Petzl Ascender - Shunt

Owner:             Thomas
Used since:       2006
Tested by:        Thomas
Review by:       Thomas
Primary Use:    

Review:
The Petzl Shunt is a great device for ascending ropes that comes in handy when you get the rope stuck on an abseil or canyoning trip. I have two of them and if I have to ascend a rope I use one for the sling to the harness and the other attaches to the foot sling. You can grab the carabiner as kind of a handle when you have to move the shunt upwards during ascending the rope. Compared to the Petzl Basic Ascender (which I also have 2 of), the shunt is a bit more
versatile as it can be used on a single as well as double ropes (which is more often the case).
I have also used it on some occasions as self-belay device if I was the first one to go down on a long drop. Another advantage is that it doesn't have little teeth like the basic, so doesn't damage the rope if used often.

Pros:
- Can be used on double or single rope
- No teeth, so doesn't damage the rope
- Good to use for ascending or self-belay

Cons:
- A but chunky and heavy to bring along if you want to go light, there are smaller emergency ascenders out there (they are however for emergencies and therefore not as easy to use)

Comment:
Great device which I would recommend to anyone looking for a versatile ascender.

Manufacturer Website:
http://www.petzl.com/en/Sport/Ascenders/SHUNT?l=INT