Ito Rocky Climbing Stop Descender for Rappelling

Curated from 104 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: April 16, 2025

Ito Rocky Climbing Stop Descender for Rappelling

Brand: Ito Rocky
Price: $43
Snoop Score:
7.3
Sentiment
9.0
Popularity
8.1
Technical
6.6

Snoop's Take

The Ito Rocky Climbing Stop Descender is a high-performance belay device designed for rappelling and rescue operations using 9-12mm ropes. Constructed from durable aluminum magnesium alloy, it features a self-braking mechanism that enhances safety during descents and allows for easy installation or removal from the rope without detaching from the harness. Consumer feedback highlights its effective locking mechanism, especially when using a prusik below the belay device, with users noting, "there is no risk of an improperly set up autoblock being pulled against the rappel device from below and failing to catch." Additionally, the design minimizes the risk of the prusik getting jammed, providing greater safety during use. However, some users express concerns about potential misuse and incorrect setups that can lead to safety issues, stating, "the main problem with rigging a prusik below the device is that it can get jammed." Overall, the Ito Rocky Climbing Stop Descender is recommended for climbers and rescuers seeking a reliable and efficient device for rappelling, particularly for those who prioritize safety in their activities. Its positive feedback on safety mechanisms and ease of use makes it a strong choice in its category.

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there is no risk of an improperly set up autoblock (ie too long) being pulled against the rappel device from below and failing to catch.

Positive Feedback

it has some failure scenarios, as shown in this Yann Camus video, so you should take some precautions when using it.

Negative Feedback
Product
7.3
Ito Rocky Climbing Stop Descender for Rappelling
Beginner Belaying
7 / 10
Sport Climbing
6 / 10
Trad & Multi-Pitch Climbing
5 / 10
Gym & Top-Rope Training
7 / 10
See how this compares to all Belay & Rappel Equipment

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Effective locking mechanism when using prusik below belay device
there is no risk of an improperly set up autoblock (ie too long) being pulled against the rappel device from below and failing to catch.
If the prussic is below the belay device and for some reason you loose both hands on the rope the prussic is locking the rope in the belay device, needing less holding power.
Less risk of prusik getting jammed with prusik below device
With the prusik above the device, your rappelling system is much longer.
Ability to maneuver the autoblock away from snag points
since the rope above is under tension, while the rope below the rappel device is not, putting the autoblock below the rappel devices means you can maneuver the autoblock away from places it would drag/snag.
Tensioned rope above the rappel device improves safety
I think it's better because the rope is tensioned by the rappel device above, but not below.
Effective for safety in rappelling
Rope Access/ Rescue, backup prusik/rope grab/fall arrestors are pretty common and seem pretty simple for extra safety when rappelling with non-autolocking descenders.
A prusik knot therefore is a preferred method for those wanting to use a back up.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Misuse potential compared to other devices
it has some failure scenarios, as shown in this Yann Camus video, so you should take some precautions when using it.
No need to switch devices for lowering.
Potential for incorrect setups leading to safety issues
The main problem with rigging a prusik below the device is that it can get jammed.

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Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Discussion on gear preferences and alternatives
Spoc is pretty much the same thing as a micro traxion, but way cheaper.
Discussion about the suitability of devices for mountaineering and rappelling
What belay/rappel devices do you recommend for mountaineering? What brand in particular.
I run a Petzl Reverso, or BD ATC Guide for all of my kits now.
My preference would be the DMM pivot. It’s the same device but lowers much easier while in guide mode.
Others have their preferences for similar designs from other brands, but I am pretty confident more mountains have been climbed with the ATC guide than any other.
Discussion on caving equipment preferences
That’s not typically a caving device. Look into a bobbin or a rack.
I’ve set up a Totem in “stop and go” mode identical to the device you show. Would I use it for caving? Probably not.
General thoughts on vertical caves in Oklahoma
It doesn't change the fact that the overwhelming majority do not find it advantageous, especially when "technical" rigging with rebelays / deviations is becoming increasingly common.
Discussion on appropriate gear for rappelling
I know absolutely nothing about rock climbing or the gear that's required, though I used to be a high climber on a tall ship, during which I used a 5-point safety harness.
You need some static rope, a gri gri, harness and an ascender! Tie off to the house, lower to spot needed, ascend out(or dont).
some form of industrial-grade rope protection might be a good idea if you are working with any sharp equipment or power tools while on the rope, so you don't end up accidentally cutting through it
Discussion on essential gear for outdoor climbing
Stuff that's nice to have:

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Thoughts on using rope as a friction source
this descender I tried yesterday that I liked a lot before I go and get one for myself

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Discussion on appropriate rope sizes for climbing and glacier travel.
In my naivete I bought a GriGri and then made the realization that those aren't recommended for Alpine work because of the moving parts.
those 6mm cords are hyper static and should never be used for climbing - only glacier travel and rappelling.
A grigri can be a nice part of a rescue kit though, because of the release.
I think the most common glacier ropes are 8-9mm.
Discussion on minimizing weight in climbing gear
I honestly don't think it's worth bringing specialist ascending kit, it adds weight and clutter to the harness, and I don't think it adds much real functionality.
I would at least ditch the gloves, quicklink, and the grigri. There's smaller, lighter belay options with passive locking features.
Mention of specific gear preferences for climbing
you will get more done with less.
never came close to having any sort of scenario that would necessitate any of the 'just in case' stuff you're bringing
Advice on essential gear for specific climbing environments
Will not be leaving the ground without a camelback for future multi pitches.
Discussion on appropriate equipment for rappelling and canyoneering
Pretty sure it’s gonna be one of those hobbies where I’m always wanting/needing something, or some shiny thing is always begging to come home with me.
Consider a figure 8 style device with some sort of way to control friction and lock off on rappel.
Get an ATS not an ATC for canyoneering. It doesn’t need to be extended out.
Training and education.
Advice on obtaining training before using climbing gear
If you don't get some training 1st, you're going to imperil yourself.
Discussion on safety practices for rappelling
Rappelling is the #1 way you die.
I’ve had some close calls. Best to slow down and check everything again.
My first time on a big mountain and my mentor was setting up to rappel after the summit.
Rappelling accidents are the #1 climber related SAR calls in my area of the world.
Advice on assessing anchors and setups
The webbing securing the rap rings to the anchor. It's an extremely common setup.
This is talking about the webbing left at rappelling anchors by previous parties, so not something you can check before you go.
Ah. For some reason I understood this to be their own webbing that they used to rappel off of.
Imagine a tree, tie a bit of webbing around the tree and then thread a couple of rap rings on to it.
Discussion on appropriate gear for long rappels
I'm comfortable passing knots, but I have a couple concerns with such long rappels and am hoping some folks will have experience they can share.
1100’ down Golandrinas in Mexico. I’m also a caver, so I used a 6 bar, stainless rappel rack with spacers and tie off bars.
This^ Caver here as well, 600' longest rap.
Discussion about climbing techniques and gear usage
making great progress leading indoors and consuming every iota of climbing media on earth and trying to learn everything about every discipline.
most of the time no they leave with what they came with.
Discussion on rappelling techniques and safety practices
Don't Lower Through Rap Rings (Smith Rock)
Or don't use rap rings when you bolt your anchors. Put a quick link on there and replace it every time it starts to wear out.
The AAC also recommends lowering because it's safer since you're never off belay.
People on this subreddit are always saying you should rappel instead of lower on sport routes, but how on earth do you clean a wandering and extremely overhanging 5.12 on rappel?
Discussion about learning climbing techniques
You definitely don't need climbing gear (rated to thousands of lbs of force) for this application, I'm sure you'll piece it together.
Discussion on items necessary to wear on a harness
Her belay device was attached to that one carabiner and when she got to the top and removed her gear, her belay device broke free and bounced off the cliff.
then set up my rappel with prusik and everything. Then people really get the message, and give me looks of what I only assume can be jealousy.
Debate on correct clipping methods for belay devices
Small debate between me and a buddy... I go through the tie in points as if I were tying in a top rope, but he goes through the belay loop.
The carabiner is incorrectly loaded (triaxially) when you put it through the tie in points, so use the belay loop.
Use your belay loop. Don't clip through your tie in points.
By clipping a carabiner into your both your harness tie in points, and then placing a belay device on it, you are creating three points of contact on your carabiner, which is not good.
Advice on learning top roping outdoors
My gf and I have been climbing (mostly indoors) about a month and a half and I've decided I want to buy some top roping gear for outdoors climbing.
You just never know what you're going to find in the way of top rope anchors and if you don't have the experience to tell when something doesn't look right, you're in for a bad time.
It's probably a good idea to go with someone who knows what they're doing for the first few times you climb outdoors...it really is a different beast.
Anchors will be the main thing to work on, you need to be able to make an anchor if you wanna top rope because there won't always be bolts where you need them.

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Personal experiences with gear usage
I've yet to see them break down, but that wouldn't be a concern at $2 a pop for me.
Discussion on solo climbing safety
Glad he's more or less ok. I rope solo and stuff like this makes you think twice.
Caving experiences shared for rappel safety
I've never done more than 300 feet, mostly in caves, occasionally in dry canyons, I've always used my caving descender (Petzl Simple).
Do not do these long drops by tying ropes together, and passing knots. This is not the way.

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