a significant ways and want to go as “light” as possible and want a device that does double duty for TRS, lead belaying or normal TR belaying.
Like all my writing projects, I want it finished ASAP, but know I'm going into too much detail. It was just supposed to be part of my Me, Myself & I book, but updating that was an even bigger task, and so I just thought I'd split of TRS from the book (but include it in MM&I), as it seemed to be an important book to be out in the world. But now I'm thinking I need to write a book about ascending ropes (UP), and should roll it into that book, as it goes into a lot of detail on ascenders (how they work, failure modes etc). I suppose I need to follow Steve Jobs advice and focus more on what I don't do, rather than what I can do!
Totally agree that there is no perfect device. Ultimately it will depend upon one’s purposes and priorities. In regards to your point “K” above, I’ve found that there is another alternative to the TAZ Lov. That is the Trango Vergo but only when set-up correctly and paired with the right rope (something around 9.5). I’ve been using it interchangeable with the Lov2 for a couple years and have described it here: https://sicgrips.blogspot.com/2020/08/vergo-for-top-rope-soloing.html
Thanks for the link Craig. That's a fantastic post, and yes the Vergo does stand out amongst many of the assisted breaking devices, and has a lot going for it over other devices (including the Lov). The book goes into very nerdy depths on devices and how to use them, but it's a subject were there seems to be no easy answers, just a lot of compromises.
In what situations would you choose the Vergo over the Lov2?
Some of these are hypothetical since I have both and use them interchangeably and most of the time there really is not that much difference.
1. If I didn’t want to spend 2-3 times as much on a primary device
2. If I don’t want to climb with extra weight of the Taz Lov flopping around
3. If I wanted the slightly faster lock-up of the Vergo
4. If I had a concern re the latest reports that the handle on the Lov caused it to not lock up for 5’ of free fall (I’ve not experienced this).
5. If I’m hiking in a significant ways and want to go as “light” as possible and want a device that does double duty for TRS, lead belaying or normal TR belaying.
Andy - long time ago but are you still planning on releasing the TR soloing book? I’m guessing Kid B has delayed process?
What is the projected completion date of your book? Looking forward to it.
Like all my writing projects, I want it finished ASAP, but know I'm going into too much detail. It was just supposed to be part of my Me, Myself & I book, but updating that was an even bigger task, and so I just thought I'd split of TRS from the book (but include it in MM&I), as it seemed to be an important book to be out in the world. But now I'm thinking I need to write a book about ascending ropes (UP), and should roll it into that book, as it goes into a lot of detail on ascenders (how they work, failure modes etc). I suppose I need to follow Steve Jobs advice and focus more on what I don't do, rather than what I can do!