REI.com
  • Online: www.REI.com
  • URL for this product:
  • From the U.S. and Canada — Call 1-800-426-4840
  • Mon. through Sun., 4 a.m. through 11 p.m. PT.
  • International — Call 1-253-891-2500
  • Mon. through Sun., 4 a.m. through 11 p.m. PT. English language only.

Print This Page Print This Page

Petzl Pirana Canyon Descender

Petzl Pirana Canyon Descender

Item # 717878
!
This item is currently sold out or unavailable online.

For your reference, this page contains historical product information.

The Petzl Pirana descender is effective for single or double rope canyoning descents and can be installed on the rope without removing it from the harness.

  • Pirana offers 3 different braking positions, according to the weight of the user, the rope diameter and the terrain
  • It also offers 2 points where the rope can be angled to adjust the descent speed
  • A plastic attachment ensures perfect support for many types of HMS locking carabiners
  • Carabiners with cross sections of 12mm (e.g. Petzl Attache) will provide a very tight fit in the small hole, so tight that it takes a bit of pressure to get the carabiner in
  • Snug fit creates a rigid carabiner/descender unit that helps to reduce risk of loading carabiner across the gate; also stays securely attached to harness to help prevent loss
  • Designed for use with the ''Rapid'' technique, which foils formation of a lark's head hitch around Pirana body and reduces kinks without curbing friction
  • May be used with double ropes, but not all braking positions may be usable depending on the ropes' diameter
  • The Pirana can also be used to belay the leader

Please note: Petzl products can only be shipped to U.S. addresses.

Imported.

Item 717878

Petzl Pirana Canyon Descender Specs

Specification

Description

Weight90 grams
Fits rope sizes8 - 13 millimeters
Suitable for belayingYes

Petzl Pirana Canyon Descender Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Petzl Pirana Canyon Descender
 
5.0

(based on 6 reviews)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Simple (4)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Canyoneering (3)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Avid climber (3)

    Reviewed by 6 customers

    Sort by

    Displaying reviews 1-6

    Back to top

    Sep

    12

    2007

    (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    Great For Canyoneering

    By To Many Hobbies

    from Provo, UT

    About Me Avid Adventurer

    Site Member

    Pros

    • Clear Instuctions
    • Easy To Pack
    • Effective
    • Simple To Use

    Cons

    • Messy
    • Twists Rope

    Best Uses

    • Canyoneering
    • Climbing

    Comments about Petzl Pirana Canyon Descender:

    This product is fantastic at what it's designed for, canyoneering. It's relatively easy to use and the way you can take your rope off without taking it off your carabiner makes it great for exiting in pools. By wrapping the rope around different ways you can vary the friction greatly depending on your preference. That said, this product can cause some rope twist (less than other figure-eights), it can leave some residue on your rope, and it's probably not the best for belaying. However, this thing is awesome for general descending and 100 ft rappels or less while canyoneering, especially in wet canyons.

    Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

    Was this review helpful? Yes / No

     - You may also flag this review

    Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

    Mar

    12

    2009

    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    great decender

    By Dmsets2

    from lexington, KY

    About Me Avid Climber

    Pros

    • Fast
    • Simple

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Caving
      • Rappelling

      Comments about Petzl Pirana Canyon Descender:

      I bought the device for caving, but once i used it the first time, i hung up my atc and figure 8 and only carry this. it's easy to use and with the braking, i can use a smaller rope and still go down slow if i would like. my girlfriend even has one and she is an absolute beginer and has not trouble with it.

      • Gift:
      • No

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

       - You may also flag this review

      Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

      Feb

      15

      2008

      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      Easiest Descender ever!!

      By ddpettin

      from Thounsand Oaks, CA

      About Me Casual/ Recreational

      Site Member

      Pros

      • Clear Instuctions
      • Easy To Pack
      • Effective
      • Simple To Use

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Canyoneering
        • Day Trips

        Comments about Petzl Pirana Canyon Descender:

        This is by far the easiest rappel device. There are several ways to increase friction for a more controlled descent. What I like best is how easy this device will lock off. Easy to use & well built.

        • What Is Your Gear Style:
        • Comfort Driven

        Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

        Was this review helpful? Yes / No

         - You may also flag this review

        Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

        Oct

        31

        2009

         
        5.0

        Better then an ATC

        By SomeoneE1se

        from Walnut Creek, CA

        About Me Competitive Climber

        Pros

        • Lightweight
        • Quick to open
        • Simple

        Cons

        • Too Small

        Best Uses

        • Indoor climbing
        • Long Climbs
        • Outdoor climbing

        Comments about Petzl Pirana Canyon Descender:

        I first saw this in a catalog, and then I read one of the other reviews on here that said it replaced his ATC, and I thought "This guy in nuts, it will never replace my ATC" Well I was wrong I LOVE this thing. I rappel off it, I belay with it, I even sleep with it... okay I don't sleep with it but you get the idea. My ATC now sleeps in my car and this is clipped next to my grigri.

        If you like extra features and don't mind buying another 'biner just for this (all of the ones I had were too small I had to buy a petzl one just for this device) then GO BUY IT. Worth every penny!

        • Gift:
        • No

        Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

        Was this review helpful? Yes / No

         - You may also flag this review

        Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

        Sep

        11

        2009

         
        5.0

        The best rappelling device in the market

        By b-man

        from Salt Lake City, UT

        About Me Avid Climber

        Pros

        • Double rope rappel easy
        • Easy to take off
        • Quick to open
        • Rappel locking option
        • Scratch resistant
        • Simple
        • Single rope rappel sweet
        • Smooth

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Belaying
          • Canyoneering
          • Locking off tired climber
          • Lowering
          • SINGLE ROPE RAPPEL

          Comments about Petzl Pirana Canyon Descender:

          This product is the best rappelling device ever made. Easy for beginners to use. Awesome friction points for single rope rappels. Definitely made for canyoneering though. Sweet for rappels when you need to pass a knot. You can lock yourself off to the rope so that you can release your brake hand. Nice tight fit to a carabiner insures not to lose your gear in a water hole. LOVE IT!!!!

          Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

          Was this review helpful? Yes / No

           - You may also flag this review

          Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

          Jul

          18

          2009

           
          5.0

          pirana

          By blademania

          from twin falls, id

          About Me Avid Climber

          Pros

          • Simple
          • Tough

          Cons

          • Two rope not easy

          Best Uses

          • Rappelling

          Comments about Petzl Pirana Canyon Descender:

          useful is a pinch

          • Gift:
          • No

          Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

          Was this review helpful? Yes / No

           - You may also flag this review

          Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

          Displaying reviews 1-6

          Back to top

          Petzl Pirana Canyon Descender Related Items

          Things that work well with this item:

          Join REI and Enjoy the Benefits

          Members are eligible for an annual refund on qualifying purchases. Plus, they enjoy many more benefits. Get a lifetime membership for $20.

          Add an REI membership to my order.

          How are we doing? Give us feedback on this page.

          • Shopping Cart 
          • |
          •  
          • Buy REI Gift Cards
          • REI Gift Cards
          • Fast, easy and one size fits all.
          • Buy now!
          • Join REI today!
          • REI Membership
          • REI member benefits include an annual refund (typically 10% on eligible purchases).
          • Join REI today!
          • Sign up for REI Gearmail®
          • and get 15% off selected items!
          • Store Locator
          • Locate an REI store near you.