Petzl ID descender/belay device

Anyone have any experience with the Petzl ID descender. Supposed to be the Cadillac of descenders and a little pricy at $175, but in my search for a better all around ascending and descending system, and in an effort to be efficient and not too eqpt intensive, this thing looks good because unless I'm mistaken, you can tie it in to your harness and it will tend the rope as you climb with for example a handled ascender up top and a Pantin on the foot to climb. Then without having to changeover or once in the Tree you can descend very nicely using just the ID. Also has a dummy or panic grab if you let go.
Anyone have any info or experience?
Thanks,
CharlieB.

Forgot to mention that it will handle up to 1/2" rope unlike some other devices that use smaller diameter ropes. It also loads very easily and you can lock it off softly or completely depending on your needs.
CharlieB.

CharlieB, I have Petzl Gri-gri and it can be used almost the same ways than the ID. The Gri-gri is a lot cheaper (less than $75) it is less bulky on your seat and it can work for other uses as a slack tender while in the tree. I have not used the ID but some of the previous coments on this board are very positive from those that bought one. Do a search on the old postings and there is a large discussion about this topic from earlier on this year or late on 2004. Gear Up!

Oldtimer,
Thanks a lot. Can the gri gri work on 1/2 or 7/16" rope? Does it grab if you let go?
Can your rappel smoothly with it?
Any info. would be greatly appreciated.
CharlieB.

Petzl ID device
This is one of my favorite gadgets.

It’s simple to thread while hanging in free air on SRT and idiot proof to use. It’s large size makes it easy to handle and it dissipates heat rather well for an enclosed device.
It comes in two sizes: gold case model for 10 to 11.5mm climbing line & the black case version for 11.5 to 13mm line.

There are a number of ways in which to incorporate this wonderful device into your SRT climbing routine.


I like the Petzl ID. It takes a lot of the risk out of SRT at height.
(Especially for us non-pro types)

Electrojake