Why Does No-One Currently Make a Rope Solo Device?

Companies in the past, like Rock Exotica, have made popular rope solo devices. They're still popular today even though you can't get them new. (Checked the going price on a silent partner?)
Lead rope soloing I do not think is that uncommon in the big wall/trad world of climbing. When I can't find a partner I don't mind rope soling also with a grigri is not perfect.

So why does no company currently make a rope solo device?

Scroll to the bottom of this article - founder of rock Exotica explains why the silent partner was discontinued.

www.climbing.com/.amp/news/rock-exotica-silent-partner-sells-for-1400-on-ebay/

Low demand, expensive to make = no profit

Daniel Melnyk wrote: Companies in the past, like Rock Exotica, have made popular rope solo devices. They're still popular today even though you can't get them new. (Checked the going price on a silent partner?)
Lead rope soloing I do not think is that uncommon in the big wall/trad world of climbing. When I can't find a partner I don't mind rope soling also with a grigri is not perfect.

So why does no company currently make a rope solo device?

Because it's dangerous and YER GUNNA DIE!

Revo.

A lot of $$$ investment required + a lot of liability co$t$ + very very very low sales volumes = don't hold your breath.

Don't be fooled by the ridiculous prices some Silent Partners are selling for.  Rope soloing is still a very very very very very very niche activity.  As Rock Thompson himself said in the link posted above: They sold about 100 a year!

Lots of rope solo devices being made. They just don't call them that.

I'd put my money on company liability in the event of a malfunction. And I disagree that rope soling is such a nitch thing. Yeah they sold 100 a year in the 80's and 90's?! how much has climbing grown now?! I bet if there was a group buy thread made on MP for a silent partner just like the totem cams threads 100 people would line up in the first month.  just the opinion of a rope soloist but what do I know.

SPs are not expensive because so many people want them. they are expensive because a few people want them and only a couple are available

Marcelo wrote: From looking around seems they were made in the late 80's/90's and the patent is long expired. With today's 3 axis cnc mills and a 3d scanner it wouldn't be very hard for a competent cnc machine shop/ machinist to replicate the parts. Obviously who ever undertakes the job would have no liability in the event someone gets hurt from a malfunction. But If 100 people were willing to take the risk and join a pre-order at say $250 a pop? you're looking at and easy $25,000 to get the ball rolling.  You'd obviously also need a sample piece.  

So based on that diagram a Silent Partner is just a hand-free device for a munter? Or am I seeing it wrong. 

Señor Arroz wrote: So based on that diagram a Silent Partner is just a hand-free device for a munter? Or am I seeing it wrong. 

Clove.

There is hidden aluminum magic inside and grease that freezes and drops you to the ground at anything lower than 40F  

Marcelo wrote: There is hidden aluminum magic inside and grease that freezes and drops you to the ground at anything lower than 40F  

Time to call Dumbledore!

Shameless plug... This thread motivated me to dig mine out of storage and list it:

​https://www.mountainproject.com/forum/topic/116382395/fs-rock-exotica-silent-partner-rope-solo-self-belay-device​​​