[ Top | Standard | Return to Figure Eights ]
I acquired this eight from Barrabés.com in Spain in 2003.
The Simond Petit 8 is forged from aluminum alloy and then hard anodized. Mine is 115 mm. tall, 69 mm. wide, and 13 mm. thick. The rope hole is 40 mm. high and 46 mm wide. The top center thickness is 11 mm. The shaft length and width are 35 mm. and 22 mm, respectively. The eye measures 20 mm. by 23 mm. My eight weighs 106 g.
This eight is stamped with the Simond Logo, "Simond," and "FRANCE" on the front, and "FORGED", "364" and "30-KN" on the back.
The Petit 8 is a typical example of a "mini" size, forged, aluminum eight. Like most small eights, this one works well enough on flexible climbing rope, but provides too much friction on stiff caving rope. It has a well-rounded shape that works satisfactorily, and the hard finish should wear well. The eye is not designed for belaying.
[ Top | Petit 8 | Return to Figure Eights ]
I acquired this eight from Inner Mountain Outfitters in 1999.
The Simond is forged from aluminum alloy and then hard anodized. Mine is 142 mm. tall, 74 mm. wide, and 15 mm. thick. The rope hole is 49 mm. high and 50 mm. wide. The top center thickness is 12 mm. The shaft length and width are 45 mm. and 26 mm, respectively. The eye measures 26 mm by 25 mm. My eight weighs 120 g.
This eight is stamped with the Simond Logo, the number 501051 (which might be a serial number) and "F. Simond - Chamonix." "3000" is forged in the reverse, indicating a strength in Kg.
The Simond is a typical example of a full size, flat shaft, forged, aluminum eight. It is essentially the same as the Blue Water eight.
The flat shaft is less common than other designs, but has little functional effect. The body is thin but well-rounded, and the rope tends to run smoothly. The inside of the eye and the rope hole have a cylindrical area. This does not affect the eights performance since the rope does not really cross the edge of the rope hole cylindrical boundary. The finish is harder than many eights, so the eight will wear better until the finish breaks through. The eye is not designed for belaying.
Eight557.html/070318
©2007, Gary D. Storrick