Shunt Mechanical Prusik

No, the Shunt is not the safest for self belay under ALL conditions. See the user instructions. In overhanging terrain, the angle to get the lever working may be to steep (overhanging).

However, for the designed use as a mechanical prussik, as a backup for abseiling, this piece is perfect. When you need to rest for longer - when you clean your route from friends and rocks - this is far more comfortabel to release than the old style prussick.

This is the best product for self-belay or back-up on a long or dangerous rappel also it works on single or double ropes from 9.5 to 11mm works great slides better then a prussik it's quick to catch no matter what the circumstance. and only about 50 bucks

Great device. I always back up my rappels with this. You can use it to help when ascending. I haven't had to mess around with a prussik in years.

I use the Shunt to back up my rappels. It lives on a dedicated locking biner with a 6” sling. A piece of 3mm cord attached to the rear attachment point on the Shunt allows it to always be attached. This tool is so easy to use there is no reason not to back up every rap. A story: the lens in my glasses popped out. I was able to spot the glint of it lying in the top of a tree. With the Shunt I was able to rap down and micro adjust my position then take both hands of and pluck the lens. Saved me $250!

I bought the Shunt for backing up rappels.
I use the Petzl Stop for doing the rappels.
I am currently using the Prusik on 7mm cord for backing up rappels. I say currently because there is a learning curve with the Shunt and the Petzl literature is not too helpful.