CRITR rappel canyoneering

for
PATENT PENDING
device
ALWAYS USE PROTECTIVE angle, low fall potential situation.
Anatomy of a CRITR EQUIPMENT
Sturdy gloves and a helmet should
Test first!

always be worn when rappelling or INSPECTION BEFORE & AFTER

1. Head canyoneering with the CRITR. EACH USE
Check for cracks, deformation, wear,
2. Reduced radius edges ALWAYS CHECK FOR WEAR corrosion, etc.
Dirty/sandy ropes are very abrasive and
3. Arms with ‘paws’ quickly wear out ALL rappel devices and INSPECTION DURING USE
carabiners. Flip the CRITR over (reverse Regularly inspect and monitor your
4. Center slot sides) OFTEN in sandy conditions system, confirming the carabiner is
to spread the wear and reduce the locked and the CRITR is positioned
formation of SHARP edges on the properly.
5. Carabiner connection point CRITR. Retire the CRITR when any part
with O Ring becomes worn 1/3 of the way thru or if MANUFACTURE INFO
6. Legs with ‘paws’ sharp edges develop.
14 03 A 001
DON’T GET ANYTHING
WARNING! JAMMED IN THE CRITR WHILE Year Month Model Lot #
• These activities are inherently dangerous and carry a big risk of injury or RAPPELLING
death that cannot be eliminated. Secure all hair, clothing, straps, etc. and
• It is the user’s responsibility to obtain specific training and to follow safe keep hands away from the CRITR while RETIRE FROM SERVICE &
practices. These instructions DO NOT tell you everything you need to know. on rope! DESTROY IF THE EQUIPMENT:
• DO NOT USE unless you can and will understand and assume all risks and • Does not pass inspection or there is
responsibilities for all damage/injury/death that may result from use of this DON’T RAPPEL OFF THE END any doubt about its safety.
equipment or the activities undertaken with it. OF THE ROPE • Is misused, altered, damaged,
• Carefully check equipment before and after each use. Tie a large knot at the end of your rope, dropped from a height, exposed to
• You must always have a backup – never trust a life to a single tool. or have the end tied SECURELY to a harmful chemicals etc.
• Everyone using this equipment must be given a copy of these instructions canyoneering rope bag. Always make • Consult the manufacturer if you have
and thoroughly understand them and refer to them before each use. sure your rope end(s) touch bottom any doubts or concerns.
• You must have a rescue plan and the means to implement it. Inert suspension BEFORE you begin the rappel.
in a harness can quickly result in death! RESPONSIBILITY
YOU MUST ALWAYS GRIP THE Thorough and specific training is
FREE END OF THE ROPE absolutely essential before use. Being
INTRODUCTION TO THE CRITR TEST YOUR SYSTEM You can get some backup protection at height is dangerous and it is totally
The Canyon Werks’ CRITR rappel device Friction will vary depending on rope thru proper use of a Prusik or other up to you to reduce the risks as much
lets you easily vary the friction while size, type, and condition. Test with your method, but you must ensure it will as possible – but the risks can never
on rappel for both single and double rope in a safe manner to determine catch. Prusik-style back-ups are NOT be eliminated. You must personally
line rappels using 8mm-10mm rope. compatibility and the particular friction recommended if rappelling into water. A understand and assume all risks and
The CRITR minimizes rope twist, and settings you will use. Remember that proper ‘fire-mans’ belay from a partner responsibilities of using this equipment.
is reversible to help it wear longer in rope weight adds friction and will below should be learned, practiced, and If you cannot or do not want to do this,
sandy conditions. The CRITR is also become less as you get closer to the provided to all members of your group do not use this equipment.
easy to tie off. Machined from 7075 T6 end of the rope. regardless of experience level.
Aluminum Alloy. LIFETIME
LOCKING CARABINER LIMITATIONS ON USE 10 years maximum, but will often be
WEIGHT: 4.7 oz. (133gm)
ATTACHMENT It is impossible to imagine all the ways much less depending on conditions and
The CRITR is designed for a tight this equipment can be misused. It must frequency of use; it could even be a
HEIGHT: 5.0 inches fit with a 12mm HMS style locking only be used by physically fit users who single use in some cases.
WIDTH: 3.9 inches carabiner such as a Petzl Arrache, Petzl have practiced in a controlled situation.
Max Rope – Single Rope 8-10mm William, Rock Exotica Pirate, or Black MAINTENANCE & STORAGE
Max Rope – Double Rope 8-10mm Diamond Rock Lock Carabiner. Always SELF RESCUE Clean if necessary with fresh water;
use a LOCKING CARABINER with a full You must be able to free yourself if then allow to dry completely. Store in a
round or oval cross-section. DO NOT you get stuck while rappellling. This is dry place away from extremes of heat &
use ultra-light carabiners with ‘I-beam’ a simple matter if you are trained and cold and avoid exposures to chemicals.
RAPPEL SAFETY construction. prepared, but can be fatal if you are not.
Rappelling is one of the most dangerous REPAIRS TO EQUIPMENT
activities at height and it accounts for ADDING FRICTION HEAT Are only allowed by the manufacturer.
numerous serious accidents. Specific Plan ahead! Add friction early; BEFORE The longer the rappel, the more the
instruction and supervised practice in control of the descent becomes CRITR can heat up. Protect yourself DETAILED INSPECTION
a controlled situation is mandatory. If difficult! If you lose control of a rappel from a hot CRITR. In addition to inspection before,
you have any doubt as to your ability for ANY reason you WILL NOT be able during and after each use, a detailed
to safely accomplish your rappel you to recover and serious injury or death BELAY SLOT inspection by a competent inspector
MUST be belayed. will probably occur. The CRITR has a belay slot that will fit must be done at least every 12 months
up to 10mm rope. This is not intended or more frequently depending on
to belay a leader fall. Only use in a low amount and type of use. Make a copy

CANYON WERKS, LLC of these instructions and use one as the

permanent inspection record and keep
the other with equipment. It is best
2941 Brookspark Drive, North Las Vegas, NV 89030 to issue new gear to each user so they
www.canyonwerks.com / 702-649-1077 made in the USA Page 1 of 2 know its entire history.
CRITR
PATENT PENDING
rappel
device
CANYON WERKS, LLC
2941 Brookspark Drive, North Las Vegas, NV 89030
www.canyonwerks.com (702) 649-1077
CRITR ADD FRICTION WHILE ON RAPPEL
(It is best to add too much friction than to not have enough!)
Position A
no additional
Position A+
2 times more
Position A++
3 times more
Page 2 of 2 friction friction than A friction than A

4 4
WARNING You must read all instructions
BEFORE using CRITR!

SETTING UP THE CRITR Rappel Device - Single Line Rappel

4
Position B Position B+
1-1/2 times more friction than A 3 times more friction than A

4
left right
hand
brake
hand
brake
4

LESS Friction 4MORE Friction

CRITR INITIAL FRICTION SETTINGS CRITR LOCK-OFF for hands free while on Rappel
(choose before you start the rappel - cannot change after starting)

Setting Setting Setting

Zero (0) One (1) Two (2)
rope hooked rope hooked rope hooked
on zero legs on one leg on two legs
- lowest friction - more friction - most friction

LEAST Friction 4MOST Friction CRITR DOUBLE ROPE RAPPEL

Lowest LOCK-OFF

N N
Add Friction
CRITR N
Friction
NO! NO! NO!

SET-UP
WARNING