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Petzl Pirana Descender

Read All 25 Reviews

Item No. 14366

The Pirana Descender by Petzl is a figure-eight descender for descending on single or double rope.

DECENT FEATURES of the Petzl Pirana Descender

Three different braking positions to select from before beginning a descent
Two supplementary braking spurs allow friction to be varied during descent
A carabiner with a cross section of 12 mm (e.g. ATTACHE) provides a tight fit in the small hole, creating a "rigid" carabiner / descender unit
Stays securely attached to the harness during rope insertion, to help prevent loss
Reduces the risk of leverage on the carabiner gate due to poor positioning
The PIRANA helps prevent the formation of a lark's head hitch around the body and reduces rope twisting, without decreasing braking friction

The SPECS

Weight: 90 g
Rope Compatibility: For use with single ropes between 8 and 13 mm in diameter Can be used on double ropes, but certain braking positions may not be usable depending on the rope's diameter
Material(s): Hot forged aluminum body
For use with a locking carabiner having a 12 mm cross-section (ATTACHE or WILLIAM)
Case Quantity: 28

ALL CLIMBING SALES ARE FINAL.

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"Nice piece of gear, Big Ups Petzl" 11/28/12

This is a cool Petzl product. I don't spend a lot of times in canyons, but bought this product for the occasional trip. Amazing control, amazing. And fun.

by Scott from Lakewood, CA

DENALI STATUS

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"Reach for this device when you wanna go over the edge" 07/16/12

I love all the configurations that are possible with this device. Another great feature is that you dont have to remove it from your harness to feed the rope through the device. I paired it up with an omega lite-d and it fit pretty good

by Matthew from SPRINGBORO

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"Fun Device" 06/20/12

This thing is really cool. I bought it instead of a figure 8 to rappel with. The lock offs feel solid and are relatively easy. I'd HIGHLY recommend reading the documentation that comes with the device on how to use it properly and make sure you have or buy a williams or attache petzl carabiner to use with it.

by Michael from Lawrence

EVEREST STATUS

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"Like having two extra thumbs!" 03/19/12

I bought this thing to use for making transitions for ascending to descending but found it to be my favorite belaying tool in my bag. I love it for lead climbing since its so easy to give and take lots of slack at once and on demand so smoothly. my climbing partner had a problem giving me plenty of slack when clipping in may draws but this cured that. the extra friction is great for holding for breaks and the ability to lock it in to give your buddy a break is great to. only thing is you have to order the williams or apache beaners to use with this or it just looks pretty and useless. anything starts with a "P" in its name and is made in france is the total stuff. Get one, you'll love it!

by Chad from Grapeland Tx

DENALI STATUS

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"Those horns are awesome !" 10/17/11

This is like a play version of a Rescue-8. The horns allow for quick and easy lock-offs and a variety of friction settings. It allows you to have lots of fun or go very slow and have lots of control with heavy loads. Also, buy the suggested Petzl beaner for the Pirana, it fits in perfectly and makes using the pirana that much better.

by Ben from College Park Maryland

ACONCAGUA STATUS

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"This thing is great!" 08/08/11

I was never a fan of rappel racks which seems to be the norm in the caving world. But this little guy makes a great sub for shorter drops and being able to easily lock off is not only important but a requirement for caving, something thats not really an option with figure 8's. I love it, sure its pricey but it gets the job done.

by Steven

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"Essential Piece of Canyoneering Gear" 07/21/11

I've used several different descending devices and this one is by far the best. In addition to looking cool(Rule #1), it is highly functional. You have multiple friction set-ups, and have the ability to add more friction on the fly for longer drops and big free hangs. It only works with the Petzl Attache and Williams 'biners at first, but the grommet loosens up after some use.

by JUSTIN from Phoenix

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"Essential Canyoneering Gear!" 07/21/11

I've played around with different descending devices and the Pirana is, by far, my favorite. Variable friction setups, and you can add more friction on the fly on longer drops and big free-hangs. Only fits Petzl Attache and Williams 'biners at first, but the grommet loosens up after use.

by JUSTIN from Phoenix

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"Neat piece of gear, not entirely necessary" 12/25/10

The first time I used one was on a 120' hanging rappel off an old railroad bridge at Exit 38 east of Seattle. It was a single rope rappel, so it was really handy to have, since it has many configurations in which you can increase friction. I've since purchased my own and use it while I give my Black Diamond figure 8 to a climbing buddy. With double rope rappelling it's basically like a regular ol' figure 8. It doesn't fit with many biners. Petzl William and Attache work perfectly, and Camp's locking oval biner also fits, albeit not as snuggly as Petzl's stuff. I like it, but more for the crazy design. If you're on a budget, a figure 8 is a more practical way to go.

by Bryson

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"awesome!" 11/25/10

The pirana is awesome. Not much difference in the figure 8 except you can do some exceptionally cool repelling upside down. Only drawback is you have to check your biner before you buy it to make sure it will fit right.

by JON from Athens

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"This thing is knarley !!" 09/26/10

It has three friction options, can be used with different sized ropes, and two roeps as well as one, and makes locking off for any reason a breeze over a rescue eight. Gotta love this thing, needs to come in some colors though... Buy it and also buy the Petzl Attache biner made just for the pirana. its very worth it, and a very safe and easy setup to use, and you can hook into this thing without undoing the biner from your harness, which saves mucho hassle. Go Moosejaw !! Love the Madness !

by BENJAMIN from CONCORD

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"I love this device!" 05/24/10

What an awesome idea Petzl came up with here. A device that can vary the degree of resistance. I was also so surprised how light weight it is. It works beautiful for rappelling with a lot of load or just you. Must have piece of equipment for long rappels with lots of gear.

by Michael

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