Taz Lov2 Rope Access Device, Rope Solo?

Anyone seen this French rope access device? I picked one up, it's fairly unique in that the rope path is straight until loaded and appears well made. Approved as a fall arrester, rope access backup, ascender, and descender. One of the only devices that I'm aware of that can descend a tail weighted rope, even deviated as a trolleyline. I'm thinking it might hold promise as a rope solo device if used with a chest bungee. Any thoughts?

A few photos:

 

OmniProGear video-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yp5f8JoPNRA&t=17s

M. Hanna

I’d be interested to see how that device would workout in soloing.

What ropes does it work on? Usually the biggest issue with rope access stuff is that they use ropes much thicker than most climbers want to use. 

10-11 mm

Users Manual

NT-170602-LOV2-TAZ.pdf

Does it lock when inverted?

Yes, very positively. The sideplates are bomber as well. I'm going to play with it more and post up a video of how it might operate in a lead solo application.

MH

That does look very promising. I would be stoked to see it in action climbing.
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The attachment points are brittle and weak.  I bet if I attached it to a a vice I could break it with my bare hands.

https://www.treestuff.com/store/catalog.asp?category_id=1809&item=17650 

If you're going to blow money on a TR solo device get one of these. I've used it for arborist work and it's pretty freaking sweet. Just hang a water bottle on the rope, clip it up to a chest harness, and climb away. You will have to buy an 11mm ish rope for it. Caveat: It says not for use as fall arrest, so don't lead with it.

Kevin Mokracek wrote: The attachment points are brittle and weak.  I bet if I attached it to a a vice I could break it with my bare hands.

That some fancy eyesightFEA you got there. 

I'm looking at the Taz specifically for rope solo (lead) rather than tr. Agreed there are other much less expensive options for tr

Seems ideal for both TR and lead since the rope is in a straight path.

Just solo with a harness, some gear, and some tethers, it's basically the same thing.

I have a Taz Lov2 and its a remarkable device, little on the heavy side, but very smooth. Initially bought it for lead soling, but haven't got around to trying it out in that capacity.

Be careful lowering / rappelling with it. It's not like a grigri where you have bends in the rope to give you some baseline friction. If you crank the handle, you're coming down fast!

Very good point Michael
If you view the video the operator is being really deliberate with the handle

So I played around on the patented Lead Rope Solo Simulator (a 24' extension ladder) and some alpine draws, and I have to say the Taz device worked well with a chest bungee. I also used a rated swivel and a couple heavy quicklinks to connect to belay loop which really seems to help prevent any twists from being transmitted to the sideplates. To prevent backfeeding, it still might be a good idea to install the occasional friction hitch or equivalent like the SP.

Still a whole bunch of snow here but I'll play more on real rock as spring arrives. Preliminary opinion: might be a winner. Can't wait to get it out on some Darrington slab.

M.Hanna

I was doing a little research and a few websites selling it say the max load is 120 kg. Does the manual mention it?

Yes, it's 120 kg. 

One of the manufacturer's technical addenda reads, "Taz authorize exceptionally exceeding the nominal load indicated in the case of rescue only up to 200 kg." http://taz3d.fr/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/160620-Additional-rescue-LOV2.pdf 

Any updates on how this device is working out for lead rope-soloing? How about for TR soloing?