What type of loads is a figure 8 descender primarily used for?

The primary use of a figure 8 descender is for single person rappels, particularly those under 100 pounds. This type of descender is designed to provide controlled descent and allows the user to manage their speed effectively when rappelling. The figure 8's design helps to distribute forces on the rope and provides a reliable braking system, making it suitable for individual rappelling applications.

This versatility makes it an ideal tool for scenarios where a single person is descending in a safe and controlled manner. It excels in situations where the load is moderate and the user needs the ability to control their descent speed and position, which aligns with the primary use for a figure 8 descender.

In contrast, uses such as heavy equipment lifts or managing multiple person loads involve different types of rigging and hardware that are specifically designed to handle greater weights and multiple individuals safely. Similarly, climbing in adverse conditions may require specialized equipment that can adapt to environmental challenges rather than a descender that is optimized for individual use.