Did This DEVICE Just Change the Top Rope Solo GAME?! + GIVEAWAY! (TAZ Lov2)

[@BetaClimbers]

I think this is the Ferrari of the top rope solo devices what do you guys think?

[@lorygod1541]

seems heavy but functional

[@HippieDreamsWV]

I've been using a Rock Exotica Unicender for the same purpose for a while; if the LOV2 is a Ferrari, the Unicender is a Jeep, solid and mostly dependable with utilitarian styling. Any type of wear on your LOV2 to date? Some of the arborist channels mention slippage problem with only minor wear on the LOV2, but they're likely using 11mm + static lines. Have you had any issues with slippage on your dynamic climbing ropes? The biggest drawback of the Unicender is needing to use a fat arborist rope, but it catches a fall every time even with a season's wear. Any info much appreciated.

[@BetaClimbers]

@@HippieDreamsWV I used a 10 mm static line in this video and I didnt notice slipping but im pretty sure we might get some slippage on my 9.8 dynamic. But for TRS I only use statics anyway. Time will just have to tell on that one.

[@dougmishler2052]

It looks cool but I have to say I have top rope soloed [11mill static of course] with a springless gibbs ascender (well i change them every few years) since 1976...[yup I am hell old] with a neck leash to lift it. I have made millions of falls on it [literally perhaps] and only had one near death back when i first started and did not use the neck leash grabbed the rope, thus stopped the cam from engaging and fell 20 feet until my hands burned so bad i had to let go and once i did the cam engaged stopped the fall just as my toes hit the deck. I set it up so the gibbs cam loads with a fall of about 3 inches--which means too fast for me to grab the rope--and yet is totally unweighted so i never weight the rope with a pack or anchor thus i can move up without any extra weight and even do radical overhangs. I used to use two gibbs so had a backup but think I gave up the second one sometime in the early 80s. yeah thee cool feature in what you show is not having to frig around to put on my grigri to get down, but to me 2worth it for such a simple device. I like your channel though some good info.

[@BetaClimbers]

@@dougmishler2052 woah great info! That device is similar to the rescue ascender I think... I tried that one on this channel I found it was alittle to slippy for my taste. I would never think about some one death gripping the rope, I have seen ppl death grip industrial rope grabs before though.

[@wafford11]

You're making me consider getting into top rope soloing

[@evanbarnes9984]

Do it! Top rope soloing is really fun! With a bit of planning, you can make it just as safe as regular top roping. I've been doing it for years now as a way to run laps and practice placing trad gear. That way I don't have a belayer holding me up while I fumble in gear

[@seasonti8312]

@@evanbarnes9984 I've done it before whats your your preferred method for set up???. I use a quad or a sliding x just like a top rope.

[@evanbarnes9984]

@@seasonti8312 nice! I tend to use whatever anchor build fits the available anchoring points, but the quad is by far my favorite. If i'm building a trad anchor, I'll still usually bring it down to two points that I connect with a quad so I can have more side to side movement available. Then I tie a figure 8 on a bight in the middle of the rope and clip that into the anchor. This gives me a main line and a backup line, and I use my toothed ascender on the main with my grigri following on the backup. I like this a lot because then I never have to switch gear to descend. Just take off the toothed ascender and you're ready to rap on the grigri! great for running laps

[@Apiadough]

@@evanbarnes9984 Same system here when I top rope solo, second safety device, but I just tie safety knots in sections of the rope to catch me if I pull too tight on the grigri

[@imakevideos5377]

@@Apiadough are these usually clove hitches or different knots?

[@jodypaul1950]

That’s basically a wrope wrench. We’ve been using it in the arborist world for a few years now.

[@theopenacademy9102]

Been following you for while now and just gotta say that your production quality and clarity has gone through the roof! Absolutely love the indoor testing, makes it a lot easier to follow along in a controlled environment. I have a feeling your videos, especially your TR solo vids are gonna get super popular as the seasons are changing and finding a partner remains tough with the pandemic. Thanks for all you do! This knowledge is invaluable!

[@BetaClimbers]

Thanks for continued support! 🤙🏻 I’m in no rush to get any more popular lol people already walk up and say hi when I go to rock gyms. 🤣 I was like a mad dog chasing a car and now I’m hanging on the bumper and going for the ride lol I’m just happy people are getting some entertainment and their minds off these crazy time with my content that’s what keeps me going.

[@craigmartin8766]

I love to sit here on my couch making notes and doing nothing but soak up every drop of your knowledge that i can .. 💚x

[@splashgrrl01]

So the first bit designed to fail in that product is the safety critical part?

[@ihavtasaycognadis6925]

The Trango Vergo works the same as that device but does not have the plastic cleat and also has very little rope bend. Also a CT RollNlock can be used if suspended above the harness and disabled by flipping the cleat up and locking it off without having to take it off the rope.

[@BetaClimbers]

Looks interesting wouldn’t mind testing that out that thanks 🤙🏻

[@treelord9479]

Correction from a tree guy. We never use a backup device on an SRT setup. But we check our ropes meticulously. We do have a safety lanyard once we get to the point where we want to start cutting. Everything else is balanced and redirecting anchor points

[@BetaClimbers]

The Local Mountain Guide Thanks for the info 🤙🏻 its been along time sense I worked in trees. I think I would throw a back up knot if anything when using this device, if I wasn’t going to use backup device.

[@fredkennedy8435]

Dang, that thing looks sweet! If it were 150, I'd buy it in a second... 300+ is super steep though, wow.

[@theopenacademy9102]

With that money you could get three Traxions!

[@geneo3654]

I look at it this way , WHAT IS YOU'RE LIFE WORTH ?$300.00 IS NOTHING !!!

[@dabisnit]

@@geneo3654 I am worthless, so I free solo

[@geneo3654]

​@@dabisnitit's not the fall it's the sudden stop that kills, I'll take my chances with the Device !

[@adrio6362]

Can this also be used as a regular belay device? And if so, does it work smoothly for giving our rope and catching fally when belaying a person on lead?

[@ripapa6355]

"Ok, that cleat is important". Love it.

[@pbeb3081]

Yep I can vouch for that if its the plastic tension cleat your talking about?? If not I'm sure the information below will be of some benefit in general. Being a smart ass I did a little experiment and removed it from my Lov2. I'm so used to it grabbing the rope immediately it was a bit disconcerting when it didn't grab straight away without the tension cleat in place. I've since been testing it in a controlled environment and found it does grab albeit not immediately probably10-12 inches but not soon enough for my liking as I'm so used to it grabbing almost instantly. Taz sell spares so I've ordered a new tension cleat for my Lov2. They sent me a tutorial on how to replace it, looks a doddle. Sicgrips quite rightly said the cleat is needed to put a little tension on the rope for it to pivot immediately and grab the rope in case of a fall. Incidently it was sicgrips who alerted me to the rollnlock as my back up device. Until that I'd been using my microtraxion on and off. I've also used my Lov2 on its own as I consider it bomber if used correctly and with the tension cleat in place. Horses for courses these are just my opinion and in no way do I recommend anyone to try some of the things I've mentioned here. Happy Top rope soloing everyone. Onwards and upwards and downwards safely :)

[@nogelymatyas]

Nice review Josh! That price tag surprized me, it's quite steep. But I can understand it is not only/mainly for sport climbers. TAZ desighed it with rope access work in their minds. I've checked the price here in Europe. It's cheaper, probably they add shipping cost to the price across the pond. Thanks for the video!

[@powdork]

Still less than buying used Silent Partner.

[@TimberTrainer]

Since you brought it up, tree climbers only use one device to tie in. Other systems are used for positioning in the tree, but they also have just one device per line. The Lov2 works great for single rope climbing, and is also great for a basal anchor or lanyard adjuster.

[@Outdoorman32]

Great point I climb primarily on a taz for climb Lome in tree work and I trust my life to it everyday. Best device out there imo

[@davidwesterlund3208]

I watched your older TRS videos (again) and watched other videos, and read about what top rope solo system i should use and were to buy it all night (bought two traxies and a jumar) and then I wake up with a notification with this title, haha! Bought a t-shirt as a thank you for your TRS guidance that helped me a lot and wishing that I get the TAZ ;)

[@BetaClimbers]

Ain’t that always how it goes 😂

[@benschuster9792]

Do you know if it slips before crushing the rope until it breaks?

[@ryanawall]

Thanks for bringing such great content and presenting it in a way that is entertaining to watch! I'm getting a t-shirt today!

[@mike78at]

Shouldn't the Lov2 being the backup device, considering it is the one certified to EN 12841 type A (backup device)? Or do you consider the shock absorber "upgrading" the Micro Traxion to a backup device? Seems to me that the Traxion is not even certified to EN 12841 type B (ascender) so I currently consider having a Ascension as main device (type b certified) and the Lov2 as backup device (type a). This would also mean having an ascender with a grip (Ascension) and a rappel device (Lov2) at all times without having to change anything on the fly. Only inconvenience would be having to first weight the backup device before being able to rappel. What do you think?

[@DeFausti]

11:07 nearly forgot the "bada-bang" haha

[@GregHartSk8er]

You should try the Faders Sum. Rope also runs straight through, no plastic parts to wear out catches extremely reliably and immediately on fall. Still needs a slight tilt but less than this device looks like it needs. Sum is smaller than a Grigri, solid build. Drawbacks with the sum are that the friction bars are small diameter so it pinches the cr@p out of the rope and the brake release is awkward and very touchy to operate - it's either on or off (kind of). Wear a glove on your brake hand if you rappel with it. I've used it both for projecting and the anchor replacement work I do - very happy with it overall.

[@BetaClimbers]

Gregory Hart I’m going to look into this thanks 🤙🏻

[@SICgrips]

Unfortunately it's not made anymore...

[@JJBlairrecording]

Any reason you wouldn't dual rope with trax on one and grigri on the other? Then you can just remove the trax and single rope rappel on the grigri?

[@BetaClimbers]

Gri gri is a pain you have to tend to it and “run it out” constantly.

[@brerrabbit4265]

I thought you were supposed to use a static rope when rappeling? I would rappel with the static and have a dynamic safety rope . You seem to have it backward. Any reason?

[@chris9l913]

Hi, when rappelling can you just flip the micro traxion for a backup along with having the lov2 on?

[@khakicam5400]

It might provide some backup if you bounced high enough when you hit the deck 🙃. We lower each other with just a grigri all the time and this device is no different to that

[@HaasGrotesk]

This is going to be great for me. I use two micros on double line and every time I want to repel I need to use the BD Index to step into it and pull myself up so I can switch to the GriGri. Now I'll be able to slap that thing on without needing to pull myself up and just remove the micros. Awesome!

[@marekholub8668]

Rappel...

[@derekatwood6236]

@@marekholub8668 grammar police? Lol

[@chiizuvs]

this is the most underrated climbing channel

[@raganusmc]

So your a rope access technician how is a good way to start in rope access

[@BetaClimbers]

RagnarAdventures you can get find a place to get your SPRAT certification. Companies usually leave there business cards all over those places looking for competent workers. I’d start there. Other then that you can call companies that work at height maybe they would pay for you to get certified.

[@csread]

Hi Josh, struggled to do a controlled descent with this, it's like all or nothing, unlike my grigri. Not sure what I'm doing wrong.

[@kwinzman]

What's the difference between this and e.g. a Petzl I'D ?

[@superdeluxesmell]

Stupid question here, do you just figure 8 into a biner on the anchor at the top of the route then? The second half of the rope isn’t run back down and anchored at the base of the climb?

[@BetaClimbers]

Bunny ears eight in the middle of the rope is one way.

[@chrisbelfiore3242]

Have you ever tested the climbing technologies rolling lock? The teeth feel less aggressive than the micro.

[@phasespace4700]

Take home for me? SCREAMER!!! I use Camp Goblin with microtrax as backup and the Trax ALWAYS rides up the rope to interfere with the Goblin. Slapped on a screamer per your suggestion. Problem solved. Perfection!! Why does no one talk about the screamer? Unless you use 2 lines, this seems pretty essential. Great video.

[@phasespace4700]

On the other hand... Are you in danger of shock-loading the Trax OR sheathing the rope if the primary progress capture fails, because the added length of the screamer means a longer fall before the trax engages?

[@edgarrotonda9568]

Great review. Can this device be used for belaying a lead climber?

[@RicTodhunter]

Nice device - Have you tried the Camp Goblin for either topp rope or lead soloing? Now for me that is a device that could change the solo rope climbing game.

[@treesie9760]

Hy, have you tried the TAZ LOV 3 they fixed the problem with the drag. I got it for Treeclimbing competition. I never liked the friction on the LOV 2, but now i really like it for a fast assend on the rope. 😉 LG

[@craigemmert719]

Very new...why couldn't you use a notch rope runner for trs? Seems like it would work great

[@mikeyc4965]

Have you tried using a camp express cable quick draw instead of the screamer? If so why didn’t it work well?

[@BetaClimbers]

A stiff quick draw should work just as well. I’m experimenting with an VT prussic on top of the Taz now

[@grisodyne]

Nice review, well done. What type of rope do you recommend for toprope soloing?

[@roflmaoen1]

I'm recovering from a neck fracture now. I cant wait get back to training. Thanks for keeping me motivated!

[@BetaClimbers]

roflmaoen1 damn bro hope my videos can entertain you a little while you are down. Have a quick recovery! 🤙🏻

[@roflmaoen1]

@@BetaClimbers i used to be a gymnast, (got in a accident 14 years ago) and thought I could never enjoy a sport again. One year ago after 14 years of chronic pain i discovered climbing and finally i found a sport where I can give my everything. After my surgery I will for sure continue and hopefully without any pain restricting me continue to learn and have fun!

[@xcskier29]

This looks pretty convenient. The only thing I can say is it looks pretty bulky. I would like to know how it feels when climbing in tight areas or if it's just scraping against the rock.

[@frediabolo]

Looks like it could be a game changer for working , Would really like 3 of these on my harness for speedy maneuvers. Not sure how long that plastic cam would last especially on geo contracts. Looking forwards to where this device will be in a few generations. Sweet video thanks.

[@BetaClimbers]

Fred Rendell right on 🤙🏻 I’ll put it through its paces and we will see how it lasts! Prob do I future video on that.

[@neilrowe5857]

I know a professional abseiler who has used this for over two years showing slight visible wear. I have also bought a taz lov2 for top rope solo to use with a camp goblin, replacing my goblin and micro traxion set up. I haven't used it for top rope solo yet but I have used it for abseiling and I really like it. Not much modulation descending though.

[@konstantinl5166]

Thanks for reviewing this thing. I remember that crack Mental Block :)

[@lucasbelknap6470]

If you pull down on the brake end of the rope, does the device slip?

[@davom6608]

I know this video is for top rope solo but any chance this device would work similar to a gri gri for solo lead climbing??

[@ExpatMoe]

I read somewhere that the Lov2 is more sensitive than a GriGri in rappel mode? Need more care when modulating the descent with the handle? Thoughts?

[@BetaClimbers]

I think its a little more twitchy and time will tell how it goes when things wear down a bit.

[@pbeb3081]

Which position do you have the Lov2 when descending? I have mine with the handle to the right with the red side of the Lov2 facing me. I use my left hand as the brake hand. Miles more comfier and miles more control. When I first started using the Lov2 to descend I used to use my left hand on the handle and my right hand to brake, the handle felt really awkward and uncomfortable on my left hand. I have the Lov3 now exactly the same basically as the Lov2 but the new model you can leave the device permanently connected to your harness and carabiner and still attach, detach the Lov3 from your rope. *EDIT* My bad meant to say with the black side of the Lov2/3 facing me not the red side as first stated dohh :)

[@gertdekens]

Without chest harness on a static line, don't you take a big shock when falling? I trs'ed with a shunt without chest harness on a dynamic rope, and close to the anchor my back was taking strenuous shocks, almost flipping upside down just from the impact.

[@BetaClimbers]

Gert Dekens maybe you’re a bigger dude I’m 125lbs soaking wet and didn’t find it bad at all.

[@gertdekens]

@@BetaClimbers 71 kgs 🤔

[@BetaClimbers]

Yeah that’s not much bigger then I am the fall is definitely a lot less then a leader fall that’s for sure.

[@noiseforthealgorithm4668]

great video dude. I loved both the indoor and outdoor settings. One question: how did you fix the rope at the top? is there a video for that? thanks

[@BetaClimbers]

If your using bolts check out my “super safe method video” I used a bunny ears eights

[@noiseforthealgorithm4668]

@@BetaClimbers thanks i’ll look it up

[@TonySpinach]

Hey Josh, what do you think of my setup? I have two micro trax, one on one rope connected to my belay loop, the other one connected to the other rope with a locking quickdraw on my belay loop to space the traxions out, and connected to my chesst harness (double length sling) with a locker clipped into the top traxion biner. Then I put two small prusik, one each on top of the microtrax's connected into the lockers with the micro trax in them. And finally tie slip knots every 10-15 feet, and the rope weighted with my backpack. Do you think that'd be a reliable setup? Any suggestions? Thanks bro!

[@BetaClimbers]

Sounds like overkill you can send a photo to my Instagram or on my discord. 🤙🏻

[@TonySpinach]

@@BetaClimbers ahahaha true, but better overkill than climberkill, I’ll send you a picture as soon as all my stuff arrives 🤙🏻

[@airyllrockwell66]

I didn’t have an account when I bought a shirt hopefully i still have a chance also great video I got into rock climbing about a year ago and want to get more into soloing so this would be a great step in the process and would really help me! Thank you for the informational video!

[@Stickmantree]

I’m a tree guy not a rock climber but just wondering why not use the rock exotica unicender? It’s a good option in single line tree world

[@BetaClimbers]

I’d say price. Looks like it would work great I’d like to give it a try.

[@cynthiastandley5742]

Are you still using this device? Do you have some current thoughts on it?

[@esotericprana]

Have you tried the Wild Country Revo?

[@BetaClimbers]

Darren Smith no not yet.

[@SICgrips]

It' feeds fairly well but you have to be ready for a 2' - 4' "fall" in order for it to lock-up. See my mods made to it to help it feed better for top-rope sol: instagram.com/p/Bw2BocnDqQN/

[@esotericprana]

@@SICgrips I use a Petzl Micro Traxion under the Revo to help feed the rope better. Agreed on the 2 - 4' fall but I use it for multi pitch solos so consider the risk negligible.

[@neilrowe5857]

What diameter rope are you using because I found the taz lov2 to engage even with the plastic cam disengaged; this could also be because my rope was tight or because I drifted back as I fell.

[@BetaClimbers]

I’m using a 10mm static.

[@neilrowe5857]

@@BetaClimbers ah, mine was a dirty 11mm, could be the difference. I've got years before that plastic wears down especially as my personal ropes are kept clean but I still like to work out "what if" 😆.

[@BetaClimbers]

Neil Rowe right on 🤙🏻 my rope was pretty clean and slippery.

[@SICgrips]

I use with a 9.5 dynamic - feeds like butter and locks up well.

[@pbeb3081]

11mm static

[@cragbum87]

You mentioned you have a video in which you go in to detail on why you choose a static rope over a dynamic rope. What's the title of the video? I quick search didn't return the video in question since it may not be titled in the key terms I was trying.

[@BetaClimbers]

Evan I believe I talk about it in my other top rope solo videos. I have about 3 of them but I’ll just tell you why here. If you watch my first top rope solo video I’m using a dynamic line. I’m climbing with the full length of rope 300 ft (70m) when I fall. It can stretch 10 percent of the length so I can fall something like 30 ft. This can be a problem if there is a ledge beneath you and can cause some slippage on the devices. Plus if you plan to jumar out then it’s much quicker on a static line. Static lines are not completely static they do stretch something like 4 percent and you can see when I fall it isn’t to bad.

[@cragbum87]

@@BetaClimbers Makes perfect sense in your case. Thanks.

[@msp1103]

I haven't been able to find a video of someone using an ATC guide to top rope solo? It might not be the best solution, but how well would it work?

[@BetaClimbers]

Would be worse than a grigri in my opinion. Imagine having to do 5 hard moves, now you may have five feet of slack you have to pull through (don’t fall)... Taming a grigri is annoying enough.

[@fordguyfordguy]

how is this different from a Petzl RIG?

[@waynecake5867]

But this is not a new device. So climbers just don’t have a look for industrial equipment?

[@ARon1700]

Josh I have a question about your config with the Trax on bottom, if the tazlov2 fails but stays on the rope... During a fall wouldn't the Taz sit on your Trax before weighting the Trax, wouldn't the Trax just stay open because the screamer isn't weighted??? I dunno correct me if I'm wrong, I love the channel bro just wondering how practical the Trax as a backup works ?

[@BetaClimbers]

Yeah the trax wasn’t the best I’m experimenting with a VT Prussic on top of the Taz I’ll make a new episode on that hopefully soon.

[@ARon1700]

@@BetaClimbers ah that'd be sick, cool cool look forward to it man!Thanks for the reply 🤟

[@david040488]

Enjoyed the review and the way you did an indoor and outdoor test of the gear. Just wondering, I think I know why, but why do you not prefer a Grigri for your TRS? Have you reviewed or tested any other similar belay devices (e.g.,Kong Duck, Beal Birdie, Camp Goblin)?

[@BetaClimbers]

David Smalley I haven’t reviewed those last three (yet) but as for the gri gri like I showed in the video it creates almost a bite of rope which causes a lot of drag. One of my first videos I made I solo with a grigri and I have to stop climbing and pull in the slack, not much fun.

[@david040488]

@@BetaClimbers That is what I thought. I don't often TRS, but when I do I use what I have, a Grigri. It for sure is a struggle-fest to be burning on a small hold and battling a Grigri to take up slack. Again thanks for the review! Keep up the great videos!

[@BetaClimbers]

David Smalley will do thanks for the support! 🤙🏻

[@bernardgoubau8219]

hello, thanks for charing your testings. I tried it and it works well but I experienced the proposed system still has a problem. I tried straight away on the rockwall close to my city, where I chose to go for some testings on vertical and slightly overhanging routes. Works fine. I went afterward on overhanging routes and this changes the way it works because quickly your rope isn't staying between your legs and the microtraction goes easely up reducing the distance with the TAZ ( problem is the same with vertical section if you have a slab underneath, the weight at bottom poses a problem to hold the rope between your legs). At every fall, the TAZ hits the microtraction and this is not good. What happens is the microtraction is a blokking system and blocks eversince it goes up and the TAZ slides a little before blocking. That is why I changed the system by using an ASAP instead of microtraction. I tried it in the gym's inside rockwall and this works well because the ASAP needs more run than the AZAP to block. Good climb -, Dino ( Belgium)

[@BetaClimbers]

try using a VT prussic above the Taz.

[@bernardgoubau8219]

@@BetaClimbers good idea, I will try it too

[@YannCamusBlissClimbing]

Thanks for this video! 😀 I used my LOV3 again today for both: Lead Rope Solo (LRS) and Top Rope Solo (TRS). The device is INCREDIBLE for TRS!!! As for LRS, it is slightly better than the Soloist because the rappel with the LOV goes much better! I attach it using the Petzl Swivel Open. One side is screwed to the LOV3 and the other side is connected to my tie-in points by a doubled-up 7mm cord (should break at around 26kN!!!). The Swivel is rated MBS 23 kN but a great WLL of 5kN. Much better than some other Open Swivels. Some think a swivel for LRS could be dangerous. I agree that you are pushing it if you take a factor 2 fall on it and professional inspection would be recommended in that case. The obvious CON for LRS is that my system is kind of complicated compared to other devices. But it is worth it! @betaclimbers : do you still use your LOV2 / LOV3 ?

[@BetaClimbers]

Always good to see you Yann! Yeah I still use it, check out my newest episode lol I actually used it there. 😂

[@YannCamusBlissClimbing]

@@BetaClimbers So cool! Will save to watch later 😀

[@YannCamusBlissClimbing]

@@BetaClimbers Looked at it! Good job right there!

[@BetaClimbers]

@@YannCamusBlissClimbing Right on!

[@trevorstuart3950]

shunt seems better for me. runs easily through the rope. you can go up and down on it with muscle and/or a hand ascender so its not too annoying to work a move. can't rap tho

[@guskristiansen1370]

This looks awesome, thanks for making this video! Quick question, I've read some people are hesitant to use the micro trax as a backup device based on fears of damaging the rope if it's shock loaded (which could be the case of the primary device failed), what are your thoughts on this?

[@BetaClimbers]

I imagine it like air bags in a car, if they go off your life is saved but your car is most likely totaled. If something was to fail and I fall on the trax then there might be some rope damage but that's a price im willing to pay for less rope drag. That's my two cents. There maybe another set up I haven't experimented with yet that would solve that problem like a non toothed caming device. But like I said something has to fail first anyway, so ima okay with the risk. Im sure there are guys that will just use knots for backups and no second device but then you risk an unclipping hazard soo.

[@grahamfillo2538]

Video of micro trax and rollnlock being shock loaded with human testing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n17VY62DpbN_ocU Skip to 9:25.

[@grahamfillo2538]

If you don't like the idea of teeth (I think they are fine) you can opt for a rollnlock or similar device as a backup for the lov2. I believe the microtrax and rollnlock have the same slippage rating of 4kn. The ropeman 1 might also be a suitable backup option, although I don't know the slippage rating on that one.

[@BetaClimbers]

@@grahamfillo2538 That was awesome im going to have to make a video like that but try and turn it up to ten lol super helpful thanks

[@grahamfillo2538]

@@BetaClimbers Yes dude. That would be sick. And we need to get @HowNOTtoHIGHLINE to conduct some break and slippage tests

[@holden_your]

Josh, love the vids! Great content, very educational and quite hilarious! Vlogging…..keeping the audience attention beyond five seconds is an art form in itself and for that, I thank you! Ok… enough brown nosing, have a question, brand new to the sport (Peter’s Kill👍) and you guessed it, I’m hooked or at the least, tied in. Building my top rope arsenal and foresee the future mostly solo. Lack of a partner perhaps or just the fact that nobody wants to play with me? May never know…. So now this multi purpose device, kinda like the Swiss Army knife of keeping one alive while clung to a wall, did you continue to use it? If so, do you still recommend it? A thanks in advance for your response!

[@BetaClimbers]

Yes sir I’m still using it I am tinkering around with a couple more gear sets up though. More on that in some future episodes but the Taz is a solid solution for me so far.

[@holden_your]

@@BetaClimbers Sweet! Thanks for the quick reply. By the way, for other interested subscribers, it’s available locally at a handsome price of $240. Who knew you could buy a Ferrari for the price of a Vette?

[@BetaClimbers]

@@holden_your 🤣

[@Bombalinks]

It is mandatory that the backup is above the LOV2 or LOV3. Otherwise, in the event of a brake failure, the LOV will push the Bachup down. And that without braking.

[@BetaClimbers]

Right if your using a prussic

[@drevil2783]

Shouldn't they make that cleat out of something more durable?

[@zamazqui]

Do you still recommend this for a belay device more than a grigri?

[@BetaClimbers]

zamazqui for belay No. I think the gri gri is better!

[@zamazqui]

@@BetaClimbers Can you tell me why?

[@BetaClimbers]

zamazqui I have never tried it to belay some one but here are some reasons why I’d choose a grigri instead. 1. Weight gri gris are much lighter, also size. 2. Tried and trued tool, grigri have been out forever. 3. Price grigris are less then half the price. Besides those reason the taz needs to jump up 180 degrees to go from feeding to breaking this. This flip may smack you when catching lead climbing fall. But like I said I have never tried it I’m just going off what id imagine happening. I’ll have to see, other than that I can’t find a single video on some one using it like that.

[@zamazqui]

@@BetaClimbers Great answer Thank you so much!

[@lirastolons4951]

I’m a beginner and I kinda thought you always needed someone to belay. I’m learning so many new things- gonna get my PhD in climbing from KZbin.

[@HuntsvilleRealty]

Where is your helmet!!!!😂😂😂 love your videos man

[@elpollodiablo3866]

"Whaaaats in the box?!"

[@rtrchik]

Sure do have a lot of people wanting to get in your business there, huh? 🤔 Do you charge them for watching your performance? 😝 I just purchased the taz lov 3, I’m a newbie at a rope climbing in trees, but love how you don’t have to switch or worry about using too many ascenders.

[@chtclimbing]

Maybe this would be good for treeclimbers. Especially during canopy access in an SRT system.

[@BetaClimbers]

CaptainHook TreeClimbing I think there are some systems built that way with the Taz On KZbin.

[@adrianmeier2942]

It is actually a device which is popular using SRT

[@rushthezeppelin]

Swap out that trax for a Roll'n'lock and you won't even have to take it off to rap down. Just lock the cam open and boom.

[@BetaClimbers]

That’s my one Problem with the roll is you cant by pass the lock. It’s can just be open and you won’t notice.

[@rushthezeppelin]

@@BetaClimbers I don't think the accidental lock open situation really happens in the scenario where you use it as an ascender, I think that only happens when it's used as a pulley.

[@BetaClimbers]

@@rushthezeppelin well consider this: Timmy wants to go climbing he loves climbing. Timmy bought a new device it’s a roll an lock he likes to use a roll n lock. Timmy was last using the roll n lock as a open pulley to lower his gear. Timmy is now excited to go Top rope soloing and he brings his roll n lock, he is only going to use it as a back up. Timmy is at the top of his climb and it is time for him to switch his main device for a rappel Device. Timmy slips while switching devices and falls on the roll n lock. Timmy forgot he was using the roll n lock last as a open pulley. Timmy is dead. So we see here the open lock added in a hazard, human error. The more we remove chances for human error the safer things can become. And don’t let me tell you about the time Timmy climbed past a bush and it Opend his roll n lock lol 😂

[@markgommers4858]

I'm surprised that you haven't considered pairing a Petzl ASAP with this Taz device. On a single rope setup, the ASAP is rigged above the Taz (not below). The ASAP has a energy absorber which also provides separation distance. As you climb, the Taz pushes the ASAP up. When descending, the ASAP works hands-free and provides backup. At all times, the ASAP provides backup fall-arrest. You should never used toothed devices to arrest a fall (the ASAP is the only exception) - because the ASAP is designed to arrest free falls. In a twin rope setup, the ASAP is on one rope and the Taz on the other.

[@zaineridding3429]

This looks like such a fun type of climbing this device can offer

[@clintsouthcott2824]

hey man, have you kept in contact with this company? I can't find any available

[@BetaClimbers]

No I haven’t, I know they have a new product Taz lov 3

[@moniquehurley1470]

Is there a reason, he doesn't need a helmet? I've never soloed 🤷‍♀️

[@thebull54kp]

Can you do a video on the camp giant decender

[@JuanLuisPinedo]

oooooooooooooo, it´s incredible. Another clon of gri gri 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@josetanago]

thanks man! did u try toprope solo with the Camp Goblin device? it makes very similar job than the TAZ Lov2, though does not have handle for lowering u down, so big disadvantage for it (u would need a descender), but in terms of friction-less on the rope i believe goblin might be way better than the TAZlov2

[@raphaelbeinhauer9242]

Damn, $300+? I got mine for 170€, and can still get it for that, although most vendors charge 200€.

[@mickwalker82]

Where's your helmet dude 😉

[@craigmartin8766]

Love love love all of your videos mate .. so much factual knowledge .. x

[@jenyates3033]

Current taz website shows it works with 10 to 11mm ropes and not 9.5 like yours. Be good to find out if that is a revised design, or more likely a revised rating because they found it not grabby enough on 9.5mm ropes.

[@BetaClimbers]

Jen Yates the black rope I’m using is 10mm but thanks for that info 👍🏻

[@SICgrips]

Yes, it can be used now down to 9.5 dynamic ropes. They updated the specs on the outside of the case. I don't think physically there is anything different - just went through more approval processes.

[@craigmartin8766]

Omg , so silly of me lol , making multiple comments on the same video .. 😂😂🙈🙈

[@KawaiiKamikaze1]

this video is 4 years old already. Did you find any new devices better suited for top rope solo or taz lov 2 is still the king in 2024?

[@BetaClimbers]

@@KawaiiKamikaze1 still king all I have altered is having a VT prussic above for back up. I Should film an update…

[@KawaiiKamikaze1]

@@BetaClimbers yes, please do an update. would be very informative.

[@martyspeilburg5642]

"Well hopefully it's not one of my latest Amazon orders" lmao

[@jaeimp]

@14:01 "I try to avoid overhanging climbs with the [Petzel Micro] Traxion because you have a potential for it to kind of swing out, and maybe have some kind of a jerking type load on the rope, and that is not something you want to do on the Trax, because it is a tooth device." I have been successful using your advice on another video (kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnmyl6WnoZuojJo) of having two Trax's tied one after the other to the harness loop with two separate biners, and I don't understand the problem you are hinting at with this sentence... Is it a potential danger to the climber, or the possibility of shredding the rope in a fall?

[@BetaClimbers]

No I think its just personal preference im referring too. I have seen some drop test videos on trax's and the ropes turn out to be fine. Ill have to make my own drop test video soon, id like to experiment with it for myself.

[@jaeimp]

@@BetaClimbers If I understand you properly, then, you avoid TRSing routes with overhangs with a Trax neither because you have safety concerns about the Trax in this setting, nor out of concern for damaging the rope, but rather because of simple personal preference. I have to say that I am still intrigued about the source of this preference... In any event, I love your videos.

[@BetaClimbers]

jaeim1 lol I’ll put it like this. If I haven’t tested it out for myself then I’m skeptical lol 😂 when I TRS on a trax there is 0 shock loading I know when I’m going to fall and I make sure the trax has takin up any slack then I sit down. The climb in this video isn’t heinously over hanging so I’d consider the trax but for a real over hang where I may introduce some sort of shock..ya I tend to just avoid those and find a belayer. Like I said that is just personal preference though. Maybe everything would work out and you won’t damage anything and just go for a swing. You have to understand I was raised in a style of climbing in the 80s where you don’t fall and hang on your gear so I have some cognitive dissidents I guess.

[@jackberdine]

Been using the TazLov3 for tree climbing since this video. Best device on the market. Literally does everything. Their customer service is also amazing they sent me a new device and repair kit when mine got damaged.

[@TL-he7vu]

What rope are you using it with? I'm considering adding this in my arsenal for arborist work, but I really really wish that the spec for this device went to 11.5mm rope as opposed to just 11mm. Have you tried with any ropes thicker than 11mm?

[@taphaeltube]

What about the Mad Rock Safeguard? -Like the Lifeguard, but with no spring.

[@BetaClimbers]

Looks like the beal birdie I’ll be reviewing that soon.

[@taphaeltube]

@@BetaClimbersnope, the Beal Birdie is like the Lifeguard. Good for belaying etc. The Safeguard is similar, but has no spring, so grabs immediately. No good for belaying, but good for rope solo etc. Low friction. Descends like a Grigri. All the good stuff, and super small & light.

[@leoconcarney]

@@taphaeltubesafeguard is used in a similar way to a grigri right? in that, you have to take a bend in the rope to put it on the line - he covered why he prefers the LOV2, because it can be fixed onto a loaded line with no bending

[@taphaeltube]

@@leoconcarney Yes, correct. you do need to bend the rope, though it's a bit easier than a grigri to load a weighted rope.

[@leoconcarney]

@@taphaeltube good to know! in case you missed it, the LOV can attach straight on with no bending.. saves a fair bit of faff

[@climberdad]

Hmm... My diy mind might be taking me for a ride.

[@derekatwood6236]

Another great video! Thanks Joshua!

[@bb1039]

as in petzl traxion ??

[@Johnny_Cash_Flow]

(A year later after original post, I know) I noticed that your hat fell off when you fell. You know what keeps your hat from falling off your head when you fall? A helmet.

[@BetaClimbers]

🤣

[@Johnny_Cash_Flow]

@@BetaClimbers Cheers, brother - keep up the quality content.

[@T_RAWMOTO]

You should consider Trying/using a KONG Duck.

[@MegaVagus]

Thank you, man! Thumb up before watching

[@cydrow]

I think the plastic handle would break if it fell on a rock.

[@ALPINKANAL]

Nice Tool👍

[@anthonylacy4466]

What about the Petzl Rescucender to replace the micro traction? I've contemplated trying it but hesitant. The grigri and micro is a nice setup. I dig this new piece of equipment and may have to try it out.

[@BetaClimbers]

Anthony Lacy I think the rescue ascender might slide down the trax grabs. I used it in another video, it can be slippy.

[@reggieboyd5444]

I've used the Petzl Shunt for top-rope soloing on 2 lines and always worked great. It's also was less expensive and not nearly as complicated as this unit.

[@CowboybubPercussion]

12:00 I could just end the video after what he says here, “this piece made of plastic is highly essential to the operation of this belay device, and it may wear down” I am NOT going to put my life on a tiny piece of plastic

[@patrickleonard7988]

Nice review. I use a shunt with a CT roll n lock backup. This device would solve the problem of being able to lower down to rework a section, but it's probably a bit pricey to justify the convenience. Btw, I used a petzl micro before switching to the CT roll n lock. Suggest you check it out.

[@BetaClimbers]

Patrick Leonard Right on thanks!

[@Linksimpson]

Can you solo lead with this device?

[@GregHartSk8er]

Personally I wouldn't recommend lead soloing on anything other than a Silent Partner. I used one for a bit - big, heavy and expensive. Super soft and safe catch although feeds quite a lot of rope through sometimes making for a long fall. Best suited to overhanging multi pitch routes - not really suitable for, say, sport routes. I found the process was a bit annoying as you have to keep releasing the back loops you have pre-tied and clipped in, the best way to do that was to clip into some gear so you have both hands free to operate the rope - not exactly the free flowing movement I was after! Also it can be very hard to release the clove hitch once it has been loaded by a fall to resume climbing - take a jug with you so you can unload the device. However it is one of the only devices specifically designed for lead climbing and super safe (not on slabs!). All the other methods of self lead belay involve using a device that is NOT designed for the job (grigris etc.) and are just freaking stupid! When you are out alone there is no-one to help you if sh-t goes wrong - don't take the risk of using some jury rigged system with a device not meant for the purpose!!

[@SICgrips]

Yes, you can. See Yann Camus' set up here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooWtqKh_d7F9Y80