Petzl Shunt

Rated: 5 by 5 reviews.

REI

The Petzl Shunt multi-purpose device is designed for ascending as well as a backup brake for rappelling, occasional self-belays, or top rope belays.

  • Will lock on single or identical double kernmantle ropes but not on braided ropes; fits single ropes from 10 - 11 mm and double ropes from 8 - 11 mm
  • Loads onto a rope without having to unclip; can be used as a back-up on descent or rappel when placed below the descender
  • A mechanical version of a Prusik hitch or Machard knot, the Shunt body must be held during usage on descent
  • Applies friction (braking) when device is released
  • Please Note: Petzl products can only be shipped to US addresses

SummitHut.com

The Shunt from Petzl offers a mechanical replacement for self-jamming knots (Prussik, Machard, Auto-block, etc.). Positioned below a descender, the Shunt acts as a back-up belay for an abseil descent. It locks onto the rope as soon as you release it and follows your descent when you press on it.

Features:

  • For use on single rope (10 to 11 mm) or double (8 to 11 mm)
  • Helpful for rappelling with a pack or haulbag.
  • Read instruction manual and warnings carefully before using
  • Standards :CE, UIAA

Moosejaw (Spring 2010)

The Shunt Ascender by Petzl is a back-up device / ascender that works as a mechanical replacement for self-jamming knots (Prusik, Machard, etc.).

FEATURES of the Shunt Ascender by Petzl

SPECIFICATIONS:

Features:

  • CE EN 567/UIAA
  • Easy to install on the rope
  • For use on single ropes 10-11 mm or double ropes 8-11 mm
  • Made in FranceS-year guarantee
  • May be used to ascend single or doubled rope
  • Smooth clamping surfaces won't damage rope

Paragon Sports

The Petzl Shunt, back-up device / ascender is a mechanical replacement for self-jamming knots (Prusik, Machard, etc.).

Features:

  • Brakes when device is released.CertificationCE, UIAATechnical specificationsFor use on single ropes (10 to 11 mm) or double ropes (8 to 11 mm)188 g
  • When positioned below the descender, the SHUNT can be used as a back-up device to protect a descent on rappel.

Marmot Mountain

The clamp/ grab for back-up protection. A mechanical replacement for self-jamming knots. Positioned below a descender, the Shunt acts as a back-up belay for an abseil descent. It locks onto the rope as soon as you release it and follows your descent when you press on it. For use on single rope (10 to 11mm) or double (8 to 11mm).


Ramsey Outdoor

A mechanical replacement for self-jamming knots (Prusik, Machard, etc.).

Features:

  • Brakes when device is released.
  • CE, UIAA certification
  • For use on single ropes (10 to 11 mm) or double ropes (8 to 11 mm)Q88 g
  • When positioned below the descender, the SHUNT can be used as a back-up device to protect a descent on rappel.

Oregon Mountain Community

The Petzl Shunt is a mechanical replacement for self-jamming knots (Prussik, Machard...). Positioned below a descender, the Shunt acts as a back-up belay for an abseil descent. It locks onto the rope as soon as you release it and follows your descent when you press on it.

Fits rope sizes:8 - 11 millimeters
Logistical information:Case quantity
Material:aluminum frame
Suitable for belaying:Self-belay
Suitable for rappelling:Yes
Weight:188 grams

These are products that have been indicated being comparable to this product:

Petzl OK Locking CarabinerPetzl OK Locking Carabiner
Climbing > Carabiners
$12.95 - $21.90
Petzl Pirana DescenderPetzl Pirana Descender
Climbing > Belay & Ascend
$34.90 - $34.95
Petzl TiblocPetzl Tibloc
Climbing > Belay & Ascend
$22.36 - $29.95
Petzl William Tri-actPetzl William Tri-act
Climbing > Carabiners
$14.29 - $17.95

Petzl Shunt Reviews Summary:

RatingNumber
of Reviews
52
42
30
21
10

Positive Reviews:

My new best friend

Rating:*****
Dont be fooled by reviews from those who dont know what they're doing; this is a great device for top rope soloing. I have already completed hundreds of lines on this device (from 5.8 to 5.12c) and find no real issue as long as one knows what theyre doing. In one review someone states that its "feeds rope difficultly", this is only a problem if you dont know how to fix line; after setting up the rope, stuff remainig rope into bag, tie it off (overhand) so that rope bag is hanging about a foot or so off the ground. This provides adequate wieght to insure feeding will never be an issue. I personally (I dont reccomend this)rarely back it up but if i do (generally on easy slabs where i could fall flat on the device) with overhand knotts between me and ground(if situation to do so presents itself) or usually with a prussik loop (note to newbies; a lot of sharma lovers and REI coulpes will tell ya its not safe, i however find it next to bp). NOTE; if you doubt the safety of top rope soloing, its probably not for you. I do not 'reccomend' it to anyone. Dont use the rope shearing devices like the BASIC or MINITRAXION, they are harsh on youre rope and i personally have sheared the sheath of an 'old' rope of mine whilst taking a nasty spill on a traxion while training on my buddys wall.
DayneG at REI on 03/06/2009

Smooth feeding with minimal wear on rope

Rating:****
This device works great for self belay top-roping and since it uses constriction of the rope as its form of braking, it puts minimal wear on the rope (compared to ascenders with tiny teeth). Just be sure to weight the rope, either by winding the coiled rope up onto itself or tying a sandfilled milk jug to it, this way the device slides easily up the rope with you and locks off solidly. The included instructions diagram well how to use.
jt99 at REI on 10/28/2007

Awesome back up rappel device.

Rating:*****
This thing rocks for doing long rappels as a back up device. I just did a canyon with a 350' single line rappel in two stages, without this device, it would be quite possible that I would have discovered if the stopper knots work. It also was useful in ascending a line. Highly recommended for long spider line rappels.
John at Moosejaw (Spring 2010) on 06/10/2008

very handy

Rating:****
I use it for self belaying but the trick is to add something as a chest harness to mantain the shunt the highest possible, and to add some weight to the end of the rope, that way the rope feeds smoothly trough the shunt, no hands needed. Also is very safe as a backup brake for rappelling.
sirvival at REI on 03/26/2008

Negative Reviews:

Limited use

Rating:**
If you're looking for something to use for top rope self-belaying, look at the Petzl Basic. I've tried it with this device and feeding rope through required both hands at some points. Also, be sure not to grab the device if you fall, or device will not lock-up. While weighted, it's a bit difficult to unlock, too. Unless you're doing LOTS of rappelling, I would rather use a prusik for backup because of it's lighter weight.

The main Pro for this device is that it can be easily slid up or down the rope. Most other ascending devices slide up fine, but need to be undone to slide back down.
CKL at REI on 09/16/2007