SMC Escape 8 Descender, NFPA

I'm using this with Bluewater 7.5mm EscapeTech in a single-wrap configuration. The friction level is more than adequate to be in control but the rope still runs freely enough when I want it to (at 160lbs I find I'm not heavy enough to get some descent control devices to take rope without really working to feed it in). The finish is good, I really like the gold anodizing, which is visible and distinctive enough to make the device recognizable. The size is great, it's very compact, way smaller than a F4 or Exo. The ears are a good balance too, not so long as to snag on things but long enough to be functional. Overall, I think this is a very good design and I would recommend it. For anyone trying to put together a personal escape system on a budget, I think it's a great choice. A figure-8 descender might take a more training to get accustomed to as compared to an auto-locking descent control device, but the simplicity, size, and low cost are hard to argue with. Note that this product page says you can use it on 12.5mm ropes but that is NOT true, SMC says 9.5mm max. I don't think 12.5mm would even fit.