these are great bits of kit, and they work extremely well. we use one for ascending, descending or ground anchors. there are a few ways to do each one but you must be sure to get the rope in the right way or you could fall. it takes a few goes to get used to the leverege for descending someone because the lever has alot of pressure and if you do what i did the first time you can push hard down to make it go and your friend goes flying down (luckily we was inside and had a mat underneath which took the fall) the best thing we did with it was used it as a ground anchor and made a swing. videos can be found at: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=HoCMwYH7_Ew but if your considerering buying one of these faboulous peices of kit look after it and be careful as it sometimes gets hot when you descend quickly. other than that this item has many many uses so add it to your basket as soon as you have the money!

This is an excellent belay device and a useful piece of climbing equipment to add to your pack. However, like all climbing equipment it does have to be used properly to avoid the risk of injury so please make sure you gain competent instruction before using it.Mike